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.
Regardless of whether you're expecting or not, a healthy
diet should always be desired. This includes carbohydrates, proteins,
fats, minerals, vitamins, and adequate water.
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.
Want to learn more?
"So You Have Actively Trying To Get Pregnant" will teach you exactly what food and diet is needed for a healthy and quick pregnancy
