Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The secret to good health - Drink 8 glasses of water daily

By Angela Giles

Did you know that 66% of our body is nothing but water? Most organs and even bones contain water. That makes water a lifeline. Drinking adequate amounts of water plays a critical role in maintaining optimal health and keeps all the systems running smoothly. Even a minor deficiency of water causes an alarm to be raised and we start to feel thirsty. The main benefits of water are:

Water nourishes the body - 83% of blood is water and blood plays the role of carrying nutrients to various parts of the body. The brain is almost wholly dependent on the supply of blood for its energy and when it does not get its supply, it cries out with a headache. Dehydration is the common cause of cramps and muscle spasms. 'Drink lots of water' is advised to pregnant women as this keeps the nausea and headaches at a distance.

Detoxification of the body - Water not only supplies nutrients, it also removes the numerous toxins and waste products produced in the body as sweat, urine and mucus. Drinking adequate quantities of water daily can prevent painful diseases like kidney stones & liver malfunctions. Water improves the process of digestion and also keeps acidity levels to the minimum.

Water makes the skin look younger - Water supplies nutrients and moisture to the skin. This keeps the skin healthy and also gives it a glow. Regular habit of drinking water prevents the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the face. Many beautiful women will vouch for the miraculous age-defying powers of water. Drinking water is the simplest way to reduce unwanted pounds because water dissolves excess fat during metabolic activity.

Despite all these benefits, most of us do not pay attention to our drinking habits. Instead of water, we consume coffee, tea and other drinks rich in caffeine. It is well known that caffeine causes dehydration and we tend to feel thirsty. But instead of choosing water, we drink more caffeine thus creating further dehydration.

Normal human beings require 8 glasses of water everyday. It might vary depending on your age, weight and body size, but not too much. If you engage in athletic activities, your water requirements will be more than normal. No one has ever reported sick because of drinking more water. Always carry a water bottle with you so that you will not drink sodas and other dehydrating fluids.

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