Every third risks health by consuming water for a little / day

The survey reveals alarming water drinking habits – up to 3 glasses of 36 % of the population daily, 5 % of whom surveyed admit that water is not used alone with juice, tea, coffee. 4 to 8 glasses a day drink 35 % of those surveyed, while more than 8 glasses are consumed daily by 15 %, according to a survey. Some or 14 % of the population indicate that they do not pay attention to the amount of water consumed in their daily lives, so they cannot determine how many glasses a day drink.

Young people under the age of 30 have introduced water drinking habits in their daily lives – 63 % a day drink more than 4 glasses, and every fifth even more than 8 glasses of water. People living in Riga drink more water every day, while those living in the countryside are twice as often as Rigans or residents of other cities admit that they do not use water at all everyday.

The importance of water drinking habits is explained by Eric Petersone, a pharmacist at the Moon Pharmacy and a certified nutritionist at the Health Center Association (VCA) Anita Baumane.

How much water a day should you drink? Eight glasses of water a day are most often referred to in recommendations. The nutrition recommendations of the Ministry of Health mention 2 to 2.5 liters of water a day, both eating and drinking. The human body cannot accumulate fluid as it succeeds, for example, a camel, so water should be taken regularly. A healthy person loses fluid when breathing, urinating, sweating and abdominal exit, but can restore by regularly taking fluid.

What do we risk when we drink little water?

Although water does not contain nutrients, it is necessary for any body function. With too little water on a daily basis, it can have a variety of negative health consequences and well -being. Some of the main problems.

• Dehydration – fatigue, dizziness, headache, dry lips and skin. In more severe cases, confusion and loss of consciousness may be.
• Reduced brain function – lack of water affects concentration, memory and mood.
• Digestive problems – lack of water can slow down digestion and cause constipation.
• Kidney problems – the kidneys need enough water to filter toxins.
• Worse physical performance – muscles and joints work worse if the body lacks fluid, which can cause muscle cramps and weakness.
• Skin problems – lack of water can make the skin dry and dull, promoting wrinkles.
• Cardiovascular problems – Insufficient fluid can cause low blood pressure, increasing heart rate and load on the heart.

Is it enough for the body if we drink only tea, juice, coffee?

The juice, tea and coffee contain water and can partially help with hydration, but they cannot completely replace clean water intake. Why not?

• Diuretic effect – especially coffee and black/green tea contains caffeine, which can contribute to the elimination of fluid from the body.
• Sugar and supplements – in juices and also some teas can be high in sugar and acids, which can affect metabolism and even promote fluid loss. Also, sweetened carbonated drinks contain high levels of sugar. It should also be noted that carbonated waters with flavors will not be thirsty, but will give extra calories.
• Water Function – Clean water best performs the body, helps maintain the right electrolyte balance and ensures the optimal function of the cells.

Why is water indispensable when taking medication?

Sufficient water use is particularly important when using and medication. Water provides proper absorption and efficacy of the drug as it is the most neutral fluid that does not contain substances that can affect the effect of the drug. It is not advisable to drink the medicine with carbonated, sweetened drinks, coffee or tea. All of the above drinks can adversely affect the effect of the drug. It is advisable to drink at least half a glass of water, unless there are other instructions. Water reduces the digestive tract irritations, prevents the tablets from getting hitched in the esophagus, and helps the kidneys eliminate the remains of the drug.

« Moon Pharmacy » pharmacist Eric Petersone on the products purchased at the pharmacy to provide normal fluid in the body. « Water can also be purchased at the pharmacy, if necessary. Nutritional supplements – foaming tablets, which can be used in dehydration and contain various trace elements. In turn, if the body’s dehydration occurs due to diarrhea, it is advisable to use a product that will both reduce diarrhea and restore the body’s electrolyte balance. »

In March 2025, a representative population survey was conducted by a study agency Norstat, interviewing 1002 Latvian residents aged 18 to 74