Water

Water is the most essential thing your body takes in next to oxygen. The average body is approximately 52% water by weight. Every cell in your body requires water to work properly.

The following are functions performed by water:

It carries nutrients to cells (including oxygen).
It is an essential element in the digestion and absorption of food.
It lubricates every joint in the body and provides a protective cushion for soft tissue.
It plays an important role in the maintenance of body temperature through perspiration.
It removes waste products from the body through expired air, sweat, feces and urine, as well as through blood and the lymphatic system.

Try to consume at least 4 cups of water a day; increase this according to the amount of exercise you do. One hour before exercising, drink 2-3 cups; then another 1-2 cups 15 minutes prior to starting. During exercise, take a mouthful every 15 minutes. After exercising, drink water until your urine turns pale.

Note that coffee CANNOT replace water! The caffeine in coffee acts as a diuretic, which can shut down the hormone regulating the water content in your body.

Here are the various amounts of water used by the body daily:

0.5 cups Intestines
1.3 cups Fluid breathed out
2.0 cups Lungs and respiratory organs
2.0 cups Skin
5.5 cups Kidneys

So we have lost 11.3 cups of water just through living!

For those who really find it difficult to drink water, try adding some lemon, lime, or cucumber to add flavour. On the cold days, a hot cup of water is always comforting. Fill up a travel mug and take it on the road with you. It may surprise you how easy it is to start replenishing your dehydrated body, and how much better you begin to feel.

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