Water has many important bodily functions…
It’s been estimated that 80% of all illnesses in the developing world are water-related, and that unsafe water worldwide kills almost 200 children every hour. A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.
Let’s look at some of water’s vital functions:
- Regulates body temperature: Water helps cool the body through perspiration.
- Lubricates joints: Water is a component of the synovial fluid that cushions the body’s joints and cartilage.
- Protects organs and tissues: Water protects the spinal cord and other sensitive tissues and organs.
- Carries nutrients and oxygen: Water carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells.
- Flushes out waste: Water helps the kidneys and liver remove waste from the body.
- Dissolves minerals and nutrients: Water dissolves minerals and nutrients so the body can absorb and use them.
- Maintains healthy skin: Water helps maintain the health and beauty of the skin.
- Aids digestion: Water helps with digestion and prevents constipation.
- Helps with weight loss. Water helps with weight loss by promoting feelings of fullness, and by boosting the metabolism slightly and aiding in the body’s natural fat-burning process.
- Boosts brain function. Seventy percent of the human brain is water. A dehydrated brain cannot work at full effectiveness.
- Helps regulate blood pressure. Water helps regulate blood pressure by helping to maintain blood volume, and by reducing strain on the heart.
- Helps with physical performance. Drinking water during exercise can improve your energy, lower your body temperature, and prevent cramps. This can help you exercise longer and more efficiently. It has been estimated that dehydration reduces physical performance by up to 40%. However, a caution is in order: over-drinking during exercise can, and has resulted in death.
- Helps prevent formation of kidney stones. Water dilutes urine so that the urine crystals can’t clump into stones. People who’ve had a kidney stone should drink at least two liters (eight cups), and ideally three liters (12 cups) of water daily.
- Many people imagine that if a little is good, a lot must be even better. This is not true for water. As noted above, drinking too much water can be fatal (known as water intoxication).
The amount of water a person should drink will depend on their age, gender, activity, health conditions, medications, and other factors.
Most “experts” recommend a minimum of three liters a day for men and about 2.5 liters a day for women. If you get thirsty, you are most likely already dehydrated. Best to carry a water bottle and sip regularly, whether you feel thirsty or not.
BREAKING NEWS!
Spaces are still available! Reserve for our Hawaii June Cleansing Retreat here.
May Peace and Happiness Be Ever Yours.
Drs. Connie and Marcel Hernandez
DrConnie@DrsHernandez.com
DrMarcel@DrsHernandez.com
650-796-9631 (voice and text)