Aids in Weight Loss
Adequate hydration is crucial for the efficient burning of fat and healthy
weight loss. A study of over 3000 nurses looked at body fat percentages
compared to total daily water intake. The nurses that drank the most water
had the lowest body fat percentages. Another study showed similar results
with participants drinking approximately 17 ounces of water (slightly more
than 2 glasses) showing a 30% increase in metabolic rates for both men
and women. The increases occurred within 10 minutes of water consumption
and reached a maximum after about 30 to 40 minutes. For anyone wanting to
lose weight, drinking more water is a good first step.
The Staff of Life
Water is the most important substance you put into your body. You can
survive 40 to 60 days without food but only mere hours to a few days
without water. Water is required for proper detoxification of all the cells
of your body. Without water, waste products accumulate and lead to disease
and illness. The average adult does not drink enough water. There are many
diseases associated with mild dehydration such as high blood pressure,
kidney stones, urinary tract infections, constipation, headaches,
allergies, sinus infections and joint pain.
Important in Many Ways
Water comprises 50 to 70% of your total adult body weight. Today, if you
drink enough water, you're in the minority. There is a great debate on how
much water you should consume. Many experts suggest that you can get
adequate water from drinking beverages and eating foods. Some experts say
fortifying your water with vitamins or other substances is a good idea.
Just look at all the sports drinks that have popped up. The bottom line -
for the average person, pure, unadulterated water is your best bet for good
health. Anything less will not help your body work properly. What makes
plain old water so special?
Plain Old Water
It all goes back to high school chemistry class. Water is called the
universal solvent. Dissolve something in water and the water is literally
transformed into a different substance. Just take a look at ice tea,
coffee, milk, juice. made from water but definitely not water. When you
drink water instead of juice, your body knows the difference. One of the
reasons water is so good for you is it doesn't need to be digested or
processed by your body. It can be absorbed and used immediately to
facilitate digestion, detoxification and metabolism. Water is also
self-regulating. Drink enough water and your body doesn't need to retain or
"store" fluid. Drink too little and your body will retain fluid to try and
keep you alive.
More Active Means More Water
A very active person requires more water than a sedentary person. Muscles
are 75% water and require adequate hydration or they will not work
properly. Dehydration can result in muscle strains (pulls) and/or cramps.
Joints also require water to make synovial fluid for effective lubrication.
Without adequate water, cartilage in the joints is not adequately
lubricated and can wear prematurely leading to degenerative joint disease.
Simply drinking more water can reduce your future risk for joint
replacement surgery.
A Simple Hydration Formula
To make sure you are drinking enough water, here is a simple hydration
formula. Take your current body weight and divide that number by 2.
Multiply the divided number by 1 ounce and that is the amount of water you
should try and drink everyday. So at 150 pounds you need at least 75
ounces of water per day to maintain a health body weight.