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Water for Wellness: Interesting Facts on Keeping Hydrated

By Melissa Tough BASc (Kinesiology), Chartered Herbalist

Did you know:

To get rid of water you need to drink more water. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as threat to our survival and begins to preserve and hold onto every drop. Our body stores this water in extra cellular spaces, which can cause swollen feet, legs and hands. The best way to overcome this problem is to give the body what it needs which is plenty of pure, clean water.
that water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Even mild dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.
water helps the body rid itself of waste. During weight loss our body has a lot more wastes to dispose of and adequate water intake will help to flush it from your system.
water can help to relieve constipation. When the body is running short on water it siphons what it needs from internal sources, mainly the colon resulting in constipation,
that both depression and fatigue are often symptoms of dehydration
the thirst reflex only appears when our bodies are already dehydrated
A 2% reduction in water levels in the body can lead to a 20% decrease in mental and physical performance
75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. It is probable that similar percentages apply to 90% of the world population.
In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak it is often mistaken for hunger
Research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

jug and glass of water Water might possibly be the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although many of us take it for granted, water is a fundamental part of our lives. It is second only to oxygen as an essential for all life. The average adult body is 55 to 75% water and contributes about 2/3 towards your total body mass. Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, and removes toxins and other wastes. Within the body water also helps to cushion the joints and protects tissue and organs, including the spinal cord. Every process in our body occurs in a water medium. This being said it's easy to understand why water intake is critical.

On average, a person should drink about eight 8-ounce glasses everyday. That is the equivalent of about 2 quarts. However, an overweight individual requires one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink should also be increased if you exercise briskly or if the weather is very hot and dry. It is best not to drink water that is too cold, or too close to meals as both can have a negative impact on our digestion by diluting HCL and cooling the enzyme systems that are most efficient around 100.4º F.

Here are some easy tips to insure that you are meeting your daily water requirements:

Make it convenient by keeping a water bottle with you throughout the day and drink from it regularly
When you have a glass of juice fill half the glass with water.
When you have a junk food craving immediately drink a glass of water. It will make you feel full, the craving should pass, and you'll avoid the extra calories.
Try to have 1 glass of water every hour while at work. That way when the workday is done your water quota has already been met.
Don't allow yourself to drink a soda until you have had at least 2-4 glasses of water. You'll find that either you won't want the soda anymore or that just half a can is enough.
Let ounces of water double grams of fat: For example if you eat something containing 10 grams of fat, drink 20 ounces of water.

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