An adult (not having specific restrictions due to chronic disease) should drink, on average, throughout the day, about two litters of water, even though not thirsty, advises Filipe Teixeira , nephrologist from Hospital da Luz Funchal . In the TV show “Verão cá dentro”, broadcasted on August 23 by RTP Madeira, the specialist explained why: “Over 60% of the human body consists of water, therefore water is fundamental for its functioning. A good hydration prevents, for instance, urinary infection and the painful renal colic”. Filipe Teixeira explained furthermore that other liquids may also be consumed for hydration (namely teas and juices), but none of them can really replace water, plus those drinks usually contain unwanted ingredients, such as sugar and colorants. He also gave a few advices and alerted to the signs of dehydration one should be aware of: drier mouth, low blood pressure, concentrated and darker urine. Furthermore, he recalled that the elderly should be urged to drink water, “since the stimulus of thirst gets lost with age”. “Not everything is treated with medication. Water is a huge reinforcement for the immune system and it is fundamental for people to hydrate, even when they don’t feel the need to drink water”, he concluded. Watch Filipe Teixeira on RTP Madeira (between minutes 47 to 57)
