So HOW Important IS Water?

Well, human life cannot exit without it!! We can survive for weeks, or even months, without food, but we can only live for a few days without water.  Our bodies are more than half of it!! So water is an essential nutrient and we shouldn't take advantage of it. We need plenty of water to maintain good health.

It has been said to us before that we should drink about eight glasses of water daily. Don't you think this is another "one-size-fits-all" recommendation? My doctor (Dr. Olivier) has suggested to me that I should drink the equivalent of half my weight in ounces of water daily. (I'm telling you, it's a hard task for me to do, but I keep trying.)

Here's an example:

If a person weighs 160 pounds, half of that is 80 -- the number of ounces you should be drinking. Eighty ounces is 10 eight ounce glasses. Anything less would be depriving your body of important nutrients.

Dr. Leigh Connealy, Newport Natural Health, also suggested to keep into consideration if you are taking any antihistamines or if the weather is dry or you just had an intense workout for these are important factors that may make a difference in your personal water intake. Personal water intake needs to be adapted for each individual's lifestyle.

Dr. Connealy also states there are controversies as to whether or not other liquids can replace water. A lot of experts do not agree! Some think that coffee, tea, wine, beer, soda, and similar beverages count toward the "eight glasses a day." Dr. Connealy disagrees and here's why...
"Caffeinated and carbonated beverages, for example, have a diuretic effect, increasing urination by irritating the bladder and creating the sensation that one needs to urinate. Furthermore, sodas and coffee increase the body's acidity, posing additional health risks..."

Being well hydrated means your body's organs have the water they need to function properly. Think about it; we lose water during our sleeping hours due to respiration (breathing) and perspiration. Plus our body has been undergoing a detoxification process while we sleep. Dr. Connealy says, "Drinking water first helps replace what was lost during sleep and helps remove toxins from the nighttime purification process, making water the "solution to pollution" that accumulates during the night."  So drink plenty of water first thing in the mornings, after you awake from your 7 to 9 hours of sleep, to rehydrate, BEFORE grabbing that cup of coffee. Your body just might appreciate it!!

Another very important factor.....Don't RISK Dehydration! Some people wait until they FEEL thirsty. THIRST is a sign of dehydration. I find it is always best to keep a bottle of water with me at all times and drink from it often.

Here's to your health!

The Lord heals your diseases, redeems your life from the pit, satisfies you with good, shows compassion to his children, and knows your frame. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Psalm 103: 3-14