The Benefits Of Water: The Foundation Of Health
By: Marcela Camargo and Kimberly McIntyre
It is hard to imagine a world without water. In fact, it would be impossible to have life as we know it without this colorless liquid.
The majority of the human body is made up by water (an average of 60%,) and it plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal bodily functions. It is even fair to say that hydration is the foundation of health. Yet, for some reason, many people don’t drink the amount of water that is necessary to function properly. Unfortunately, not drinking enough water can disrupt many essential body processes and lead to a number of health issues.
THE BENEFITS OF DRINKING WATER
To understand why not drinking the ideal amount of water can be the cause of several health problems, it is important to know what water does for the body.
Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells
Regulates temperature
Normalizes blood pressure
Aids in digestion/prevents constipation
Protects organs and tissues
Repairs muscle
Maintains electrolyte balance
Flushes bacteria from bladder
From digestion to circulation, it is impossible to have optimal health if we don’t drink enough water, and there is nothing that can substitute what water does for the body. Just like a car needs oil to run, the body needs water to function.
According to Dr. Axe, some of the most common side effects of dehydration include headaches, weight gain, lack of energy and detoxification, and a weak immune response.
Furthermore, a recent study conducted by the medical journal The Lancet, found that participants with high blood-sodium levels (which was associated with dehydration) aged faster than participants with lower levels. Moreover, participants in the first group were also more prone to suffer from chronic diseases.
HOW MUCH WATER SHOULD YOU DRINK?
The ideal amount of daily water intake has been debated over the years. In my experience, the best rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight (in ounces.) For example, if someone weighs 160 pounds, then the recommended water intake would be 80 ounces.
It’s also important to note that every person is different and the ideal amount of water intake will also depend on other factors like physical activity and diet.
TAP WATER VS. FILTERED WATER
The source of our water is just as important as the amount of water we drink.
Thankfully, in the United States, there are many ways in which we can have access to drinking water. However, the source of our water matters — and it matters more than you’d think. While tap water is an accessible and inexpensive way of getting drinking water, this is definitely not the most ideal option. Yes, even if it’s considered “safe to drink.”
The truth is, if you are drinking your water straight from the tap, chances are you are getting more than that. Although tap water goes through a process to get rid of toxic substances, there are many contaminants that still remain. Some of these include nitrates, bacteria, arsenic, fluoride, and/or lead. Sometimes it might not be the water that is contaminated but the pipes in which the water is traveling.
According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an analysis of contaminants in the country’s drinking water for the period 2010-2017, found that over 100,000 cancer cases could be associated with carcinogenic chemicals in tap water.
“The majority of this risk is due to the presence of arsenic, disinfection byproducts and radioactive contaminants," they wrote.
You may be asking, what is the best way to ensure our water is free (or close to free) of these toxic contaminants? By opting for a water filter.
Water filters will remove impurities and contaminants that are still present in tap water, and they come in all prices, shapes and sizes. With this being said, try to stay away from plastic water bottles. Although they claim to be “purified” and therefore “cleaner,” the plastic container defeats the purpose of trying to get better water. According to Dr. Axe, bottled water is full of hormone-distrupting chemicals, and can even increase cancer risks. It is no secret that plastic contains chemicals, so there is really nothing stopping the plastic bottle chemicals to get into your water.
SHOP QUALITY WATER FILTERS
APEC Water Systems ROES-50 Essence: Click here to buy
ZeroWater 10-Cup Ready-Pour 5-Stage Water Filter: Click here to buy
Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter: Click here to buy
TIPS TO STAY HYDRATED
The best thing about hydration is that there are many ways in which we can get our ideal daily water intake. Here are some things you can do to increase your water intake.
Get a fun water bottle: A great way to not forget to drink water is to carry a water bottle with you at all times. For some reason, having a water bottle can also motivate you to drink more water. Make sure to stay away from plastic as they can be very toxic.
Eat water-rich fruits & vegetables: There are many delicious fruits and vegetables that have high amounts of water. Some of them include: melons, strawberries, pineapple, celery, bell peppers, cucumber, lettuce and peaches.
Avoid diuretic beverages: Try to decrease your intake of diuretic beverages (such as coffee, soda, and alcohol.) When you drink a diuretic beverage, make sure to be mindful of your water intake to make up for the water you may lose.
Add some lemon: There are some people that don’t drink water because they don’t like how it tastes (or lack of taste.) Squeezing a lemon in your water will boost its flavor, plus it can aid in digestion.