Glorious water
Everyone knows that water is essential for life. However, many of us, in our busy lives, overlook the importance of drinking enough water and the vital role it plays in our bodies.
Water makes up about two thirds of our bodies, 95% of our brain, 82% of our blood and 90% of our lungs. Water is also vital for many of our bodily functions including:
- Digestion
- Blood circulation, moving nutrients to our cells, removing wastes and transporting antibodies for our immune system
- Creation of saliva
- Regulation of body temperature
- Flushing our kidneys
- Keeping the bladder clear of bacteria
- Maintaining the texture and appearance of skin
- Serving as a shock absorber inside the eyes and spinal cord
Drinking water whilst eating also causes us to feel full more quickly, thus reducing the likelihood of overeating.
Dehydration increases the risk of kidney stones, reduces physical and mental performance, places increased stress on our bodies and has them functioning less efficiently and effectively than they should.
We lose water from breathing, skin evaporation and the elimination of waste. Fluid loss is increased in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise and in air conditioning.
So, how much water should we drink? It has been recommended that we drink eight glasses of water each day. Scientists in recent times have argued as to whether this number should be raised or lowered. From my experience and what my body tells me, if feel this is about right, if not a little low. We should also take into account diet and exercise levels when deciding how much water we need to drink. Alcohol, soft drinks and caffeine dehydrate us. Animal proteins use more water to digest them than is released when they are broken down. Cereals, breads and processed foods have little water and often contain salt. Some of our water needs are supplied to us from fruits and vegetables, depending on the amount eaten.
I recommend drinking water with meals and regularly throughout the day. It is also important to replace water lost during exercise. If you weigh yourself when you arrive at the gym and then just before you leave and you have lost weight, it is not fat you have lost, it is water. We do not burn off fat that quickly. The water needs to be replaced. Sports drinks can be good for rehydrating you and replacing electrolytes and sugar after vigorous exercise. If you drink them at other times they have no benefit and contribute to your sugar intake which can result in weight gain. I recommend drinking filtered water. Filtering your own water at home is much cheaper than drinking bottled water. Many authorities have a low opinion of the quality of most bottled water. I recommend purchasing either an alkaline water filter or a reverse osmosis filter. I have had a reverse osmosis filter before and now own an alkaline water filter. Do your research and choose whichever you feel suits you best.