Janet Ogundepo
To prevent the onset of constipation, dehydration and the onset of noncommunicable diseases, physicians have reiterated the need for adequate water intake.
They asserted that drinking potable water, as against drinking unsafe water is important for overall health.
Noncommunicable diseases, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention include heart diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory ailments and diabetes that cannot be transmitted to others.
The World Health Organisation states that NCDs are collectively responsible for 74 per cent of deaths worldwide.
The WHO noted that three-quarters of all NCD deaths and 86 per cent of the 17 million deaths occur in low and middle-income countries.
Speaking in commemoration of World Water Day, earmarked for every March 22, the physicians noted that although fights over water sources are uncommon in Nigeria, access to potable water remains unevenly distributed.
WWD is a United Nations-Water coordinated programme designed to celebrate water, raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without safe water, and to tackle the global water crisis.
The day is also celebrated in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and Sanitation for all by 2030.
A World Bank report noted that about 70 million Nigerians cannot access safe drinking water, while 39 per cent of households in rural areas lack access to basic water supply.
Highlighting one of the dangers posed by the inability to access safe drinking water is the recent rise in the prices of sachet water, popularly known as “pure water” and bottled water, which are the main sources of potable water for many in urban areas, which could lead to the consumption of unsafe water and feared outbreak of waterborne diseases.
PUNCH Healthwise had reported experts’ concerns over the potential rise of cholera, dysentery, typhoid and gastrointestinal infections due to the consumption of unsafe water occasioned by the increase in the price of sachet and bottled water.
Speaking on the matter, a professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Olufunmilayo Fawole, stated that inadequate water intake can cause dehydration and, consequently, a build-up of minerals in the body, such as sodium.
She further noted that water consumption is crucial to hydrating the cells and getting rid of toxins, adding, “The absence of not having enough water to drink has been shown to promote some diseases, including constipation, hypertension, venous thrombosis (blood clots that could block the arteries and organs in the body) and stroke.
“Inadequate water intake is also associated with urinary tract infections and a lot of respiratory infections. Water is very important for human health because it helps to prevent diseases.”
Fawole noted that dehydration increases ageing, consequently causing the early onset of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, among others.
Although communal fights and disagreements over water sources are uncommon in Nigeria, the don said the rising cost of commercial potable water would lead to reduced availability and consumption of potable water, especially among low-income earners.
She raised concern over the current heat wave being experienced across the country, stressing that it calls for more water consumption.
The public health physician said, “It is recommended that men take five cups or three to four litres of fluids each day and two to three litres for women. Even though we say fluids, we are encouraged to take more water than fluids because taking sugary drinks too much is not healthy for the body and can lead to the onset of some non-communicable diseases like obesity. Of the fluids, there is none as good as water,
“Many households rely on bagged and bottled water, they should seek other alternative means of getting affordable potable water if they can’t afford the bagged and bottled water to be sure that enough fluids go into the body.”
Speaking on the WWD, Fawole noted that water plays a critical role in the stability and prosperity of countries, adding that its demand and need had led to conflict and peace among nations.
“There are plenty of benefits to drinking water. It is necessary for good health and drinking enough water aids food digestion. It is when the food digests properly that one can absorb all the nutrients in the food and manage the weight management. It also helps to flush out and excrete toxins in the body. Water ensures we have energy, can think clearly and our muscles are energised.
“When we drink water, we should ensure we are taking potable or wholesome water which is clean, safe and free of germs. While drinking the water, we should maintain good hygiene by not contaminating the water and water sources, that way we would be promoting our health,” she added.
Also, a consultant physician and the Unit Head of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the College of Medicine University of Lagos, Professor Olufemi Fasanmade, stated that inadequate water intake can cause kidney stones and constipation.
He noted that people who do not take the required daily water intake are at risk of dehydration, indigestion and poor kidney function.
The don also asserted that adequate consumption of potable water can prevent nutrition-related and noncommunicable diseases.
Fasanmade projected “a minimal rise” in poor water intake and noncommunicable diseases due to the current increase in the prices of potable water.
To ensure adequate water intake and prevention of non-communicable diseases, the endocrinologist also advised Nigerians to “drink 2.5 to 3.5 litres of water daily.”
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