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Americans are chronically dehydrated. (Likely applies to half world
pop.)
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In
1/3 of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often
mistaken for hunger.
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Even
MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%. Feeling
groggy?
Try a glass of water.
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One
glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for most dieters.
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Lack
of water is the #1 trigger of
daytime fatigue.
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8-10
glasses of water a day significantly eases back, muscular, and
joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
(Don't know about you...but
pain
sure makes me "testy"!)
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A
mere 2% drop in body water can trigger
fuzzy short-term memory,
trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer
screen or on a printed page.
(maybe this is why my check book never
balances)
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Drinking
5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%,
plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50%
less likely to develop bladder cancer.
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Drinking
plenty of water improves digestion and also prevents
constipation. (Well for sure the second part makes me
cranky...I
know that when we have
changes in a patient's behavior, constipation is one of the first considerations.)
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Water
improves many skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dry skin and
rashes.
(Nothing can
deflate my good mood
faster than a big zit
right in the middle of my forehead!)
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Increase
your water intake if you are in a warmer climate, doing strenuous
activities, or are running a fever, grab
for the water before you grab for the tylenol or aspirin. If you
have an extremely high temperature call your doctor.
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If
you do drink caffeinated beverages, add two 8 oz glasses of water for
each 8 oz of caffeinated beverage. Caffeine is a diuretic,
it leads to dehydration. Caffeine is also a stimulant, and can
lead to nervousness,
sleeplessness, and irritability.
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We
lose water in many ways from our body, about 2 quarts a day,
approximately 1 pint from breathing, the rest from normal
sweating, urination, and bowel movements. When we are ill we
lose at a much faster rate.
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Drinking
one 8 oz glass of water prior to a meal reduces the amount you feel
like you "have to eat" by about 25%.
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The
Average adult needs at least 64 oz of water daily. Those taking
certain medications such as lithium and those over 200 pounds may need
a little more. Check with your doctor, especially if you have a kidney
or heart disorder. Don't drink your water all at
once... spread it out over the day.
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