Health and Beauty Guide to Water

THE BEVERAGE YOUR BODY NEEDS MOST

Health and Beauty Guide has taken a look at the beverage our need to survive. Our bodies are estimated to be 60 to 70% water. Blood is mostly water and our muscles, lungs and brain all contain a lot of water. Water is needed to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all of our organs. Water also transports oxygen to our cells, removes waste and protects our joints and organs.

SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION

Our bodies lose water through urination, respiration and sweating. If you very active it follows that you lose more water then if you are sedentary. Diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol cause us to lose water by tricking the body into thinking that you have more water than you need.
Symptoms of mild dehydration can include chronic pains in joints and muscles, lower back pain, headaches and also constipation. Your urine may have a strong odor and if the color has changed to yellow or amber, this could also mean that you are not getting enough water. Feeling thirsty is, an all too obvious sign of dehydration, but you actually need water long before you feel the thirst.

Other signs of Dehydration include:
• Dry Eyes
• Dry Sticky mouth
• Nausea after exercise

HOW MUCH WATER TO DRINK

A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight in pounds and then divide that number in half. This equates to the number of fluid ounces that you need to drink per day e.g. if you weigh 160 pounds you should be drinking at least 80 fluid ounces of water a day. Obviously this amount will differ with exercise. Generally another 8 ounce glass of water should be drunk for every 20 minutes of exercise. When drinking caffeine or alcohol, you should equal the amount with water. Traveling can also affect hydration levels and if flying, 8 fluid ounces of water should be consumed for every hour you are on board. Likewise, the climate in which you live will also determine the amount you drink. From these facts, you can see your daily need for water can add up to quite a lot.

The very best source of water is just plain, pure drinking water. Juices and carbonated drinks tend to contain sugar and can act as diuretics. Most sports drinks contain electrolytes which can be beneficial should you be exercising a lot.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY GUIDE TOP TIPS TO DRINKING WATER

1. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.
2. Drink water slowly, constantly sipping it throughout the day.
3. Don’t drink caffeinated drinks or alcoholic beverages which can dehydrate.
4. Drink water before, during and after exercise – slowly!
5. Carry a bottle of water where ever possible.
6. Remember fluids can be lost through perspiration as well as from diarrhoea
7. Sports drinks can help replenish lost electrolytes.
8. If your temperature exceeds 102 degrees – Call a doctor.

(From http://www.healthandbeautyguide.com)