Water - The Other Drink

The human body is mostly made of water. The brain is 95% water, blood is 83% water, the lungs 90% water, muscles are 75% even the bones are 25% water. In order for all the body processes to function at a high capacity, we must take in adequate amounts of water every day. The body starts to feel the effects of water loss, or dehydration, at as little as 1% dehydration. At this point, our earliest symptom is thirst, which is often mistaken as hunger. At this point we may also experience other symptoms which may not be recognized as dehydration. The various symptoms include headaches, muscle fatigue, darkening of urine, decreased reaction time, and sugar cravings. As dehydration levels increase, from 5% to 9%, the symptoms experienced worsen. Urine output decreases greatly, dry mouth, problems breathing, extreme fatigue and dizziness while standing can occur. At 10% dehydration and higher, medical attention is usually required. Vision is weakened, the tongue swells, urine output ceases or is very painful, fainting can occur as well as death.

Drinking adequate amounts of water not only helps prevent dehydration, but it gives other benefits. Some back pain and headaches can be the result of inadequate fluid intake. Not drinking enough water can also halt weight loss. Losing weight requires a reduction in calories but also the body must be flushed of fat and toxins. If you are on a weight loss plan, and you're caloric intake is adequate, perhaps you aren't losing weight because your body needs to get rid of the fat, and water can assist in this. Water is vital for colon health. Eating your daily recommended intake of fiber is fantastic, but without water, the results you desire won't be achieved. Fiber helps move food and waste through body and aids in digestion by attracting water to small and large intestines. Without adequate water it can't move through body and the result is more constipation. Your bladder and kidneys are also helped when you drink water. Someone who drinks lots of water is at a lower risk for urinary tract infections or kidney infections, because toxins are constantly being flushed out of the body.

Water is one of the most available substances on earth and dehydration can easily be avoided. The recommended daily intake is 64 ounces or 2 liters of water a day. This can easily be broken down into 16 ounces or 1/2 liter with meals and snacks. People who drink coffee and tea or who exercise a lot, require even higher amounts of water. Coffee, tea and exercise can dehydrate the body. This is also true of sugary drinks like soda. A good rule is to drink 2 liters of water daily, plus an extra 8 ounces for every cup of tea or coffee that you consume. As to exercise, weigh yourself before you start your workout. For every pound lost from a workout, replace it with 16 to 20 ounces of water.

Mark Twain said my books are like water; those of the great geniuses are wine. (Fortunately) everybody drinks water. Just like we need good literature to make our lives richer, we need water to make us feel better. Pay attention to your intake of water. If you don't get exactly 2 liters or more that's fine. But make sure you are drinking water daily and always strive for the amount that's right for your body. For more information on staying healthy and keeping fit visit http://fitnesseverafter.com.