Wait... Water?
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
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