Water – The Essence of Life!
The human body is made up of 55% to 60% of water. Water is found in as much as 75% of lean muscle tissue, 95% of blood, and 22% of bone. Water is so essential to the human body that the longest we can survive without water is three days. In today’s modern, fast-paced society, the water in our diets has been replaced by soft drinks and sugar-sweetened refreshments. Research has shown that up to 2/3 of adults today may not drink enough water to keep their bodies well-hydrated.
Individuals’ daily water requirements can vary due to many factors – including amount of exercise performed, total body weight, total lean muscle weight, and the temperature and climate of your locale. Many people wait until they are thirsty before reaching for a bottle of water. However, thirst is a very unreliable measure of the water needs for our bodies. The body can lose up to 2 or more cups of water before thirst strikes. Not getting enough water may result in a faster heart rate, thicker-than-normal blood, lowered endurance capacities, and muscle cramps. Drinking water in regular intervals throughout the day is an important habit to develop.
Beverages containing alcohol and caffeine should not be substituted for water. These types of beverages often have diuretic properties, meaning that it encourages the body to excrete more water. Diuretic substances promote dehydration. Many believe that since these beverages are a liquid substance, there is enough water in them to satisfy their daily water requirements. This is untrue, as the chemical compounds in these beverages cause you to let as much water go (if not more) as you consume it.
An increase in physical activity increases the body’s daily water requirements. Through perspiration, the body can lose up to one liter of water per hour. General guidelines recommend that for each pound lost during exercise, 2 additional cups of water should be added to your diet.
Your body loses water even while sleeping. Drinking a glass of water before going to bed or after waking up will help your body function smoothly.
Water is so essential to the body, that it is a requirement for proper immune system functioning. Whenever you get sick, your body requires more water to help it fight off infection. Fighting a cold or the flu can dehydrate your body quickly.
Which types of water are the best? Mixed opinions abound. There is little evidence to suggest that distilled water offers superior benefit to purified tap water. Overall, the best type of water is the type that you will actually drink… usually the type most available and most convenient to you.
Be good to yourself. Make it a habit to drink water on a daily basis. Keep a bottle of water with you through the day. Get used to drinking water instead of other types of drinks. Learn to drink before getting thirsty. You’ll quickly be on your way to a stronger, healthier you.
[...] Drink plenty of water – This is something that you have heard all your life more than likely. For some people it is [...]