Water 101: Who Needs It And Why
9/21/2012
Water is the single most important nutrient for our bodies. Without enough of it, all of your systems have to work harder in every respect. Water is involved in EVERY function of our bodies. You can live five to seven weeks without food, but you could last no more than five days without water. Your body is about 50-70% water; your muscles are about 75% water; your brain cells are about 85% water (one way to improve memory is to drink a lot of water; your brain loves water). Your blood is approximately 82% water, and even your bones are about 25% water.
Your body loses about two quarts of water a day through perspiration, urination, and exhalation. If you wait until you are thirsty to drink water, then you are most likely already dehydrated. Dehydration slows your metabolism up to 3%. A sluggish metabolism causes weight gain and lack of energy. When you are dehydrated, your body temperature drops slightly and causes your body to store fat, as a way to raise or maintain body temperature. When you are dehydrated, your body secretes aldosterone, a hormone that CAUSES water retention. Water plays a vital role in regulating body temperature and weight loss.
Did you know that three-quarters of the weight of your body is supported by the fluid inside the disks of your spine? When the disks in your spine lack water, they begin to degenerate and herniate more quickly. Water cushions joints, and protects organs and tissues. Water transports nutrients and oxygen to your cells. Water removes wastes and toxins, and best of all, water flushes fats from your body.
I believe that water is the single best beauty treatment on the planet...and it's free! It keeps your skin supple and your eyes bright. It keeps your body energetic and limber; it keeps your mind alert, not to mention that it slows down the aging process. Remember the only difference between a grape and a raisin is the water content.
ACTION STEP #1: Increase your intake of not only water, but salads, fresh vegetables and fruits, since they all contain a high percentage of water.
ACTION STEP #2: The first thing you should put into your body upon awakening in the morning is a full glass of pure, fresh water. Picture your body as a dried up sponge...and then picture what you want to fill your sponge with to set the tone of your day. Water is the answer.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK? Simply take your weight in pounds and divide it by 2. This number is how many ounces of water you should drink daily. And remember, when exercising, increase your water intake!