Next to air, the most essential element your body needs is
water. Yet, too little is said by medical experts about how
vital water is to our overall health and appearance. Water,
not coffee, not soft drinks, not fruit drinks and of course
not alcoholic drinks. Just water. In grade school science
class, you learn that the human body consists of between
55% and 75% water. Without it, we would die relatively
quickly.
Water is essential to every cell in the human body. It
helps to regulate vital functions such as blow flow, blood
pressure, digestion, waste and toxin elimination. Water
helps the skin and muscle retain elasticity. If you are
trying to lose weight, water helps in metabolizing fat.
Water helps to energize your body by making the transport
of fatty acids and sugars more efficient.
Drinking sufficient quantity water can help to fight off
fatigue, muscle pulls and water retention. Proper hydration
will help the joints to maintain lubrication. In short,
while not the fountain of youth, water is a terrific
resource for fending off many of the effects of aging.
Experts recommend drinking between 6 and 8 cups of water
daily. The ideal quantity depends on factors such as body
weight, activity levels, ambient temperatures etc. A simple
rule of thumb is to drink one ounce of water for each two
pounds of body weight. Adjust your consumption as needed.
The color of your urine can also be a clue to your
hydration levels. The darker the color, the more dehydrated
you may be.
If you are chronically dehydrated you may not sense thirst
when you should. This condition will improve if you
increase consumption to appropriate levels.
Athletes need to be certain that they balance out water
consumption with electrolytes. Consumption of excessive
quantities of water can result in serious dilution of
electrolytes that can impact the heart's rhythm Recently, a
woman died after a water drinking contest sponsored by a
local radio station. She drank several gallons of water and
suffered swelling of the brain.
Do not drink all six to eight cups at one time. Spread them
out during the day. Don't count coffee as this has a
diuretic effect and will cause water loss. Soft drinks and
fruity drinks add lots of calories from sugar.
Don't force yourself to drink. Listen to your body.
If you suffer from kidney or adrenal problems or are being
treated for high blood pressure, consult with your
physician.
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David Rafferty owns and operates
http://homeworkoutsexpress.com a supplier of affordable
home fitness and exercise equipment and related information.
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