Tipping Back 8 Times a Day
Every cell and every system in your body is dependent on water for healthy functioning.
By Beverly Beuermann-King
Normal daily activity causes the loss of about 2 litres (6-8 cups) of water, which must be replaced throughout the day. Our brains are composed of approximately 70% water and our blood is more than 85% water. Researchers say a 5% drop in body fluids will cause a 25% to 30% loss of energy in the average person. A 15% drop in body fluids will cause death.
It can be quite dangerous to rely on thirst alone to determine your body’s need for water. In fact, if you feel thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated. As we age, we lose our perception of thirst and usually fail to drink adequate amounts of water.
It is estimated that about 80% of North Americans suffer from energy loss due to minor dehydration. When you do not drink enough water, not only can you experience the physical effects of dehydration, but you will also experience the mental impact.
Early signs of dehydration include:
• Fatigue - lack of water is a major cause of daytime fatigue
• Muscle weakness and stiff joints
• Poor concentration
• Fogginess
• Headaches
• Dry eyes, mouth or nasal passages
Consuming water is such a simple wellness strategy that it is often not even considered when developing a personal health plan. Many of the symptoms of dehydration are mistakenly associated with other conditions and illnesses and could be easily eliminated by increasing your water consumption.
Adequate Water Consumption:
• Increases energy and focus
• Hydrates the cells and organs and skin
• Cleanses the body of toxins
• Enhances digestion and nutrient absorption
• Helps prevent constipation
• Helps kidney functions
• Regulates body temperature
• Keeps blood from thickening and controls blood pressure
• Lubricates joints and cushions the body’s organs
• Decreases risk of cancer (In one study, drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreased the risk of colon cancer by 45%, breast cancer by 79%, and bladder cancer by 50%)
How much is enough?
If your goal is to maintain a minimum level of hydration, then the “8 glass” rule is acceptable. That’s eight full glasses of water every day. However, if your goal is to carry a buffer against toxic chemicals, offset the negative impact of processed and preserved foods, or compensate for additional activity, then you should drink even more.
Tips for tipping back the water glass:
1. Most of your water should come from beverages that do not contain caffeine since caffeine acts as a diuretic.
2. Decrease the consumption of pop. The active ingredient in pop is phosphoric acid, which will leach calcium from the bones and is a major contributor to osteoporosis.
3. Alcohol, like caffeine, is also dehydrating.
4. Keep water with you when you are at work, home or at play.
5. Take the urine test – if it is pale and almost colourless then you are well hydrated; if it is dark then you probably need more fluids.
6. Get in the habit of drinking water half an hour before meals.
7. Cool water is easier on the stomach and digestive system, however, cold water uses more calories as the body tries to warm up.
8. When exercising, drink more water to compensate for the extra loss and try sipping along the way.
9. Develop a program to consciously increase your water intake over a couple of weeks. This allows your body to compensate and to minimize trips to the bathroom.
Increasing your daily intake of water can significantly increase energy and decrease mental confusion, which can help you stay mentally healthy. Such a simple strategy with such powerful results!
Beverly Beuermann-King is a stress and wellness specialist and an education and development consultant. For more information, visit www.WorkSmartLiveSmart.com.
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