Today we are focusing on the most vital nutrient of all: WATER!
The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water. The body is made up of approximately 55 to75 per cent water. Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration and is contained in lean muscle, fat and even bones.
As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supply every day to make up for losses from lungs, skin, urine and feces.
WATER IS NEEDED:
to maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body,
to keep the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through blood vessels,
to help eliminate the by products of the body’s metabolism,
to flush out toxins,
regulate body temperature through sweating,
lubricate and cushion joints and carry nutrients and oxygen to the body’s cells, and the list doesn’t stop here.
Drinking refreshing, clean water plays a major role in optimizing your health and wellness.
The loss of body water through urination is greatly increased by the ingestion of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. These drinks have a diuretic effect, meaning they stimulate the kidneys to excrete more urine. Not only do we lose water, we also lose water-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin B (thiamine) and other B complex vitamins. For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.
HOW MUCH DO YOU NEED?
It is necessary to drink 6 to 8 cups of water every day to supply enough water to meet the body’s daily needs. For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink, you need to add an additional glass of pure water.
Dehydration occurs when the water content of the body is too low. This is easily fixed by increasing fluid intake. Symptoms of dehydration include headaches, lethargy, mood changes and slow responses, dry or cracked lips, dark-colored urine, weakness and tiredness.
TODAY’S GOAL:
Aim for drinking approximately six to eight glasses of a variety of fluids (water, juices, smoothies etc). If you are going to exercise you need to drink even more than this.
