HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · JULY 2018
The funny thing about water and our consumption of it is we don ’ t realize we need it until our throats are so parched we ’ re desperate to drink anything to quench our thirst . You see , our minds are filled with so much clutter from our day-to-day lives that drinking the recommended daily servings of water doesn ’ t even register with us . We ’ ve got what believe are more important things on our minds like sports , taxes , bills , unpredictable weather patterns , and a plethora of other nonessential items to scroll through . Who has time to think about water ?
But here ’ s the thing . Our bodies need water . We ’ re not talking a small sip you might take from a fountain . We mean our bodies NEED water . It ’ s about survival . Our body , as opposed to our mind , knows it needs water to function properly . It craves it like we might crave chocolate or ice cream , but in its case , that craving is vital to our existence . Most of us can live without a chocolate sundae , I hope .
Our bodies need far more water than we consume and much more than we might think . How could it not ? Almost all life functions rely on it , which explains why about 65 % of the human body is composed of this delicious , natural nectar . Water is as essential to life as the air we breathe . It ’ s utterly ridiculous to think anything different . It is the key component to having a body that functions as it should .
Now , when I say most of our bodily systems rely on water , I don ’ t mean a measly glass of it every now and then . In case you missed the message , water is a constant necessity . A continuous stream of it is essential to living a healthy life . Many people hear ( read ) this and nod their heads , signaling they understand how vital it is to our existence , but truth be told , none of us really appreciate its importance without a little education . The best way to educate a population is to be thorough , to explain down to the minute details why they should increase their water consumption to allow their bodies to do the jobs they were designed to do . With that being said , let me start a proper explanation that everyone can understand .
First and foremost , water is critical for the distribution of nutritional elements throughout our bodies and the maintenance of a healthy colon , the organ that rids the body of harmful toxins . In addition , the human body relies on water to purify the blood , improve circulation and reduce the risks of high blood pressure and cholesterol , stagnating diabetes . Water also helps the body remove toxins at the cellular level , alleviate stress on the liver and kidneys , recover from illnesses and reduce the risk of cancer . And for those moving up in age , water should be your best friend , because it lubricates joints , which aids in flexibility and reduces the symptoms of arthritis . It also helps prevent premature aging , reduces the risk of Alzheimer ’ s and helps maintain memory .
Another important function is the prevention of dehydration . Feeling thirsty is one thing but being dehydrated is another . Dehydration is beyond feeling thirsty . In fact , feeling thirsty is a sign that your body has already entered the early stages of dehydration . In such a state , the human body is not able to function properly , and the symptoms can be quite glaring . Some indicators especially if they are not isolated , are excessive thirst , fatigue , headache , dry mouth , little or no urination , muscle weakness and dizziness or lightheadedness . Lethargy , unconsciousness , sunken eyes , and / or the inability to drink properly are signs of severe dehydration and treatment should be sought immediately .
20 HEALTHY MAGAZINE