I know, I know. You’re probably tired of hearing how you should drink more water. I do talk about water consumption a lot, I realize that. But I don’t think its importance has been overstated.
You are 75% water. Water is required for pretty much all your physiological functions. When you don’t get as much water as your body needs, stuff gets left undone.
Your natural detoxification processes seem to be especially hard hit. Like they get put on indefinite hold.
Here is a great article that explains it all very well:
Hydrate for optimum health
While riders in the Tour de France drink, on average, 6.7 liters of fluid a day, including sports/energy drinks, water and juice, survivalists say as long as we’re not competing in a similar endurance sport, we can survive without water for about three days.
That’s not to say we should test the experiment, since going without H²O for too long starts painfully, and ends in death.
Our bodies are made up of about 75 percent water, and we need it for virtually every function, including thought.
And if you need one good reason to drink more water, research has shown that those who drink two glasses of water before breakfast, lunch and dinner are better able to lose weight and keep it off, as long as they stick with the healthy habit.
Why water is so important
But whether you prefer your water lukewarm or cold, the liquid is as important as oxygen when it comes to keeping our bodies working well.
Of all that we take into our bodies, it’s humble water that works the hardest.
It cushions our joints, helps us eliminate waste, allows our bodies to absorb vitamins and minerals and then works nonstop delivering those nutrients to our cells and organs.
Dehydration is more common than we think
While most of us believe that dehydration is reserved for guys working outside during a summer heatwave or endurance athletes, most of us are already mildly dehydrated, without having any idea.
“We have a tendency in the U.S. to drink a lot of beverages that are mildly dehydrating,” said Mary Grace Webb, Assistant Director for Clinical Nutrition at New York Hospital, in an interview with CBS News.
We tend, however, to think of that thirst as hunger, so we treat it the wrong way.
“Because the human body is so unique, it will say ‘I want water’ in food, in any way, shape or form,” Webb said. “People just think that when they start to get a little weak or they have a headache, they need to eat something, but most often they need to drink.”
What happens when we don’t drink enough
Given that we lose water every day – about 10 cups – through our breath, through perspiration and through bodily functions, it’s important to replenish that lost water to ensure that your body functions properly.
When we don’t get enough of it, we increase our risk of a host of health problems, including a slower metabolism that can trigger weight gain, along with headaches and fatigue.
And yes, there is more! Read it here >>>
Then, come back and tell us about your great experiences when you made the decision to drink more water. Please leave your comment below…
