Fueling Up On Water Faster Than An Indy 500 Racecar In A Pitstop!
It's our body's vital fuel, a health drink
from Mother Nature! It's calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Yet few people follow the old fashioned advice to drink eight glasses of
water a day.
Most people drink when they are thirsty, but the beverage of choice tends to be some other
drink besides water. Americans drink two or three glasses of plain water a day, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey conducted in
the late 1970s. Based on an analysis of all fluid intakes by adults, it is said to total about two quarts of water a day, and this includes water
from foods and from other beverages. It's not usually necessary to actually swallow two quarts of plain water every day. However, people with
special problems such as kidney conditions might be the exceptions.
Americans drink eight gallons of bottled water a year, roughly two ounces or a quarter-cup a
day, according to the International Bottled Water Association. Californians drink three times the national average of bottled water, downing 24
gallons a year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and seasons of the year play a role in one's thirst also, and just as we tend to perspire more in
the summer months, we also tend to drink more water.
Boosting intake of plain water makes good sense, many experts concur, because water eases
digestion and regulates body temperature.
Water also bathes the cells and accounts for about 60 percent of body weight. And it can help
us exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can ward off constipation and maybe even crankiness. And since it's a natural appetite
suppressant, water can help us lose weight and keep it off. It can help keep skin healthy, although it won't necessarily banish acne.
Who should drink water? We all should, but pregnant women, nursing mothers and athletes should
be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise. There are certain workers who seem
to have a more difficult time developing the water-drinking habit. Among those who don't normally drink enough water are teachers, airline
attendants and nurses.
Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during
exercise reduces cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to replace the fluids you have lost.
Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body temperature
thus making the whole exercise process safer.
Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney stones because it dissolves
calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.
Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water, and it has been documented that drinking water mostly before
6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood of nocturnal bathroom visits.
It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract infections, both for men
and for women. Too busy to count how many glasses a day you drink? There are other ways to calculate if your intake is sufficient. Dark-colored
urine often suggests you aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by starting with a glass of water with every meal, then work in a cup
between meals.
Why don’t you go pour yourself a nice cool glass of water right now!! :-)
About the author:
Jerold Johnson is the author of the brand NEW book that spoofs Atkins and the dieting industry.
"Dr. Bobby FATkins" takes a delightful look at the whole Atkins craze and brings a helping heaping of laughter and encouragement to you! He also
writes the free weekly Dr-FATkins Healthy News eZine that provides tips, tricks and resources to improving your dieting and life. Please
visit http://www.Dr-FATkins.com
Written by: Jerold Johnson
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