Water is the source of life. Our body is 2/3 of water. We cannot survive without water for more than a day or two. Water is essential for the optimum function of our body and has tremendous health benefits.
Health benefits of water
Water plays an important role in cleaning and detoxifying our body.
It helps distribute essential nutrients to cells within our bodies and removes waste products like toxins that the organs reject.
Water acts as an internal air conditioner, regulating our temperature through sweat and respiration.
It also lubricates our joints, aids in digestion and metabolism.
Water deficiency can cause constipation.
Even with a very slight deficiency of water our brain function slows down. As a matter of fact our brain is 75% of water.
Essential for proper kidney function. Deficiency of water can result in kidney failure.
It helps prevent blood clot
How much water do you really need to drink?
There is no definite formula to know exactly how much water should we drink.
In general, you should try to drink around half an ounce of water for each pound you weigh, every day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, that would be 75 ounces of water a day.
However, there are many factors that play role in water requirement including age,weight, weather conditions, physical activity, and diet.
You need to drink extra water if you are working out or if you are out in hot weather. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends adding 12 ounces of water to your daily intake for every 30 minutes that you plan to work out.
Drinking caffeinated beverages or soda actually makes you more dehydrated as many times you lose more water through urination due to the caffeine content of these beverages.
Also if you have any heart disease, leg swelling, kidney disease, liver disease, electrolyte disturbances or if you are taking any water pills then you must consult your doctor as your requirement may be different.
Best way to drink water
-Drink water at room temperature. Warm or hot water is even better . Avoid ice cold water.
-Avoid gulping down large volumes of water in a single breath, rather take smaller sip, swallow, breathe and repeat throughout the day.
-Drink water first thing in the morning
-Avoid drinking too much water at least 1/2 hr before and an hour after a meal.
Make water exciting again
Nowadays we have been lured by sugary soft drinks that we find water tasteless.
However, water does not have to be so boring. Water can definitely be enjoyed. The only things we need are an infusion bottle, fresh fruits, and some herbs.
Below are some great combinations :
Lemongrass and cucumber
Lemongrass and Mint
Orange and Pineapple
Berries and Orange
Lemongrass infused water is my favorite one.
Please click on the link below to find out some great infusion water recipes and tips.
PURE WATER IS WORLD'S FIRST AND FOREMOST MEDICINE