Here are the benefits of appropriate intake of fresh water:
- The brain is 75% water so that even moderate dehydration can cause headaches and dizziness
- Water is required for expiration
- Regulates body temperature
- Carries nutrients and oxygen to all cells in the body
- Blood is 92% water
- Moistens oxygen for breathing
- Protects and cushions vital organs
- Helps to convert food into energy
- Helps body absorb nutrients
- Removes waste
- Bones are 22% water
- Muscles are 75% water
- Cushions joints
Source: The International Bottled Water Association.
Water: How 8 Glasses a day Keeps Fat away
Incredible as it may seem, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in losing weight and keeping it off. Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only “true magic potion” for permanent weight loss.
Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat:
Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Here's why: The Kidneys can’t function properly without enough water. When they won’t work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the livers primary functions is to metabolize stored fat into usable energy for the body. But if the liver has to do some of the kidneys work, it can’t operate at full throttle. As a result, it metabolizes less fat, more fat remains stored in the body, and weight loss stops.
Drinking Enough Water is the best treatment for fluid retention.
When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extra cellular spaces (outside the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. Diuretics offer a temporary solution at best. They force out stored water along with some essential nutrients. Again, the body perceives a threat and will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns.
The best way to overcome this problem with water retention is to give the body what it needs-PLENTY OF WATER! Only then will stored water be released. If you have a constant problem with water retention, excess salt may be to blame. Your body will tolerate sodium only in a certain concentration. But getting rid of unneeded salt is easy- Just drink more water. As water is forced through the kidneys, it takes away excess sodium.
The Overweight person needs more water than the thin one:
Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water.
Water Helps to Maintain Proper Muscle:
Water gives muscles their natural ability to contract and prevents dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss – shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumbs the skin and leaves it clear, healthy and resilient.
Water helps rid the body of waste:
During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of- all that metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste.
Water can help relieve constipation:
When the body gets too little water, it siphons what it needs from internal sources. The colon is one primary source. Result? CONSTIPATION, But when a person drinks enough water normal bowel function usually returns.
So far we’ve discovered some remarkable truths about water and weight-loss:
- The body will not function properly without enough water and can’t metabolise stored fat efficiently
- Retained Water shows up as excess weight.
- To get rid of excess water you must drink more water.
- Drinking is essential to weight loss.
How much water is enough?
On average, a person should drink 8-ounce glasses (about 2 litres) of water everyday. However the overweight person needs one additional glass for every 25 pounds of excess weight. The amount you drink also should be increased it you exercise briskly or if the weather is hot and dry.
Water should be preferably cold - it is absorbed into the system more quickly than warm water. And some evidence suggests that drinking cold water can actually help burn calories.
To utilize water most efficiently during weight loss, follow this schedule:
- Morning - 1 litre consumed
- Noon - 1 litre consumed
- Evening - 1 litre consumed
When the body gets the water it needs to function optimally, its fluids are perfectly balanced. When this happens, you have reached the break through point.
What does this mean?
- Endocrine gland function improves.
- Fluid retention is alleviated as stored water is loss
- More fat is used as fuel because the liver is free to metabolise stored fat.
- Natural thirst returns.
- There is a loss of hunger almost over night.
If you stop drinking water, your body fluids will be thrown out of balance again, and you may experience fluid retention, unexplained weight gain and loss of thirst. To remedy the situation you’ll have to go back and force another "breakthrough".
Water is Health:
Most people are aware that they should drink more water because it is so important for good health. But did you know?
- Water assists in weight loss and weight control by suppressing appetite, eradicating water retention and maintaining muscle tone.
- Serves to cleanse the system of toxins and impurities.
- Aids the normal chemical reactions in the body required for digestion.
- Carries necessary nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood.
- Coffee and tea actually dehydrates the body.
After all, water is the most natural, healthy drink available in the world. Unlike other drinks even juices; you can never drink too much clean, refreshing water. Doctors Recommend 8 glasses per day!
Water is Health
Most people are aware that they should drink more water because it is so important for good health.
But did you know?
Water assists in weight loss and weight control by suppressing appetite, eradicating water retention and maintaining firm muscle tone.
- Serves to cleanse the system of toxins and impurities.
- Aids the normal chemical reactions in the body required for digestion.
- Carries necessary nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood.
- Coffee and tea actually dehydrates the body.
After all, water is the most natural, healthy drink available in the world. Unlike other drinks even juices; you can never drink too much clean, refreshing water. Doctors Recommend 8 glasses per day!
Keep Hydrated!
Some have argued that the effect of being allowed to drink water as and when it is needed might in itself be a positive thing. Perhaps having a physical reprieve from focussed attention in classroom learning in order to visit the water dispenser may also be a good thing. Simply having water present may also have a therapeutic value. It does seem that the presence of individual sports type bottles with fresh water individualises water intake choice for classroom learners. This self-regulation may be at the heart of the successes schools report. The practical experience of many UK schools sits alongside recent research which suggests drinking it in the right circumstances is very important.
Try these ideas for helping the youngsters in your class to stay hydrated:
- Educate children about the benefits of drinking water
- Encourage children to bring in a sports bottle of water each day, or install a water cooler in each classroom
- Role model by drinking less tea, soft drinks or coffee yourself - caffeinated drinks act as diuretics
- Include information about the importance of hydration and the school policy about drinks in the school prospectus
- Review what is eaten at break time. Fruits and vegetables can contain as much as 95 percent water
- Install plenty of water fountains
- Keep a glass of water on your desk. Remember that your brain needs water too!
- Do some simple experiments in class that illustrate the poor nutritional value of sugary drinks
- Display posters about the importance of being hydrated