Water is important for the human body.  The body cannot work without it, just as a car cannot run without gas and oil.  In fact, all our cell and organ functions depend on water.

Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body, and without it, humans would die in a few days.  The human brain is made up of 95% water, blood is 82% and lungs 90%.  A 2% drop in our body’s water supply can trigger signs of dehydration: fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen.  Mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.

Water also plays a key role in the prevention of disease. Dr inking eight glasses of water daily can decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, bladder cancer by 50% and it can potentially even reduce the risk of breast cancer.  And those are just a few examples!  As you follow other links on our website, you can read more in depth about how water can aid in the prevention and cure of many types of diseases, ailments and disorders that affect the many systems of our bodies. 

And you know what the best news about drinking water for health benefits is? It's virtually free! You can drink over 4,000 glasses of tap water for the price of a six-pack of your favorite cola.

ARE YOU GETTING ENOUGH?

We’ve all heard that drinking water will help keep us healthy.  But how much is really enough?

The experts have always said, on average, that eight glasses per day.  However, that might not be enough. Most adults will lose between two to three quarters of water per day by way of normal body functions, but athletes and those who live in work in warmer environments tend to lose more.  For those people, drinking more water will make up for the bigger loss of water they had through perspiration, as well as in the regulation of body temperature.

Our bodies are made up of 55-70% water, but it does not replenish itself, so drinking water helps maintain that healthy balance.  But even still, many will walk around dehydrated, most of the time unknowingly.  That is because thirst is a poor indicator of dehydration. By the time someone gets thirsty, it is too late!  Or, if one is thirsty, they may go for a beverage that does not actually replenish the body.  A cold soda may feel nice going down, but beverages with caffeine are not meant to hydrate.  Water is the best remedy for dehydration.  If mild dehydration sets in, it can decrease one's energy level and mental functioning and increase stress on the body. 

There are three important rules when it comes to drinking water:

1. Drink twice as much as it takes to quench your thirst.
2. Drink frequently throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
3. Drink at least eight glasses daily, or one cup for every 20 pounds of body weight. For example, a 150-pound person who does not exercise or work in hot climates needs 7.5 cups.

The best indicator that one is drinking enough water is when urine comes out pale yellow to clear. A dark yellow color, however, is a sign your body is dehydrated and is concentrating the urine in an effort to conserve water.

CAN OTHER DRINKS REPLACE WATER?

Are you one of those people who always have a can of soda at your desk?  You may want to think about taking a trip to the water cooler instead. 

The sugar in soda, usually containing 9 teaspoons, can over time cause you to pack on the pounds.  That much sugar can compromise the immune system for up to 12 hours?    Drinking diet cola?  Caffeine is another major issue for not just soda drinkers, but coffee and energy drink buffs as well.  Caffeine consumption can cause dehydration and when not consumed, terrible headaches, shakes and irritability.  While a morning boost may not have serious long-term effects, constant consumption will indeed take a toll on the body.

The biggest, most important reason to steer clear of the fizzy beverage is mineral depletion.  The long term the effects of colas are devastating to the body. Acidity, sugars, and artificial flavors and sweeteners can actually shorten your life. There is enough acid in a can of soda to kill, that is, if our body did not contain mechanisms to neutralize it.  Our body’s precious minerals, such as calcium, are being used for this instead of what they are intended for!  Did you know that it takes 32 glasses of water to neutralize the acid from one 12 oz. cola or soda?  Wow!

Sports drinks are said to be a good choice by athletes needing to replenish minerals.  However, people should caution themselves to not drink them recreationally.  Many times parents will let children drink them because of the ‘cool’ flavors.  Sports drinks also contain sodium, as well as a significant concentration of carbohydrates and calories.

Other drinks that cannot be replaced by water are coffee and tea.  Much has been said about coffee drinks as a source of fat and empty calories. Many of these coffee specialty drinks have become more like desserts and should be treated as such, not drank on a regular basis.  Coffee may be a great way to wake up in the morning, but after 8 hours of sleep, bodies need to be hydrated again, not dehydrated, as coffee will do.  Need to wake up?  Replenish your body with water and do some stretches or go for a walk or run to get the blood pumping.

Reading about the harmful effects of these drinks should shed some light on the benefits of our great natural resource:  water!