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Water is often touted as the elixir of life, and for good reason. It’s an essential component of human existence, playing a critical role in various bodily functions. Despite its importance, many individuals struggle to meet their daily water intake requirements. From maintaining body temperature to facilitating nutrient transport and promoting cognitive function, water is indispensable for overall well-being. In this article, we’ll dive into the intricacies of water intake, exploring how much water individuals should drink daily and offering practical tips for staying hydrated.
In the human body, water comprises roughly 60% of its composition, playing a fundamental role in various physiological functions. It’s not merely a thirst-quencher; water is essential for processes ranging from detoxification to temperature regulation. Here’s why individuals should consider keeping a water bottle within reach:
The amount of water a person should drink per day depends on several factors, including age, sex, activity level, and environmental conditions. The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommends an average daily water intake of about 125 ounces for men and about 91 ounces for women either as beverages or as included in other food items.
However, these recommendations may vary based on life circumstances such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, living in a hot and humid climate, or engaging in physical activity.
Your genetics can have an important role in how much water you need to stay adequately hydrated and how much water you typically consume. Your genes are regulating your whole body, and genetic variants (SNPs) can contribute to person-to-person differences in the typical daily water intake.
While individual SNP variants can individually be associated with a person’s water intake, another approach for determining a person’s genetic likelihood for a trait is to use a PRS (Polygenic Risk Score), which comes from a combination of multiple SNPs that together play a role in the genetic association. LifeDNA’s high-density SNP signature for the Water Intake trait has been developed from a set of 4994 SNPs that together play a role in daily water intake (note: only 15 top SNPs are displayed on our report).
Some interesting genes and their variants that are contributing to the PRS associated with water intake are highlighted here:
The SLC22A5 gene (solute carrier family 22 member 5) encodes for a plasma integral membrane protein that functions both as an organic cation transporter and as a sodium-dependent high-affinity carnitine transporter. Cation transporters such as SLC22A5 have a critical role in the liver, kidney, intestine, and other organs that function in the elimination of many endogenous small organic cations as well as a wide array of drugs and environmental toxins.
The CDK14 gene (Cyclin-dependent kinase 14) encodes for a serine/threonine-protein kinase that is highly expressed in the brain, pancreas, kidney, heart, testis, and ovary. Its main role is to act as a regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway during cell-cycle G2/M phase. CDK14 may also play a role in meiosis, and neuron differentiation and may indirectly act as a negative regulator of insulin-responsive glucose transport.
The GBARA4 gene (gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subunit alpha4) encodes for a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-A) receptor subunit that is highly expressed in the brain. At least 16 distinct subunits of GABA-A receptors have been identified. GABA-A receptors act as ligand-gated chloride channels. GABA, the ligand, is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain where it acts at GABA-A receptors, which are ligand-gated chloride channels. Interestingly, a study from 2002 found that the administration of an agonist to GABA-A receptor decreased the water intake in rats.
Aside from genetics, several other factors play a delicate balancing act in determining our daily water needs.
Water intake can come from both beverages and food. Food items like celery, oranges, strawberries, watermelon, and cucumbers have high water content and can help supplement water intake.
Furthermore, to elevate the experience of drinking water, here are some tips to add flavor and fun to your water intake:
However, it is also important to note that drinking too much water can lead to hyponatremia, a condition where the sodium content of the blood becomes dangerously diluted, causing cells to swell.
The best indicator of whether a person is well hydrated is their body. Signs of dehydration include:
On the other hand, pale yellow or clear urine is a sign of adequate hydration.
Discovering your individual nutritional needs is crucial for maintaining optimal wellness. The LifeDNA Nutrition Report provides personalized insights based on your genetics, lifestyle, and dietary habits. It offers practical guidance on meeting your unique nutrient requirements, including the importance of water intake.
By understanding how your body processes and responds to various nutrients and the important role of adequate hydration, you can make informed choices to support your well-being. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take control of your wellness with the LifeDNA Nutrition Report. Get it today!
*Understanding your genetics can offer valuable insights into your well-being, but it is not deterministic. Your traits can be influenced by the complex interplay involving nature, lifestyle, family history, and others.
Our reports have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents on our website and our reports are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose any medical condition, replace the advice of a healthcare professional, or provide any medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any major lifestyle changes or if you have any other concerns about your results. The testimonials featured may have used more than one LifeDNA or LifeDNA vendors’ product or reports.
