Daily Water Fluid Intake of 3 Liters for Men and 2.2 Liters for Women is Recommended
Whether found in the human body, the atmosphere, or the natural environment, water is essential for life on Earth. In line with the upcoming World Water Day, below are some facts about this mysterious and often mystical substance.
Hard water causes deposits of calcium carbonate build up, which can clog pipes, reduce the life of equipment, and lower efficiency of electric water heaters. For small things like pots, washing then with acids like vinegar can help remove the buildup of calcium carbonate.
Sodium chloride or potassium can be added through a water softener to help remove the calcium from hard water. However, water softeners require greater water use of 25 gallons per day. Given the higher sodium content in soft water, it is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Distilled water, which is vapor from boiling water that is recondensed, is free of contaminants, minerals, and microorganisms if properly stored in a sterilized container. This makes it pure and suitable for things such as drinking, car washing, household chores, scientific experiments, and medical devices (such as for dialysis). However, distilled water is devoid of minerals, so it should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals when drinking.
Deionized water has cations and anions (positively and negatively charged molecules) removed. Minerals such as calcium and sodium, as well as heavy metals such as lead and arsenic are removed through resin beds. However, deionized water still contains microorganisms, plastics, and uncharged molecules, so it is usually used for scientific experiments, dehumidifiers, and aquarium water. Deionized water is not for drinking.
According to the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in 2004, the adequate intake of total water for young men and women (ages 19 to 30) was 3.7 liters and 2.7 liters daily, respectively. Among these, 3.0 liters for men and 2.2 liters for women were consumed through fluids.
Harvard Health recommends adjusting one’s fluid water intake based on factors such as activity level (exercise), outside temperatures, certain health conditions and medications (NSAIDs), and age. Drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages still leads to a net increase in total fluid consumption, but alcohol intake should be “limited to one drink per day for women, and one to two drinks per day for men.”
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