March 26, 2012
H2O - The Other Food Group
As you can see the chemical makeup of water is two hydrogen elements and one oxygen element combined. This one chemical component makes up about 55 - 60% of our body weight. We hear so much about what foods to eat and hear very little about how much water to drink. Yet, water plays a very important role in our bodies daily processes. For example - drinking water is like giving your body a bath on the inside. It helps to cleanse all those waste products or used up items out of the body. It keeps the body lubricated and moist on the inside. If you have bowel problems - then getting enough fluid intake might be your answer. Almost every working systems in the body needs water to function properly according to the Mayo Clinic.
So, how much water do you need daily? We lose water every minute of every day as we breath, sweat, and through the other natural bodily functions which excrete waste. When it is hotter outside - we lose more water daily. According to the Mayo Clinic, women need about "9 cups of total beverages a day" and men need "13 cups" daily. We have all heard it said that we need to drink eight 8 ounces cups of water a day, but the Mayo Clinic says this statement should actually say "Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day, because all fluids count towards the daily intake." http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/NU00283
If you exercise, live in a hot climate, are pregnant, or breast-feeding you will need to increase your total fluids. Some people have health conditions that require restricting fluid intake. If pregnant, breast-feeding or have been prescribed to be on fluid restrictions, please talk with your Dr. about how much fluid you should be drinking daily! If you are sick with a temp or have nausea and vomiting, you should also drink more water. If you can not drink water, your Dr. may suggest other fluids to drink to help keep you hydrated.
One suggestion that I must make when talking about about fluid intake is be careful about not to drink all your daily caloric needs by drinking sugary drinks. Replace them with calorie free or low calorie choices. You may also need to monitor your caffeine intake. Remember - caffeine is a natural diuretic, which may increase the flushing of fluid out of your body and thus not be beneficial.
God made our bodies to need fluids, so take of this wonderful creation by remembering to give it a daily bath by drinking enough fluid everyday to remain healthy. By the way, you don't have to purchase bottle water, tap is fine and free!
In Christ,
Rhonda
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