Got Water?

With all this lovely summer heat we are having, I feel I need to address hydration and the importance of drinking water.

Water is the most important and abundant substance on Earth, it is the universal solvent and the human body is at least 60% water!

Water is the primary component of all the bodily fluids:

• digestive juices

• blood

• lymph

• urine

• tears

• sweat

Water is involved in almost every bodily function:

• Circulation

• Digestion

• Absorption

• Elimination

On average, depending on where an individual lives, their activity level and any medications they may be taking, we need 12 cups of water per day!

No need to be concerned about drinking 12 cups of water per day, you can get some through the food you eat, about 4 cups, the rest should come from drinking water, so yes 7 cups of water!

Most of us are dehydrated and don’t drink enough water and consider coffee, juice or pop an adequate source of liquids. I am sorry to say it is not.

What happens when we don’t drink enough water?

• Adult On-set diabetes

• Arthritis

• Asthma

• Back Pain

• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

• Depression

• High Blood Pressure

• High Cholesterol

• Kidney Stones

• Headaches/Migraines just to name a few

Wow who knew that water can help prevent all those issues! A quick note on the quality of the water.

Tap water can contain unnatural substances like:

• Chlorine

• Fluoride

• Cooper

• Lead

Sometimes alkaline substances are added to the water to prevent corrosion of the pipes that change the pH, these chemicals may react to the organic substances creating toxic chemicals. The best idea is to only drink filtered water and avoid tap water. Added chemicals that are ingested can created issues for the body that include:

• Nervous System disruption

• Lung Cancer

• Stress on the liver and kidneys

Ok, so a few tips on getting enough!

• Get a large, glass is preferred, container and fill it up at the beginning of the day and finish it by the days end

• Use a tracking app or a high tech water bottle

• Make sure you take water with you in the car, so you always have it on hand

• Buy a nice water bottle that you like to look at and make sure it is always filled, a marked one can help keep you on track

• Add slices of lemon, cucumbers and mint to make it more interesting

• Once you empty your water container fill it up again

• Herbal tea (non caffeinated) can keep it interesting

• Drink a glass after each bathroom break

Just a note about drinking water at meal times. Refrain from drinking large amounts of water before meal times, yes it will fill your stomach up and could prevent over eating but it will also dilute your digestive juices creating slow digestion. Be sure to stay hydrated during the day and start slowing down in the evening, keep the nightly bathroom breaks to a minimum!

Stay hydrated! If you have questions about your diet, nutrition feel free to reach out to me, I am happy to help!

Sarah

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