Water

Chemically comprised of Hydrogen and Oxygen, two chemicals essential for human life, water is an extremely valuable resource to human existence, we can only survive a few days without its life giving presence.

The human body is about 60% water. In most tissues water is the main substance, accounting for 60% of red blood cells, 75% of muscle tissue and 92% of blood plasma.

FUNCTIONS OF WATER IN THE HUMAN BODY

  • Water is required as a transport mechanism to absorb many nutrients into the body.
  • Water is required for many chemical reactions in the body.
  • Water helps to regulate temperature in the body similar to a radiator in a car.
  • Acts as a lubricant to reduce friction in joints where bones ligaments and tendons rub against one another. It is also important where organs touch and slide over each other such as the in the chest while breathing and twisting.
  • Helps to maintain the balance of Acid and Alkaline in the body.

It is no wonder many health conditions can be treated by increasing water intake into the body.

“The solution to pollution is dilution”

SO HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD I DRINK?

The daily recommendations of water intake varies from person to person and is dependant on age, environment (temperature, air-conditioning), food intake, smoking, pollution, exercise and kidney health.

However the following is a general guide: a daily water intake of 35 ml per kilogram of body weight, increasing to 42ml per kilogram of body weight when exercising or in extreme heat conditions.

The consumption of tea, coffee and diuretics in the diet causes a loss of water from the body. It is recommended that for every one cup of coffee or tea you drink in a day, the equivalent amount of plain water should be taken to rehydrate the body and replenish the store of water which is lost through the kidneys and processing.

Water is lost from the body via the kidneys, faeces, respiration, urine and perspiration. On average the body loses more than 2 litres of water each day through these channels. During exercise the body is capable of losing up to 3 litres of water per hour.

TYPES OF WATER

There are different types of water and they are sourced in different ways; these are available either naturally or bottled. It is important to know that a small amount of minerals in our water is needed to assist the water to pass the cell membranes within the body.

  • Artesian Water – drawn from a well that taps a confined aquifer.
  • Ground Water – obtained from a body of Water that is not in contact with any surface water.
  • Mineral Water – drawn from an underground source that also contains at least 250 ppm of dissolved solids.
  • Purified Distilled Water or deionized water – has all the Minerals, including the solids, removed.
  • Sparkling Water – naturally carbonated.
  • Spring Water – derived from an underground formation from which the Water flows naturally to the surface of the earth.
  • Sterile Water – has had all the microorganisms removed.

TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE

  • Start the day with a glass of warm water with lemon juice squeezed into it
  • Don’t rely on soft drinks, juice, tea or coffee as a water source, these will only cause further thirst and dehydration
  • Drink herbal teas, especially in winter time as these are a great way to keep you warm and provide extra antioxidants to your diet
  • Eat more juicy fruits like watermelon
  • Get into the habit of taking a water bottle with you wherever you go.
  • There are many good water filtration systems available these days. Fill up each day before you leave the house and you will have a good water supply to get you through the day.

Water is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and regular intake will help to maintain energy throughout the day and contribute to a feeling of wellbeing. Many people confuse the thirst signal for hunger cravings. If you know you have had adequate amount of food to sustain for a period try having a few glasses of water to satisfy your cravings.