What Drinking Water Can Do for Your Health
With conflicting medical opinions about what we should and shouldn’t be eating and drinking, many people wonder whether the benefits of drinking water have been oversold. With some medical experts now recommending drinking coffee every day, you may be tempted to swap your water bottle for a cappuccino. Before you do anything hasty, you should be aware of what drinking more water can actually do for your health.
Why Water?
According to Joan Koelemay, RD, a dietitian for the industry group The Beverage Institute, we should consider water as a vital nutrient needed by the body. Some of the water our bodies require is gotten through foods, but the majority is gotten through water and other beverages we drink. Fluid loss is continually occurring through breathing, skin evaporation and going to the bathroom. These losses need to be replaced to ensure good health. When our water output exceeds our intake we can become dehydrated, which can have a serious impact on our health. Hydration has a huge impact on energy levels and brain function. While other beverages can replenish our fluid levels, water is the most neutral and beneficial.
Water Maintains Fluid Balance:
The fluid balance of the human body is extremely important. The body is composed of approximately 60% water, and it is needed for a range of body functions including digestion, circulation, transportation of oxygen and nutrients, maintaining body temperature and eliminating waste.
Water Helps Manage Body Weight:
For many years, dieters have been advised to drink plenty of water to assist in their weight loss attempts. Although water is not a magical weight loss potion, many people often mistake needing fluid for hunger pains. This can mean that if you are not drinking enough, you may be filling up on calorie-laden foods. By drinking water before meals it makes you feel fuller so you eat fewer calories. Additionally, some research suggests that drinking cold water can help boost metabolism and encourage weight loss.
Water Helps to Energize Muscles:
Cells that do not have the proper balance of fluids tend to shrivel up, which can lead to muscle fatigue. Muscle cells that lack fluids don’t correctly function which can compromise performance. According to the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines, we should drink 17 ounces of water or fluids approximately two hours before physical activity. We should also drink fluid at regular intervals during exercise to compensate for losses through sweating.
Water Helps Organ Function:
The liver, heart, kidneys and other vital organs rely on body fluids to maintain proper function. For example, the kidneys require fluid to transport waste products out of the cells. If you fail to drink sufficient amounts of water, your kidneys may not be able to cleanse the body of toxins, which could compromise the health and wellbeing. A good indicator of kidney function and overall hydration is to check the color of your urine. When you are adequately hydrated, your urine should be light in color if it is darker, or has an odor, it is an indication that you are not drinking enough.
If you are concerned about your health and wellbeing, you should consider whether you are drinking enough good quality fluids. Sugary sodas, caffeinated drinks, and fruit juices will provide fluid, but they can increase calorie consumption and may contain sugars. A far better solution is good quality water, which not only tastes great but also will ensure that you are properly hydrated for maximum health benefits with no caloric side effects.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can get good quality water directly in your home or business, contact your local water treatment professional to learn about the various options available to you in terms of R.O., filtering, water treatment and bottled delivery in your area.
About The Author, Terry Reeh, EcoWater Systems of Nebraska:
With more than 25 years experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Terry is a WQA (Water Quality Association) certified water specialist, LEVEL 3, as well as a WQA certified sales representative. EcoWater Systems of Nebraska is one of the biggest water treatment and water delivery businesses in the state and Terry currently sits on EcoWater Systems (a Berkshire Hathaway Company) national Peers committee, as a water treatment expert advising other water professionals with less experience on best trade and technology practices.