Water: The most important ingredient for your health

Read on for some interesting facts about the most important fluid in your body: WATER

tap-water.jpegYour body is made up of 70% water, which is 2/3 of your body weight. Water is lost through urination, bowel motions and perspiration (approx 1.5L lost daily). More is lost on hot days, with fever and when exercising. Water is required for every body/cellular process. It is involved in the transportation of nutrients, oxygen and wastes around the body and improves digestive and circulatory function.

Water is a readily accessible and cheap remedy, which can be used to improve the following symptoms:

  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced memory/ focus
  • Dehydration
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Diarrhea/ constipation
  • Cramps/ spasms
  • Slow metabolism
  • Reduced physical performance
  • Strong smelling urine

How much water do I need?

This will depend on your body mass, age, exercise level, the climate you are in and any illness’s you may have involving the kidney, urinary system or excessive perspiration. On average we recommend that you drink 1.5 – 2 liters/day. A simple test to perform to see if you are adequately hydrated is to monitor the color of your urine. Providing that you are not supplementing with B vitamins your urine will pass easily and will be clear. Do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water as thirst is your body’s way of telling you that you are already dehydrated!

Can I have too much water?

 The answer to this is yes you can and ironically an overdose of water will lead to many of the same symptoms as dehydration. Too much water depletes the body of sodium and other electrolytes. However water intoxication is uncommon and by sticking to the standard 8-12 glasses/day you will be well hydrated and not at risk for water intoxication.

Ways to obtain water from your diet:

  • Herbal teas (caffeine free) – chamomile, dandelion, peppermint etc. 
  •  Soup/broths
  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Filtered water (tap water contains many chemicals which can actually increase your thirst!) I

Improve the taste of water simply by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon, lime or orange or apple juice. Drink warm/hot water, get a water filter/purifier or add a sprig of mint.

Foods that promote water loss and dehydrate your cells:

  • Caffeine – coke, coffee, black tea
  • Sugar – confectionary
  • Salt – potato chips, hot chips, salted meats, salted nuts.