The famous water diet

Former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger insists the key to looking fresh is drinking loads of water. In Britain, meanwhile, writer Sarah Smith has claimed that drinking three litres of water wiped out 10 years off her face.  

But is drinking three litres of water daily actually required? Does everyone require a water therapy to resolve his or her health issues? For some yes, but not for all, as a person’s water requirement varies with age, body type and also weather.

Hence if a 42-year-old Sarah found cosmetic changes in her skin, making her look 10 years younger, by drinking three litres of water daily, it does not mean that it will work for everyone.

‘Drink only when required’

There is no fixed water intake amount for everyone on a daily basis. Water intake depends on age, occupation, climate and body build of the person. The normal practise is to drink one glass of water (125 ml or 500 ml) every hour or two so that the colour of one’s urine is light yellow or colourless.

Also, drinking a lot of water at a time must be avoided. Dr Surya Narayan Mandal, consultant nephrologist at Narayana Multispecialty Hospital, says, “Intake of water in one go won’t serve the purpose as it will not be absorbed by the body and will only get flushed out.”

‘8-10 glasses of water still realistic’

Excess water can be hard on the kidneys and even on our brain. Most body cells are able to stretch to accommodate extra water, but brain cells can’t, which may result in seizures, respiratory problems, coma or even death.

As a person ages, the balance between the need for water and thirst for water shifts. In fact, the less water an older person drinks, the less thirsty they become, leaving them open to the risk of serious dehydration and other complications. Increased fiber intake among senior citizens, prescribed to relieve constipation and other problems, also increases the need for water. Dr Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman and Chief of Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, says, “Medications that are diuretics will need more fluids to be consumed daily to avoid dehydration. Frankly, there is little data on exactly how much water a person should drink. But the old suggestion of 8-10 glasses throughout the day will still be a realistic goal.”

‘Our Skin receives water last’

A healthy sedentary adult living in a temperate climate should drink 1.5 litres of water per day.

Two-third of water in our body is found in our cells and the rest is found in the space between our cells and in our blood.

Also, the more muscular a body is, the more water it contains. Conversely, the more fat, the less water the body contains. Water is required for all the organs of the body and as each part gets its share, the skin is the last receiver of water.

Dr Pallavi, cosmetologist, Apollo Hospitals says, “Skin is the last organ to receive water. People who have dry skin and wrinkles must drink 8 to 10 glasses per day. They can also apply water externally to hydrate their skin. Drinking sufficient amount of water does give a healthy glow to the skin but it does not happen overnight.”

Hydration tips

• Despite your busy schedule, force yourself to take frequent breaks to drink water.
• Carry a measured amount of water with you everyday so that you know how much you have consumed over a day.
• Frequent urination is usually an indication that you are exceeding the amount of water you should drink.
• Frequent urination in a person who is not consuming a lot of water is a sign of disease (diabetes). A person who drinks water according to his need will pass urine normally.

Drink more when you exercise as the body loses fluids. Drink an extra 500 ml of water after 30 minutes or one hour’s exercise.

• Three litres is ideal for persons between 20 and 35 years.
• Senior citizens should drink a minimum of 2 to 2.5 litres everyday.
• Those who do strenuous work like labourers, athletes or have recurring problems of kidney stones should drink more than 3 litres every day.