Maintain your fluid balance by drinking sufficient water each day.
The human body is approximately 60% water. This water is used for countless processes within the body. Every day, however, we lose around 2.5 litres of fluid as a result of sweating, urination, defecation and respiration. To prevent dehydration, the body needs to be replenished with sufficient fluids each day. In addition to the fluid that we consume via our food, it is important to make sure that we drink enough.
Water is ideal, as it does not contain any calories and is therefore more healthy than soft drinks, for example.
Water and your health
There are a number of health effects associated with drinking water.
Drinking water reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease
Constipation is a risk factor for Parkinson’s. It is therefore recommended that you eat foods that are high in fibre, but sufficient fluid intake is also important. If you are eating a high-fibre diet, you should preferably drink 2 litres of water or tea per day.
Drinking water reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes
Drinking sufficient water reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you do not consume enough fluids, production of the hormone vasopressin increases. This hormone plays an important role in regulating your fluid balance and blood pressure. There are indications that higher concentrations of this hormone over the long term can lead to insulin resistance and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Drinking sufficient water lowers the concentration of vasopressin.
Replacing high-sugar drinks with water also helps to lower your overall energy consumption.
iGene Passport
iGene offers you an insight into your personal risks of developing conditions and tells you whether drinking sufficient water may be particularly important for you to help prevent certain conditions. In addition, an iGene Passport provides you with information on what else you can do to reduce any risks.
Here we focus on behaviour that will help you maximise the benefits to your health. In the publication below you can read more about what iGene can do for you.