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WATER

Posted by Granny1952 Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The average American does not drink enough water a day to keep the body hydrated. Approximately 75% of people in the USA have mild, chronic dehydration. Of those, 37% have such weak thirst mechanism that they often mistake hunger for thirst.

Our bodies are made up of 60-70% water. Most of our brain is water. It is necessary for digestion, absorption of food, muscle tone, supplies oxygen and nutrients to the cells. It also helps eliminate body waste and acts as a natural temperature control, and helps maintain a healthy weight. The rule of thumb is the more salt you eat, the more water you need.

Water also helps reduce risk of colon and bladder cancer and it may help with the reduction of breast cancer, and coronary heart disease. Fatigue is often triggered by dehydration.

How much water does a person need a day? Take your weight, divide it in half and that is how many ounces a day an average person needs. If you work out, you need to replace the sweat with water. For every 30 minutes of workout, drink 16 ounces of water. It is best to drink at least 2 cups of water several hours before and another cup 10-20 minutes just before you start your exercise.

Watch for signs of dehydration. Muscle cramps, feeling light headed or faint, fuzzy memory, difficulty in focusing, and nausea are a few symptoms. Try a glass of water and see if the symptoms improve, but don’t guzzle a glass all at once.

If you are having trouble drinking water, look for ways to help. Add a drink that has no caffeine, has the essential electrolytes and no sugar or sugar substitutes. Also, try herbal teas. Add a slice of lemon to your water. Have a glass of water around you all the time and just take a few sips now and again. Take a water bottle with you when you are in the car.

Bottom line, water is as important as eating right and exercising. Plain, pure water is one of the cheapest methods of helping your mental and physical health.

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