One of the most important keys to an ageless health of the body is the recognition of how water affects your life. We all know that we can go without food for a period of time but we cannot live more than a few days without water. Whilst we all know this simple fact that water is good for us sometimes we need reminding just how good it is and what one simple glass of pure fresh water can do for us.
Let’s look at some quick facts…
The body is made up of 55 to 75 per cent water.1 Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones. As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and faeces. The amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels.
So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake (AI) for men is roughly about 13 cups (3 litres) of total beverages a day. The AI for women is about 9 cups (2.2 litres) of total beverages a day. Many top water experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily.2
For example, if you weigh 200 lbs., you would want to drink 100 ounces (about 3 litres) of water daily. This approach takes into consideration differences in weight, which makes more sense. However, other factors may increase water needs.
In short without enough water the body literally starts drying up, shutting down and ultimately reducing our capacity to function. Next time you feel foggy in the brain, inability to focus on a task at hand, lethargic or your mood swings to an unpleasant low try drinking a glass of water and allowing its hydrating, flushing and cleansing effects work its magic on your body.
References
1.Water for Health, for Healing, for Life: F. Batmanghelidj, MD; 2003
2.MayoClinic.com: Water: How much should you drink every day?