Water is a key component in determining the quality of our lives. It has been ranked by experts as second only to oxygen as essential for life. In Rome many centuries ago, it used to be considered a major crime to pollute any water.
The average adult body is 55-75% water.
Aside from aiding in digestion and absorption of food, water regulates body temperature and blood circulation, carries oxygen and nutrients to cells, and flushes toxins and wastes out of cells. Conversely, dehydration can lead to many ailments ranging from arthritis and joint stiffness to allergies to headaches.
Among its many benefits, water plays a major role in weight loss. It is fat-free, cholesterol-free, suppresses the appetite and enhances the metabolism of stored fats. Not drinking enough water leads to excess body fat, poor muscle tone, low digestive function, increased toxicity, and joint and muscle soreness. Even mild dehydration will decrease one’s metabolism by 3%!
It is recommended to drink at minimum 8 glasses (8 ounces each) of pure-filtered water daily. It is further suggested that for those who are overweight, add one additional glass of water for every 25 pounds that you are overweight.
Members………….how much water are you drinking daily?
Remember……..coffee and pop do not count as water intake!!
Samantha, Bilingual Health Educator
