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Water
 An average person's body is made up 60% to 70% of water. This fact alone makes water one of
the most important nutrient for our body. Water is the universal solvent. It is necessary for life and good health.
Adequate water consumption is vital for all energy production within the body,
for temperature control (especially during exercise), for transportation of nutrients
and waste products, and for the lubrication of the joints. Unless adequate water is consumed, the person
is risking dehydration that could result in impaired exercise, fatigue, faulty regulation of body temperature,
and potential heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
How much water should we drink?
It is recommended that the average person drinks around 8-10 glasses of water a day.
However, this will not be enough for a very active person or in very hot summer temperatures.
Unfortunately, not everybody drinks the adequate amount
of water a day and this can have long term consequences on the body.
What are the signs of dehydration (lack of water in the body)?
Dry mouth
Headache
Heartburn
Irritability and depression
Low back pain
Recurring or chronic pain
Stomach ache
Water retention
One should not wait for a dry mouth before drinking, because a dry mouth is actually one
of the last signs of dehydration before bodily
functions become compromised. Dehydration produces system disturbances. Damage is occurring to the body before this symptom appears.
By the time a person feels a dry mouth, the
body is already in an advanced stage of dehydration from an optimum health perspective.
Does coffee count as water intake?
People often think that drinking cups of tea, coffee or even alcohol makes up for not
drinking water. This is incorrect, because beverages with caffeine and alcohol are diuretics and aggravate dehydration.
Instead of quenching your thirst these drinks can actually make you feel more thirsty.
When is the best time to drink?
The best time to drink water is one half hour before eating and two and one half
hours after a meal.
To be on the safe side, drink two glasses upon awaking and one more glass before retiring.
Exercise daily to keep fit for life.
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