Water The Preferred Liquid

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Water The Preferred Liquid

Water is critical for so many of our bodily functions and yet drinking water is not usually part of our daily routine. We know we should drink it, but we don’t get enough of it.
Did you know that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated and in 37%, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger. Lack of water is the number one trigger of daytime fatigue. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain, and a mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page. Drinking five glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%.
When you exercise, your body heats up. It then starts to sweat to cool itself down. During a typical 30-minute run, you will lose two quarts of sweat. As you become more fit, you’ll sweat even more. Water replenishes essential fluids lost during sweating, but it also cools the body down. Without sufficient water intake, you can’t flush out toxins that accumulate in fat cells, muscles, and joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
Without water, you’ll be more prone to headaches and fatigue. You’ll also experience more sugar cravings, which can be caused by dehydration. Water gives you a temporary sense of fullness, so without it you won’t lose weight as easily. Sometimes when you find yourself overeating, it’s simply your body’s way of compensating for lack of water.
You can get more water into your day in simple ways. Have a glass of water after every meal. Drink two glasses of water immediately upon waking in the morning even before you jump in the shower. Drink a glass of water instead of your afternoon coffee or soda. Get in the habit of drinking a bottle of water during your workouts, and then another one afterwards. Bring water bottles with you whenever you go, and experiment with different bottle sizes to see which works best for you.
Now, that you know the importance of water, go get yourself a big glass right now. Drink it slowly and experience it with all your senses.