water facts
Water is an important part of your daily diet, and is essential to good health.
Why Drink Water?
- Water is the nutrient that your body needs the most.
- It makes up 55 to 75% of your body weight (that's about 10 to 12 gallons).
- It's critical in regulating your body's temperature and
organ functions
- It moves nutrients through your the body
- Proper hydration can minimize chronic pains such as rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain, migraines, and colitis
- Proper hydration can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Water is naturally low in sodium, has no fat, cholesterol or caffeine
- It is absorbed by the body better than many other beverages
You should drink more water:
- The day before you travel
- When you're on a plane (8 oz. for every hour in the air)
- In summer-like weather
- When it’s extremely cold weather
- When you're sick
- For every caffeinated or alcoholic beverage you drink
- If you're nursing, for breast milk production
- If you smoke
Dehydration
Dehydration can lead to extreme health problems, even death. Here are a few signs to watch out for:
- A headachy feeling
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- High body temperature
- Decreased strength, endurance and coordination
- Cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Tips for drinking more water:
- Add a slice of lemon or lime for flavor
- Drink chilled water
- Spread portions over the course of a day, rather than all at once
- Keep a water bottle on your kitchen counter
- Take a water break instead of a coffee break
- Drink at the same times each day
