Water is the single most important part of a proper diet and healthy lifestyle. If you lose 10% of you body water the results would be quite serious and to lose 20% would be fatal. Every function of your body is performed in a fluid state. The importance of water is understood when we realize the body is three-fourths water. The vital organs are all at least 70% water. Water is absolutely essential for the vital functions of the body to be performed. Your blood (about 90% water) carries nutrients to the cells and waste products from them.

So why is this tasteless, colorless, calorie-free substance so absolutely necessary? The answer lies in the physiological workings of the body. Water to the body is like oil to a car engine. It’s the magic lubricant that makes everything else work. A drink of water is exactly what the body needs to carry out all its life processes. Digestion depends on fluid as saliva lubricates food and enzymes in the stomach digest the food. The kidneys must have adequate water to filter out waste products. Wastes stagnating in the kidneys for lack of water foreshadow cystitis and bladder cancer. Fluid moistens the air on its way to the lungs, aiding respiration. Many times common constipation, headaches, and backaches can be relieved simply by drinking sufficient water. When you don’t drink enough water, the body must excrete wastes in a much more concentrated form, causing body odor, bad breath and unpleasant smelling urine. Do you need more energy? You could be dehydrated. Drink lots of water to find out. Do you have heartburn? Drink some water every half hour. This will give you a regular stress break, and also wash the acid out of your esophagus and dilute it. Without water, the body would look like a wrinkled raisin. Forcing the body to work with limited amounts of fluid is like trying to wash the supper dishes without enough water.

How many glasses of just plain water does the average American drink? The truth for many is—hardly any. Our kids are drowning in soft drinks. Soda pop has become their main beverage. The average teenager downs two to three cans a day, and some as many as six and seven. Many adults consume more tea, coffee and other beverages.

ONE STEP AT A TIME: WHAT TO DO

THE NECESSITY OF WATER

Water really is the most healthful drink. We can only live a few days without it. Even though we all get enough to survive, we should all be drinking enough to thrive.

When is the best time to drink water? The best time is between meals. Drink water about a half hour before and after you eat. Digestion is better when the digestive juices are not diluted with water. Get into the habit of drinking water liberally. Drink on arising, in mid-morning, and mid-afternoon. A drink of water is like an internal shower. Water is the perfect beverage and one of life’s greatest blessing!

Just how much water does the system need every day? The body needs two quarts of water daily to function properly. Six to eight glasses per day are sufficient for the average person. A simple rule is to drink enough water to make your urine pale. and relatively odorless. Thirst is not a safe guide. The body loses about 10 to 12 cups of water a day through the skin, lungs, urine, and feces. Food provides two to four cups of water, leaving us about eight glasses of water to drink. Water is readily available and it’s cheap.

The benefits of drinking water are worth their weight in gold.

Water:

• Promotes better health.
• Gives you more energy.
• Energizes your brain.
• Creates a more positive mood.
• Keeps your appetite under control.
• Helps you reach and maintain your healthy weight.
• Thins the blood.
• Cleans and restores your body.
• Keeps the kidneys and bladder healthier.
• Excretes sodium that may raise blood pressure.

APPLICATION: HOW TO DO IT

• Increase your water intake.
• On rising drink 2 cups of water.
• Between breakfast and lunch drink 2 cups of water.
• Between lunch and supper drink 2 cups of water.
• After supper drink 2 cups of water.
• (drinking 2 hours before bed is usually better)

 

As a reminder to drink water, keep a glass or bottle of water on your desk or counter. Carry bottled water in your car. Keep a drinking glass beside your sink.

Make drinking water more enjoyable.

• Add a lemon or lime slice to your water.
• Have a special glass, cup or bottle.
• Drink water with ice.
• Take a break and walk to the water fountain for a
• Refreshing, energizing drink.

Remind yourself of the benefits of drinking water.

YOUR CHALLENGE: YOU CAN DO IT

Drink lots of water to experience the benefits of this choice beverage. Start the day right. Tempted to snack? Replace it with a drink of water. And the next time you are asked, “Anything to drink?” you can say, “Yes, a glass of water is fine. In fact, it’s perfect.”

And remember, Health is by Choice—not by chance! The choice is yours. You don’t have to be a statistic. By adopting a better diet and wiser lifestyle habits, you can live longer, feel better, and enjoy a healthier, more productive life. How we choose to live is how we choose to die.

~*~

Nancy Schmieder works with the Better Living Ministries in Wayland, NY as a Certified Lifestyle Consultant and Specialist. The Better Living Ministries is a Community Resource for Lifestyle Education and Support. Health by Choice is a practical, simple journey on how to incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle. Nancy is a Mother of five and she lives with her family in Springwater , NY. Her eMail address is n.schmieder@frontiernet.net