H2O - the magic health drink

Wed, Apr 16 01:20 AM

Have you ever thought of water as anything other than a glass full required to quench your thirst? Water is something that we take for granted. How many of us really understand how essential it is to perform body functions or what happens to our body if it doesn't receive pure water everyday.

We often hear people say that they take enough water in the form of coffee, tea, colas, alcohol and other liquids. This just goes on to show our ignorance.

Drinking a lot of liquids isn't the same thing as drinking water. Drinks loaded with dissolved sugars or milk increase water needs instead of satisfying them.

Only plain or carbonated water is the best way to replace lost body fluid. The magic drink helps in maintaining everything our body does, right from circulation, lubrication, and respiration to digestion and temperature control.

How much to drink A simple question with no easy answers. Water needs depend on many factors, including state of your health, and body size, how active you are, where you live and some special needs if applicable like in infants, young children, older folks and athletes.

Thirst is not a reliable signal that your body needs water because you can easily lose a quart or more of water during activity before thirst is even recognized. This signal also shuts off before you have had enough for well-being.

You have to pay conscious attention to getting enough water every day. 8 glasses of water help maintain a minimum level of health for basic bodily functions.

Consuming water above the minimum will help our body to properly perform the essential task of filtering and flushing out toxins. So a healthy recommendation for water consumption is 10-12 glasses.

The best time It is best to drink water 30 minutes before a meal. Wait an hour after a meal before drinking water.

Avoid having water during a meal as it dilutes the digestive juices in the mouth and makes the food mix in the stomach too thin. It's good though to drink water before, during and after exercise.

Dehydration complications Failing to take in more water than your body uses can lead to dehydration. Even mild dehydration - as little as 1% to 2% loss of your body weight - can sap your energy and make you tired.

Common causes of dehydration include strenuous activity, excessive sweating, vomiting and diarrhea. Mild dehydration rarely results in complications - as long as the fluid is replaced quickly-but more-severe cases can be life-threatening, especially in the very young and the elderly.

In extreme situations, fluids or electrolytes may need to be delivered intravenously. In general, let thirst be your guide.

Too much is bad In rare instances, drinking a lot of water can be harmful. Do not force in too many fluids.

The kidney can become overwhelmed and have trouble getting rid of the extra water, which can lead to serious and dangerous swelling of the brain. The symptoms of water excess are : confusion, muscle cramps, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headaches, seizures and even coma.

Another name for this condition is "hyponatremia", meaning that the sodium content of the blood is too low because it has been diluted by excess water, and body cells have become water-logged. Try it and #8230;drink at least 10 glasses of water everyday for just one week and you'll be amazed at how much better you feel!.

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