Wait... Water?

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When was the last time you thought about water? I mean, honestly, when was the last time you gave the most important resource on the planet any consideration? My guess is that it’s been a long time since you have.

Water is the most essential ‘nutrient’ for humans – one that we cannot go more than a few days without. We can last the better part of a month or more without food, and the macro and micronutrients it provides, but the same is not true for water.

So, why is it that most people seemingly forget about this vital, all-important nutrient? Why do we hear everyone talking about “diets”, “protein”, “fats”, “carbohydrates”, “supplements”, and every other nutrition term under the sun, yet we do not hear people speak of water and its benefits?

My guess is as good as yours. Be that as it may, water should be brought back to the forefront of the nutrition and health discussion.

Water is the basis for life on this planet and the basis for health within humans. Our bodies are made of nearly 60% water, and it’s this water that helps create the medium needed for nearly all of our bodily functions (ranging from digestion and absorption to temperature regulation, from blood and circulation to nutrient transport). Without it, we die. With lower than needed amounts of it, we suffer physiologically.

What good does water do for us, you ask? According to medical professionals and experts across many fields and disciplines, it helps people with a whole host of things. Adequate amounts of water enhance brain function (become smarter), increase the metabolism (become leaner), reduce constipation (more pooping...yay!), improve physical performance (become faster, stronger, and more athletic), reduces headaches (yes please), and increase energy levels (jump, jump, jump, jump).

If water is this good for us, why do most Americans drink too little of it? Well, most people admit to either being “too busy” to drink water, or they simply “forget”. Most Americans are also unfamiliar with the volume of water they should drink each day too, thus contributing to the most important and essential ‘nutrient’ being under-consumed and forgotten.

What can you do to turn the tide (pun intended) and get your daily dose of pure and clear liquid goodness? For starters, aim to drink at least eight x 8-ounce glasses each day (about 2-liters). This is commonly called the 8x8 rule. You should also aim to drink 16 ounces of water immediately upon waking up in the mornings. Other tips include keeping a water bottle with you at all times, drinking water with every meal, and listening to your body signals regarding thirst.

Something so simple as drinking more water can improve your health immensely. So, why not drink more of it? Don’t get too busy to drink it – slow down and add it in. Don’t forget about it – make a plan to drink more.

And remember, “water, it does a body good!”

 

                                     

 

DY

 

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water#2.-Significantly-affects-energy-levels-and-brain-function

https://www.swnsdigital.com/2020/09/are-you-drinking-enough-water-most-american-adults-certainly-arent/#:~:text=Most%20American%20adults%20certainly%20aren't,-September%203%2C%202020&text=More%20than%20half%20of%20adults,to%20ten%20glasses%20a%20day

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