Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It's easy to forget how completely we depend on it. Human survival is dependent of water - it's second only to oxygen as essential for life. The average adult body is 65 to 75% water. 2/3 of our body weight is water (40 to 50 quarts).
Since such a large percentage of our bodies is water, it must obviously figure heavily in how our bodies function. We need lots of fresh water to stay healthy. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates our body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. This "body water" also cushions joints and protects tissues and organs, including the spinal cord, from shock and damage. Conversely, lack of water, known as dehydration, can be the cause of many ailments. Experts have noted that chronic dehydration may cause certain problems including hypertension, asthma, allergies, and migraine headaches. Every process in our body occurs in a water medium. We can exist without food for 2 months or more, but we can only survive for a few days without water.
Among its other many benefits, water plays a major part in weight loss. Since water contains no calories, it can serve as an appetite suppressant, and help the body metabolize stored fat, one of the most significant factors in losing weight. Water is fat-free, cholesterol-free, low in sodium, and completely without calories. Also, drinking more water helps to reduce water retention by stimulating the kidneys. If you're not drinking enough water, your body starts retaining it to compensate for the shortage. Studies have shown that if you are overweight according to average height and weight comparison charts, you should add one glass of water to your daily requirement (8 glasses) for every 25 pounds over your recommended weight. Dehydration leads to excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decrease digestive efficiency and organ function, increase toxicity, joint and muscle soreness, and water retention. Water works to keep muscles and skin toned.
There is a difference between drinking pure water and beverages that contain water. Soft drinks, coffee, etc., often contain substances that are not healthy and actually counter many of the beneficial effects of water. Caffeinated beverages stimulate our adrenal glands and act as diuretics, robbing our bodies of necessary water. Soft drinks contain phosphorus which leads to depletion of bone calcium. Fruit juices contain a lot of sugar and stimulate the pancreas. These drinks tax the body more than they cleanse it. A can of pop contains the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar and loads of empty calories.
Adults lose nearly 6 pints (12 cups) of water every day. We lose 1/2 cup to 1 cup a day from the soles of our feet. Another 2 to 4 cups is lost from breathing. Perspiration accounts for another 2 cups. Another 3 pints (6 cups) are lost in urine.
The average person needs a half ounce of water per pound of body weight per day... ten 8 ounce glasses a day. For every 25 pounds you exceed your ideal weight, increase it by one 8 ounce glass. An active, athletic person needs 2/3 ounce per pound which is 13-14 eight ounce glasses a day. The more you exercise the more you need. Spread out you water intake throughout the day and don't drink more than 4 glasses within any given hour. Drink water for life! Start drinking more today... and every day!
