Aug 25, 2023

The Importance of Staying Hydrated — Should Body Water Be High or Low?

There have been numerous debates on the optimal water percentage for years, but one thing is certain — this liquid makes up more than half of our bodies. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that it contributes to the normal functioning of our physiology. While we’re on the topic: have you had any water today? Go ahead and grab your glass; we’ll wait.

The age-old dilemma — should body water be high or low — will finally be debunked today. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about staying hydrated. You’ll learn what the ideal water percentage is, how water is stored, and what factors impact the change in this proportion. Let’s dive in! (pun intended)

Body Water Percentage

Human bodies are made up of 50%–75% water, with the highest levels associated with the first few months of life. As we mature, those figures start to decrease gradually. In turn, our body fat percentage (BFP) increases since we tend to have more fat and less lean mass as we continue to age. Consequently, our body water percentage is lower because fatty tissue typically contains less water.

The following table shows how the numbers vary with age and what the average values for men and women are:

Age	Men	Women
12–18	59%	56%
19–50	59%	50%
51 and older	56%	47%

Now, you must be wondering where all of this water goes. It is stored in our organs, tissues, and different body parts. For instance, our brains are 73% water, while for our body plasma, which carries nutrients, hormones, and blood cells, the number goes up to 90%. Amazing, right?

Water's Importance

Since most of our vital organs have a high water percentage, it’s important to keep them replenished at all times. Among other things, water contributes to:

Body temperature regulation
Organ and tissue protection
Joint lubrication
Detoxification
Dissolution of minerals and nutrients

Since nearly all of our major systems function properly thanks to water, it’s no wonder we’re always on the lookout for the next phenomenon that will help us achieve a high body water percentage. In the following section, we’ll discuss ways to stay properly hydrated and share tips and tricks on getting accurate body metrics.

Ways to Improve Water Intake

Increasing body water percentage is not easy and depends on the type of food and beverage you consume on a daily basis. Of course, these values will also depend on your age, gender, level of physical activity, etc. Our body tries to maintain an optimal water percentage by excreting urine, so the more water your drink, the more frequently you'll need a toilet break.

In contrast, if you don't get enough water, the body will try to preserve what it has, causing you to become dehydrated. If you ever feel fatigued or experience dry mouth and confusion for no apparent reason, try getting a glass of water first.

Should Body Water Be High or Low

You've probably heard the famous urban myth of drinking eight cups of water daily. However, how much liquid you need is also determined by the food and other beverages you consume. For instance, fruits like watermelon and strawberries have a high water percentage.

Here are some tips on how to increase your intake of this precious liquid:

Drink water instead of soft drinks.
Increase your consumption of berries.
Have a glass of water first thing in the morning.
Set up reminders on your device to get hydrated.
Have your water bottle on hand at all times.
Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeinated beverages.

Now that we’ve recounted some simple ways to keep your body water high, let's see how we can keep track of it. With the advancement of the fitness industry, there are numerous ways we can stay on top of our body metrics.

Dilution method: This procedure entails drinking deuterium oxide and then waiting for it to settle. Once the heavy water has been distributed around the body, the proportion of normal vs. heavy water is compared. The test takes several hours and needs to be performed by a professional.
BIA: Biometric Impedance Analysis is much more practical than the first method. Namely, as a weak electric current flows through the body, you will get accurate body composition values based on the rate it moves. For instance, body fat will offer more resistance compared to lean mass. Smart scales like INEVIFIT’s Eros use BIA technology to estimate up to 13 different body metrics.

eros-smart-scale

EROS SMART SCALE

Final Takeaway

There is no doubt that your body water percentage will vary during your lifetime based on your age, gender, water intake, and levels of physical activity. However, as long as it’s over 50%, you’re in the clear. As with everything in life, too much or too little is never good; we need to find that soft spot in the middle.

What you can do to stay in that comfort zone is up your daily water intake through food and beverages, especially during summer and while exercising. And now a daily reminder from us — take a sip before you finish reading this article. Staying hydrated will help you stay one step ahead and avoid health issues that arise from dehydration.