Complimentary Edition Volume 1 Complimentary Edition Volume 1 | Page 10

HEALTHYheart

Are you thirsty ? In this modern day culture the urban dictionary defines “ thirsty ” as being too eager or desperate . This definition has nothing to do with the body sending electrical signals to your brain to remind you to drink a glass of water . In the world of healthy living , one should never be thirsty . Thirst is a symptom of dehydrati on . Dehydration is when your body loses more fluid than you take in . When this happens , there is not enough water for the body to function .

The importance of being hydrated is necessary for existence . Water makes up sixty percent of your body weight and one cannot live without water for more than a few days . Drinking the proper amount of water a day is crucial to life . How much water should one drink in a day ? It varies , based on body weight and amount of physical activity .
The 8 to 8 ratio : 8 glasses of 8 ounces of water a day is recommended . Drinking the proper amount of water a day allows your body and organs to carry out the natural functions of the body . One important function of water is to detoxify your body . Water helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins that accumulate in your body throughout the day . Toxins can form into free radicals which could lead to many deadly diseases including certain types of cancers . Unfortunately too many people believe drinking fluids such as coffee , soda , energy drinks or even sport drinks will give them the proper amount of hydration . Not so . These drinks are full of caffeine and sugars which can dehydrate the body further . There benefits of drinking the proper amount of water per day .
During an interview with Sheen magazine , hip hop icon MC Lyte was asked , can you give us at least three beauty secrets on how you stay looking so young . Mc Lyte replied ..” water , water , water .” Enough said . If you are searching for the fountain of youth , drink water . Water allows your skin to stay firm and keep the elastic property which gives you that youthful appearance . Also , drinking the proper amount of water a day can help you lose weight . Drinking water also prevents snacking on fatty , processed foods .
Signs that you are dehydrated and need to drink more water .
• Your skin is sagging around the eye area .
• You are not urinating or sweating .
• If your urine has a dark yellow color or has a heavy ammonia smell to it , you better drink a bit more water as Money Mike said in the cult classic movie , “ Friday ”. Increased thirst
Final point , drinking any kind of water can sometimes offset the benefits . Alkaline water that has a ph of 7.5 is my recommendation . Studies have shown that certain cancers cannot live in a highly alkaline body . In the future , I ’ ll explore alkaline and acidic bodies . As for now , don ’ t be thirsty , drink up and remember your health is your wealth !!
Sauya J is a freelance writer for THE SOUL- TOWN magazine . He is the rhythm & blues reviewer for the UNI Panther newspaper and has written three books including his latest “ How to Gain Your God Conscious in 100 Days .” Sauya ’ s passion for healthy living started in March 23 , 2011 when he was diagnosed with elevated levels of cholesterol . Sauya made a conscious decision to eating a healthy alkaline based diet which consist of leafy vegetables and fruits .

THIRSTY ?

Your health is your wealth

10 HEALTHYheart
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