The Necessity of Drinking Water
The human body is two-thirds water. Because water makes up such a large percentage of our bodies, our bodily function and health relies heavily on water consumption. Almost all degenerative disease is the result of toxins building up in the body. We cannot keep toxins from getting into our bodies? but we can help our body to get rid of toxins by drinking plenty of good water. The more water we drink, the more we allow the body to purify itself.
The following are key facts about the human body and water:
1 Water is the most valuable and necessary 'nutrient' for the proper operation of the human body.
2 Drinking enough water daily is the only way that the body can eliminate concentrated toxins from cells.
3 Water transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste, and protects our joints and organs.
Some people say they do not like water and choose to drink other beverages like coffee, tea, cocoa and sodas, instead, but there is no substitute for pure water. Though you can get some water from fruit juices, teas, sparkling water and sodas, each of them has distinct disadvantages. For instance, when you drink any juices, your digestive machinery and the pancreas have to work to filter any sugars and additives in the juices, whereas drinking pure water allows your body to flush out toxins without having to mobilize or put stress on your digestive system.
Likewise, caffeinated teas are actually a diuretic. Drinking caffeinated teas, coffee, colas, and chocolate drinks will deplete the supply of water available in your body to dilute toxins and moisturize your system. Some herbal teas are also diuretic in action. They may have therapeutic effects, but can also make your digestive systems work, instead of rest. Drinking caffeinated drinks and herbal teas is fine, in moderation, but the bulk of our intake of daily liquids should be pure water.
Avoiding Dehydration
Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already one percent dehydrated. Maintaining the body's water percentage is so important; even if your fluid level drops one percent, dehydration can set in. By the time you notice the symptoms of dehydration -- dry mouth, dark urine, lightheadedness, you are already dehydrated.
OTHER SYMPTOMS RELATED TO DEHYDRATION: Allergies, High Blood Pressure, Varicose Veins, Headaches/Neck Pain, Asthma, Chronic Fatigue, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Water Retention/Edema, Urinary Problems, Dry Skin/Chapped Lips, Hemorrhoids, Chronic Constipation, Muscle Cramps, Depression, Dehydration, Diabetes, High Blood Cholesterol, Colitis
How Much Water Do You Need to Drink?
A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. Your required intake may be more than the standard 8 glasses per day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day {10 8oz. glasses}. If you exercise, you should drink another 8 ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active.
The quality of the water we drink is equally as important as the amount. Hundreds of chemicals have been found in drinking water across the U.S. You may want to research the quality of your drinking water. Tap water may contain harmful contaminants.
It may be difficult to drink enough water on a busy day. However, especially now in the intense heat, remaining hydrated is imperative. Be sure you have water handy at all times by keeping a bottle of water with you when you are working, traveling, or exercising. If you get bored with plain water, add a bit of lemon or lime for a touch of flavor.
If this information has inspired you to consume plenty of water, or you'd like to learn more, the book, "Your Body's Cries for Water" by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. includes detailed descriptions on how your body utilizes water and why it's essential. As a result of extensive research into the role of water in the body, the author, a medical doctor, believes that he has found chronic dehydration to be the cause of many conditions including asthma, allergies, arthritis, angina, migraine headaches, hypertension, raised cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, depression, and diabetes in the elderly.
Enjoy the summer weather and remember to stay hydrated! Make every day a healthy day.
BHealthy
