WATER IS ESSENTIAL

Water is an essential element that we need to consume on a daily basis.  The reason being is that the body is comprised of approximately 60% water and requires it to function properly.  Some of the vital roles that water fulfills include carrying nutrients to cells and removing wastes, maintaining body temperature, lubricating and absorbing shock in joints, and it is the medium for many metabolic reactions within the cells.

When one is thirsty, that is the first sign of dehydration and should not be ignored.  Even a 5% water loss can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and an elevated heart rate.  It is important to not ignore these symptoms, since they can be detrimental to your health.

A variety of factors determine how much water a person needs on a daily basis.  Under moderate conditions the body looses approximately 2 liters of water each day through urine, sweat, feces, and breathing.  The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI) recommendation for water intake under moderate environmental conditions is 13 cups/day for men and 9 cups/day for women.  Some conditions that require an increase of water intake include the consumption of high fiber diets, hot weather, high altitudes, physical activity, increased protein ingestion, excessive sodium or sugar consumption, pregnancy, and breastfeeding, as well as prolonged diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.

Since water is such a vital component to good health, make a habit of having water near you and sipping on it throughout the day.  This simple act can keep your body functioning properly and is one essential element of a healthy lifestyle.