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Untitled Document
Why Our Bodies MUST Have Sixty-four Ounces of Water A Day In
Order To Be Our
Healthiest and Most Beautiful Now, AND…. All through Our Later Years Too.
HINT: Our Bodies are 67% Water!
 Water is beneficial
for so very many things, yet is so under used by so many
people. Too often water is replaced by other beverages – many laden with
sugars, calories and of little or no value nutritionally. This is becoming especially
true with today’s young people. The generations that grew up with soda
pop have turned to caffeine laden drinks such as designer coffees and teas, sport
and energy drinks—everything except plain water—whenever they have
a thirst. These diuretic drinks actually drain the body of fluids creating a
loss rather than a gain in body water content. Prove this to yourself; ask a
child or teenager if they would like a glass of water. Chances are you will get
a negative response, but, if you offer them a soda, they will not refuse.
Our bodies are completely dependant on water; ALL functions of the body require
water. Keeping your body hydrated enables timely and efficient functioning
to occur. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of fatigue. Even mild
dehydration can cause fatigue. Almost 66% of Americans, it is estimated, are
mildly or chronically dehydrated.
Our metabolism is a chemical process involving energy; by drinking more water
we can increase, or boost, our metabolic rate. In turn this increase in metabolism
will increase calories burned reflected in weight lost. Often times thirst
is confused by hunger. You may feel cravings and think food when your body
actually is requiring water. The next time you have a craving try a glass of
water; wait a few minutes and you may notice the craving has gone. You provided
the water your body needed and avoided the calories that a snack would have
added.
Many of the foods eaten today are high in fats, sugars and calories in the
form of processed and/or fast foods with very little water. A diet consisting
of these types of foods requires even more water consumption to make up for
the lack of fluids in the  foods eaten.
Most people require 64 ounces of water daily. Those exercising, doing strenuous
work, outdoor work, and living in areas with high normal temperatures, and
during the summer months should consider even more than the average 64 ounces
daily to compensate for their added needs. If you are dieting it is important
to drink more water throughout the day. When exercising drinking additional
water will help keep your energy levels up.
If drinking water is unappealing to you, try adding some flavor enhancer – a
squeeze of lemon, a few drops of orange extract, or any number of flavor extracts
available. Eating fruits and vegetables high in water content will also provide
much needed fluids to your body. Fruits and vegetables will also help fill
your stomach without overloading on unwanted calories while providing additional
vitamins, minerals, and photonutrients. A healthy diet will always include
foods high in water content.
Water also helps the body to rid itself of toxins and keep the kidneys flushed,
which will also reduce sodium levels. Water absorption by our bodies is based
on how we drink it – gulp it down and it is excreted much faster than
if sipped slowly. Small amounts sipped slowly throughout the day provide better
body retention and healthier hydration.
Some of the many benefits of good water intake include improved skin tone,
appetite regulation and increased metabolism, boosting energy levels. Water
helps in reducing cholesterol; it helps regulate blood pressure, and may reduce
the occurrence of headaches, decrease joint pain, and decrease the risk of
developing kidney stones while helping to rid toxic wastes from the body. And
surprisingly, the more you drink the less water weight retention occurs. All
these benefits plus improving your skin too!
 A word of
caution: Don’t drink too much water! Electrolyte balances
can be reduced by over consumption of water. Low levels of potassium, magnesium
and sodium can be harmful. Adding a vitamin/mineral supplement to your diet
will counteract this. People with kidney problems or stones, or other conditions
requiring the limiting of fluid intake should consult with their doctor for
advice on correct amounts to drink.
Water is a natural healer for the body required to regenerate bones, needed
for healthy hair, skin and nails, regeneration of organ and nerve damage, and
required for normal body functioning. Water is readily available, free of calories
and a natural way to help maintain health and well being.
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