Water: An Essential Nutrient
Water, Water Everywhere
And all the boards did shrink
Water, Water Everywhere
Nor any drop to drink
From: The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner
Water is an essential nutrient. As Chicagoans, our front door opens
onto a great body of water known as Lake Michigan, yet, many of us are
suffering from dehydration. Because of Lake Michigan, we have some of
the safest drinking water on the planet, so why aren't we drinking enough
water? There are many excuses but no genuine reasons.
The adult body is 55–75 percent water and the amount varies from
person to person. Water is fat- free and contains no calories. Almost
every bodily process needs water to function. Your body needs water
in greater supply than any other nutrient. Water regulates your body
temperature, it transports oxygen and other nutrients and it provides
a cushion for joints and helps to protect organs. Water is the basis
for blood, saliva, digestive juices and urine.
"Thrist is not an accurate gauge of fluid needs", according to Bob
Murray, Exercise Physiologist and Director of Exercise and Physiology
Laboratory in Barrington, Illinois. By the time we feel thirsty, we
are already slightly dehydrated. It's like adding oil to the crank case
in your car, by the time the light comes on, you are already at risk
of burning up the engine, which is very low.
So, when should one drink water - throughout the day? How much water
is enough? The amount needed by each person varies. Because your body
does not store water, a fresh supply is needed daily. The average adult
loses about 80 ounces of water per day. The general rule is to drink
8 to 12 cups of fluid each day to replenish supplies although there
are situations in which you need more water. Some examples include:
During varying levels of physical activity. After an intense
workout or while working out in the sun, more water is needed to maintain
normal body temperatures.
During exposure to extremely hot or cold weather.
During pregnancy and breast-feeding.
If you eat an extremely high fiber diet, extra water is needed
to prevent constipation.
When you are sick and suffering with a fever, diarrhea and vomiting,
more water is needed to replace the loss.
You are not likely to overdose on water as your body has the ability
to eliminate the excess through normal kidney function. The risk for
most people is in not getting enough water. Don't try to consume large
quantities of water at once. Drink water with meals and snacks and sip
water throughout the day.
A gulp of water is about an ounce. When drinking at a water fountain,
take at least eight gulps (count out eight gulps) and you will have
consumed about a cup of water. Don't just wet your lips and throat....drink
heartily.
Keep a bottle of water in the car, in your purse or backpack and sip
often. You will give a better performance, feel stronger and more energized
if you are fully hydrated. Drink non-caffeinated beverages before, during
and after any form of exercise. Take water breaks instead of coffee
breaks.
If you prefer bottled water to tap water - fine. If the tap water in
your community is questionable, bottled water is a good alternative.
Remember, all bottled water is not the same. Read the label to see what
you are drinking. Some bottle water contains added sugar and/or sodium.
As Americans we often take fresh water for granted, but in many parts
of the world it is a luxury. Drink more water and notice the improvement.
Spring
2000
Perennial Plant of the Year | Fertilizing
Your Lawn in Spring | Home Study Lawn Care Course
| Stay Safe When Mowing Your Lawn | PHS
Gold Medal Plant Award | Penn State Expert Offers
Tree Shoppers Well-Rooted Advice | Cybergarden
Sites | Bug Bites | Hort
Shorts | Hort Tips | Healthy
Body-The New Year's Resolution | Water: An Essential
Nutrient | Asparagus: Queen of Spring Vegetables
| Gardening: My Cousin Broccoli
| Health and Household Tips | Did
You Know?
Index
| Feedback
