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Got Water?
Too many of us do not get
the daily water intake that our bodies require. A
recent survey by The Rockefeller University, New York, showed nearly three quarters of Americans
are aware of the recommendation to drink 8 glasses of
water a day. But only 34% actually drink this amount,
while 10% said they do not drink water at all. However,
Americans drink an average of nearly 6 servings a day of
caffeinated beverages such as coffee and soda. These
drinks can actually cause the body to lose water, making
proper hydration even more difficult to attain.
The Body's
Use of Water
On a daily
basis, not getting enough water can cause fatigue, dry skin,
headaches, nausea, and constipation. Water makes up more than
70% of the body's tissues and plays a role in nearly every body
function, including:
- Aids
circulation and kidney function
- Helps
control the body's temperature and blood pressure
-
Lubricates and cushions joints
- Is
essential for digestion, nutrient absorption and elimination
- Keeps
the skin healthy
- Helps
remove wastes and toxins from your body
- Helps to
elevate mood
Never
Overeat Again!
Drinking
plenty of water is also a great way to prevent over-eating.
Often when people reach for a snack it is due to dehydration and
not hunger. When you have that urge to snake try having a glass
of water and waiting to see if that satisfies your craving.
Giving your children water instead of sugar-containing drinks
such as juice or soda can help prevent childhood obesity. One
tip to help children to consume more water is to give them the
new flavored water products that are now available.
Well,
Exactly How Much Do I Really Need?
To ensure
proper hydration, you should daily drink a minimum of 1 oz. of
water for every 2 pounds of body weight -- or half your body
weight in ounces. For example, if you
weighed 150 lbs. you should drink 75 ozs of water. You should
also try to filter your water to ensure its free from chlorine,
heavy metals, and other harmful contaminants. PUR filters
that simply screw directly into your current faucet and only
take a few minutes to install are a good option. Avoid distilled
water as it has the wrong ionization, pH, polarization and
oxidation potentials. It will also drain your body of minerals.
On a side
note, try avoid storing your water in the sturdy polycarbonate
plastic bottles (they are usually labeled #7 on the bottom) as
they can leach an unsafe chemical called bisphenol-A (BPA),
which has been linked to miscarriages and birth defects, into
your water. Consider switching to polypropylene (#5 PP), #2
HDPE and #4 LDPE. "Single use" plastic bottles made of
polyethylene terephthalate [#1 PET or PETE] are not recommended
for repeat use because of the risk of bacterial contamination
from infrequent and insufficient washing. |
