H2O, THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH!

August 21, 2010

When I was growing up with my brother and sisters, our mom would force us to drink water the moment we woke up and before we went to sleep. During meals, 4 big glass pitchers of water would be strategically located at the four corners of our rectangular dining table to remind us to drink water before, during and after taking our meals. I didn’t appreciate then, until now,  my mom’s effort to develop in us the habit of drinking water, lots and lots of water! To this day, my mom at 70 rarely gets sick and has a beautiful glowing skin.

Our body is estimated to be about 60 to 70 percent water. Blood is mostly water, and our muscles, lungs, and brain all contain a lot of water. Our body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste, and protects our joints and organs.

Now, that’s just a general idea of why drinking plenty of water is good for us!

HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD WE DRINK?

For the technical person a good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water (fluid ounces) per day that you need to drink.
• If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active.
• If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water.

• When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on
   board the plane.
• If you live in an arid (humid and hot) climate, you should add another two servings per day.

But if you are not the technical kind of person, about 10 glasses a day is a start. And of course this depends on your level of activity and the temperature.

WHAT KIND OF WATER TO DRINK?

Twenty percent of our water need will come from the foods we eat. The rest of our water needs should come from our intake of actual water or the beverages we drink:

• Water is the best choice.

• Sodas have a lot of sugar in them, so if you drink sodas, you may take in more calories than you need.

• Herbal teas that aren't diuretic (diuretic-elevates rate of urination) are fine.

• Sports drinks contain electrolytes and may be beneficial, just look out for added sugar and calories that you
  don't need.

• Juices are good because they have vitamins and nutrients.

• Caffeinated beverages will also add to your daily water need.

BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER

I saw an episode of Oprah sometime in the past when she featured garlic and aspirin. She said that an island can be named after garlic and aspirin because of their benefits to our health! Of course she was exaggerating to stress an important point. I’m not Lady O but allow me to do the same when I stress the benefits of water- “The entire Earth can be named WATER” to stress its benefits!

So, here are some of the more important benefits of our favorite H2O:

• Reduces the risk of so many health issues people face, especially cancer: bladder, breast, colon and
   kidney.

• Regular hydration will boost energy levels, immune system and mental sharpness.

• You need water to speed up recovery from injuries.

• Cleansing and detoxing absolutely requires water.

• Drinking water instead of liquids that rob your body like alcohol and soda will enhance sexual performance.

• Prevents high level of cholesterol

• Prevents low back pain

• Prevents heart disease and stroke

• Prevents and treats hypertension

• Prevents brain damage

• Prevents and treats depression

• Prevents and treats Sleep disorders

• Prevents and treats lack of energy

• Prevents and treats Osteoporosis

• Prevents and treats Leukemia

• Gives you a healthier skin

• Eliminates body wastes and toxins

So, drink up that miraculous crystal water even when you’re not thirsty! After all, the only inconvenience you’ll get from it is peeing more frequently than before. But then again, cleansing is a major benefit as well!

SOURCES:

"Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life: You're Not Sick, You're Thirsty! " by Dr F. Batmanghelidj MD

DRINKING WATER TO MAINTAIN GOOD HEALTH AT http://www.about.com/

IMAGE BY: KEKAP IN DEVIANT ART