The Water of Life

One of the simplest health hacks!

Water is arguably the most crucial element of our daily dietary requirements. Here are 10 reasons to consider increasing your water intake.

1. WATER IS THE ESSENCE OF LIFE

Life cannot exist without water. We need to continually replenish our bodies with fresh water to maintain proper hydration. Water can serve as a remedy for various common issues like headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and more. While we can survive for weeks without food, we can only last 3 days without water!

2. THE BODY CONSISTS OF 80% WATER

Water constitutes approximately 75-85% of your brain, around 80% of your blood, and about 75% of your lean muscle. (Considering tissues with less water, the overall average is about 50%).

3. WATER SOURCE

The body struggles to obtain water from sources other than water itself. Soft drinks and alcohol deplete significant amounts of water from the body. Beverages like coffee and tea are diuretics, thus drawing essential water away from the body.

4. A CRUCIAL ROLE

Water is involved in nearly every bodily function. Insufficient water is the primary cause of daytime fatigue. Even a 2% reduction in body water can impair short-term memory, basic math skills, and concentration on screens or printed pages.

5. WATER FACILITATES TRANSPORTATION AND METABOLISM

Water is crucial for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and chemical reactions. Carbohydrates and proteins used by our bodies as food are metabolized and transported by water in the bloodstream. Equally important is water's role in removing waste from our bodies.

6. WATER IS NECESSARY

Water is vital for proper circulation in the body. Oxygen levels in the bloodstream are higher when the body is well-hydrated. With more available oxygen, the body burns more fat for energy. Without oxygen, stored fat cannot be efficiently used for energy. A well-hydrated body not only burns more fat but also has more energy due to increased oxygen levels.

7. ELIMINATES TOXINS

Water aids in flushing out toxins from the body, particularly from the digestive tract. It naturally suppresses appetite and helps metabolize stored fat. Research has shown that reduced water intake leads to increased fat deposits, while increased water intake can decrease fat deposits.

In 37% of New Zealanders, the thirst mechanism is so weak it's often mistaken for hunger. In a University of Washington study, one glass of water curbed midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters.

8. REGULATES TEMPERATURE

Water manages the body's cooling system. Sports drinks are beneficial after or during intense, prolonged exercise in high heat. However, most experts agree that water is more effective than carbohydrates or sugary drinks for moderate exercise. For example, drinking 12 ounces of plain water allows your body to absorb 8 ounces within 15 minutes.

“MOST EXPERTS AGREE THAT WATER WORKS BETTER THAN CARBOHYDRATES OR SUGARED BEVERAGES FOR MODERATE EXERCISE.”

If you consume 350 ml of a 10% sugar solution, less than 30 ml will be absorbed in the same time frame. A typical soft drink is a 10 to 12% sugar solution.

9. CHRONIC CELLULAR DEHYDRATION

Consistently not drinking enough water can lead to Chronic Cellular Dehydration. This condition, where the body's cells are never fully hydrated, leaves them vulnerable to disease. It weakens the body's immune system and causes chemical, nutritional, and pH imbalances, leading to various diseases.

10. DEHYDRATION CAN OCCUR IN WINTER

Dehydration can happen any time of the year, not just in the hot summer months. The dryness of winter can dehydrate the body even faster than heat. When dehydrated, you tend to eat more.

Source: Adapted from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/clark2.htm

```