Water on the Inside
Water is the
single most important part of a proper diet
and healthy lifestyle. If you lose 10% of
you body water the results would be quite
serious and to lose 20% would be fatal.
Every function of your body is performed in
a fluid state. The importance of water is
understood when we realize the body is
three-fourths water. The vital organs are
all at least 70% water. Water is absolutely
essential for the vital functions of the
body to be performed. Your blood (about 90%
water) carries nutrients to the cells and
waste products from them.
So why is this tasteless, colorless,
calorie-free substance so absolutely
necessary? The answer lies in the
physiological wokings of the body. Water to
the body is like oil to a car engine. It's
the magic lubricant that makes everything
else work. A drink of water is exactly what
the body needs to carry out all its life
processes. Digestion depends on fluid as
saliva lubricates food and enzymes in the
stomach digest the food. The kidneys must
have adequate water to filter out waste
products. Wastes stagnating in the kidneys
for lack of water foreshadow cystitis and
bladder cancer. Fluid moistens the air on
its way to the lungs, aiding respiration.
Many times common constipation, headaches,
and backaches can be relieved simply by
drinking sufficient water. When you don't
drink enough water, the body must excrete
wastes in a much more concentrated form,
causing body odor, bad breath and unpleasant
smelling urine. Do you need more energy? You
could be dehydrated. Drink lots of water to
find out. Do you have heartburn? Drink some
water every half hour. This will give you a
regular stress break, and also wash the acid
out of your esophagus and dilute it. Without
water, the body would look like a wrinkled
raisin. Forcing the body to work with
limited amounts of fluid is like trying to
wash the supper dishes without enough water.
How many glasses of just plain water does
the average American drink? The truth for
many is --hardly any. Our kids are drowning
in soft drinks. Soda pop has become their
main beverage. The average teenager downs
tow to three cans a day, and some as many as
six and seven. Many adults consume more tea,
coffee and other beverages.
ONE STEP AT A
TIME: WHAT TO DO
THE NECESSITY OF WATER
Water really is the most healthful drink.
We can only live a few days without it. Even
though we all get enough to survive, we
should all be drinking enough to thrive.
When is the best time to drink water? The
best time is between meals. Drink water
about a half hour before and after you eat.
Digestion is better when the digestive
juices are not diluted with water. Get into
the habit of drinking water liberally. Drink
on arising, in mid morning, and mid
afternoon. A drink of water is like an
internal shower. Water is the perfect
beverage and one of life's greatest
blessing.
Just how much water does the system need
every day? The body needs two quarts of
water daily to function properly. Six to
eight glasses per day are sufficient for the
average person. A simple rule is to drink
enough water to make your urine pale. and
relatively odorless. Thirst is not a safe
guide. The body loses about 10 to 12 cups of
water a day through the skin, lungs, urine,
and feces. Food provides two to four cups of
water, leaving us about eight glasses of
water to drink. Water is readily available
and it's cheap.
The benefits of drinking water are worth
their weight in gold.
Water:
Promotes better health
Gives you more energy.
Energizes your brain.
Creates a more positive mood.
Keeps your appetite under control.
Helps you reach and maintain your healthy
weight.
Thins the blood.
Cleans and restores your body.
Keeps the kidneys and bladder healthier.
Excretes sodium that may raise blood
pressure.
APPLICATION: HOW TO DO IT
Increase your water intake.
On rising
drink................................... 2
cups of water.
Between breakfast and lunch drink...... 2
cups of water.
Between lunch and supper drink .........2
cups of water.
After supper
drink...............................2 cups
of water.
(drinking 2 hours before bed is usually
better)
As a reminder to drink water, keep a
glass or bottle of water on your desk or
counter. Carry bottled water in your car.
Keep a drinking glass beside your sink.
Make drinking water more
enjoyable.
Add a lemon or lime slice to your water.
Have a special glass, cup or bottle.
Drink water with ice.
Take a break and walk to the water fountain
for a
refreshing, energizing drink.
Remind yourself of the benefits of
drinking water.
YOUR CHALLENGE: YOU CAN DO IT
Drink lots of water to experience the
benefits of this choice beverage. Start the
day right. Tempted to snack? Replace it with
a drink of water. And the next time you are
asked, "Anything to drink?" you can say,
"Yes, a glass of water is fine. In fact,
it's perfect."
And remember, Health is by Choice...not
by chance! The choice is yours. You don't
have to be a statistic. By adopting a better
diet and wiser lifestyle habits, you can
live longer, feel better, and enjoy a
healthier, more productive life. How we
choose to live is how we choose to die.
~*~
Nancy Schmieder works with the Better Living Ministries in
Wayland , NY as a Certified Lifestyle Consultant and Specialist.
The Better Living Ministries is a Community Resource for Lifestyle
Education and Support. Health by Choice is a practical, simple
journey on how to incorporate healthy habits into your lifestyle.
Nancy is a Mother of five and she lives with her family in
Springwater , NY . Her e-mail address is
n.schmieder@frontiernet.net
