subject: Improve Your Health Drinking More Water [print this page] Author: Dany Stevens Author: Dany Stevens
Have you wondered how an increased intake of water would improve your health? You probably know that water is essential for our nutrition, that it constitutes about 60% of an adult persons body weight, and that without it our body would simply not function. But have you considered the benefits of increasing your water intake. Water plays a fundamental role in the digestion process as it acts as a catalyst for the enzymatic activity that breaks food down into its smaller components. It then transports those nutrients throughout our body so that they can be taken up by tissues such as glands, bone and muscle. Furthermore, it is vital for the kidneys, which ensure a healthy waste excretion and regulate blood pressure, among other functions that control the metabolism. Failure to intake enough water can result in body temperature imbalances, excess body fat, and because the body tries to compensate for the lack of it, fluid retention, which leads to hand and feet swelling, stiff joints, and fast weight gain. If you suffer from headaches, low back pain, heartburn, stomach ache, or even overweight, you may not be drinking enough water. So, how much water should I drink? The exact amount will depend on many factors, including your body weight, metabolism and daily activity. Talk to your physician to get an accurate advice. At the International Sports Medicine Institute, the recommendation is one ounce of water per two pounds of body weight for light daily activity, or two thirds of an ounce per pound for heavy activity. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds and you are not very active, you should drink eleven eight-ounce glasses). If you are an athlete and weigh the same, you should be drinking 15 glasses. We know we cant live without water, but we tend to forget how much we really need it, especially because we start to feel thirsty until body fluids are below the optimal level. We shouldnt need to wait to feel thirsty to drink water as much as we dont need to be starving to eat. Consider increasing your water intake and chances are that your overall health will improve.About the Author:
