Importance of Water

Water is one of the most essential requirements of our body. Muscles consist of 70% water and there is 75% of water in our brains. The major roles that water play in our body are: It carries the important nutrients in the body and this way our body gets rid of its waste, regulates body temperature, maintains required blood volume, eases constipation, assists medications in its work, prevents urine infections, suppresses appetite, is zero-calorie, and last but not the least boosts metabolism.

How much water does our body need?

A scientific estimation of the ounces of water you need in a day is arrived at if you half your body weight in pounds. If you want to avoid simple math, stick to the thumb rule that any adult should consume 8-10 glasses of water. A person who exercises more often needs 8-10 extra ounces of water. If you regularly consume alcohol you should drink equal quantity of water. You would require more water while you travel by air or live in dry climate. If one is addicted to caffeine s/he requires more water. You should ideally have half of your daily water before and half after lunch.

You can drink more water by following the simple steps:

-Take breaks to have water often during the day
-Begin main meals of the day with soup
-If you are found of juices make sure it’s made up of 80-100% juice (dieters should avoid ready-made juices as they are high on calorie)
-Carry a bottle of water with you
-Don’t include caffeine drinks in your water consumption

Signs of dehydration are: dry mouth, head ache, red skin, fatigue, high pulse, increased temperature, high rate of breathing, muscle spasm, puffy tongue and fever.

Water and Weight loss:

Water is a hunger suppressant which contains no calorie, it is better to have water for a dieter than juice, soda or other beverages. Dieters find water helpful as they temporarily don’t feel hungry after having water (using water just as a diet suppressant can be bad if you overdo it, as your body won’t get any nutrients).