Water it is essential for our survival and for every cell in our bodies. We can go several weeks without food but only a couple of days without water. We lose water daily through the respiratory tract (breathing), gastro-intestinal tract (feces), skin (perspiration and sweating), and through the kidneys (urination). Water helps regulate our blood pressure and promotes cardiovascular health, keeps joints and tissue lubricated, and helps with weight management. Water is essential to maintain good health.
Cardiovascular health and blood pressure rely heavily on water intake and hydration. Our blood volume lowers when we become dehydrated, causing our heart to work harder to supply enough oxygen to our cells. A thicker blood volume can make the simplest task, such as walking up the stairs, seem more challenging. The more hydrated we are the thinner our blood, making it easier for the heart to pump blood throughout the body.
Water also helps to keep our joints and tissue lubricated. An example of how the lack of water effects your joints and tissues would be like turning on your windshield wipers on a sunny day. Without water (rain) the wipers do not function properly. They create an awful rubbing noise while scraping back and forth across the windshield. Our bodies joints and tissue are no different - if we are dehydrated, they will rub and cause joint pain.
Staying hydrated with water can help keep calorie count down. Many times, we think we are hungry, but we are simply dehydrated. Drink at least 8oz. of water and wait 5 minutes to see if you are still hungry.
Drinking water may be one of the easiest and least expensive things we can do to stay healthy. Make a conscious effort to keep yourself hydrated by making water your beverage of choice and you will enjoy the endless benefits of optimum hydration
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