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Fueling Up On Water
It's our body's vital fuel, a health drink from mother nature. It's
calorie-free, inexpensive and easily obtained. Yet few people follow the old fashioned
advice to drink eight glasses of water a day.
Most people drink when they are thirsty, but the beverage of choice
tends to be some other drink besides water. Americans drink two or three glasses of plain
water a day, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture survey conducted in the late
1970. Based on an analysis of all fluid intake by adults, it is said to total about two
quarts of water a day, and this includes water from foods and from other beverages. It's
not usually necessary to actually swallow two quarts of plain water every day. However,
people with special problems such as kidney conditions might be exceptions.
Americans drink eight gallons of bottled water a year, roughly two
ounces or a quarter-cup a day, according to the International Bottled Water Association.
Californians drink three times the national average of bottled water, downing 24 gallons a
year, or nearly a cup a day. Climate and seasons of the year play a role in one's thirst
also, and just as we tend to perspire more in the summer months, we also tend to drink
more water. Boosting intake of plain water makes good sense, many
experts concur, because water eases digestion and regulates body temperature.
Water also bathes the cells and accounts for about 60 percent of body weight. And it can
help us exercise longer and more efficiently. Drinking water can ward off constipation and
maybe even crankiness. An since it's a natural appetite suppressant, water can help us
lose weight and keep it off. It can help keep skin healthy, although it won't necessarily
banish acne.
Who should drink water? We all should, but pregnant women, nursing
mothers and athletes should be especially careful to drink a sufficient amount. When it is
hot or humid, upping water intake is also wise. There are certain workers who seem to have
a more difficult time developing the water-drinking habit. Among those who don't normally
drink enough water are teachers, airline attendants and nurses.
Drinking fluids, particularly, water, during exercise reduces
cardiovascular stress and improves performance. After a strenuous workout, you have to
replace the fluids you have lost. Otherwise, you will suffer chronic dehydration. Drink
water before, during and after exercising, and remember that water reduces body
temperature thus making the whole exercise process safer.
Water can be especially helpful for people with a history of kidney
stones because it dissolves calcium in the urine, reducing the risk of stone formation.
Among physicians, urologists are probably most likely to extol the virtues of water, And
it has been documented that drinking water mostly before 6 P.M. can reduce the likelihood
of nocturnal bathroom visits.
It is interesting to note also that water helps prevent urinary tract
infections, both for men and for women. Too busy to count how many glasses a day you
drink? There are other ways to calculate if your intake is sufficient. Dark-colored urine
often suggest you aren't drinking enough water. Get into the habit by starting with a
glass of water with every meal, then work in a cup between meals.
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