Water Has 12 More Benefits Than Just Quenching Thirst

Water does more than just quench your thirst.  Water is essential to keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy.  Over 90% of blood plasma contains water.  About half of the volume of blood in the body is made up of water.  When you don’t drink enough water, it negatively affects your blood pressure and circulation.  

When you drink sufficient water, you can prevent dehydration, a condition that can lead to: unclear thinking; mood changes; overheating; constipation and bladder/kidney stones. 

Body Water Percentage by Organ (Mitchell et. al, 1945)

Brain & Heart Lungs Skin Muscles & Kidneys

73% 83% 64% 79%

Benefits of Drinking Water

1.    Regulate normal body temperature

2.    Lubricate and cushion joints

3.    Protect body organs and tissues and maintain sufficient hydration in body tissues and cells

4.    Moisturize the skin to maintain its texture and appearance

5.    Protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissue

6.    Carries nutrients (vitamins & minerals) and oxygen (O2) to cell

7.    Metabolize and transport carbohydrates and proteins in the bloodstream. 

8.    Help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism, such as excess electrolytes (e.g. Sodium and Potassium), and Urea, etc.

9.    Get rid of wastes through urination, perspiration and bowel movements. Lessen burdens on the KIDNEYS and LIVER by flushing out waste products

10.    Reduce the risks of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) by keeping the bladder clear of bacteria

11.    No calories and a good source to supplement sugary beverage

12.   Balance pH in the body.

How much water do you need?

We lose approximately 8 - 12 cups of water through breathing, perspiring, urinating and bowel movements. 

 In general:

 Men need at least

12 cups of fluids, daily  (includes water, fruits & vegetables contain water and other beverages e.g. juice, milk, tea, coffee and soup)                           

Women need at least

9 cups of fluids, daily (includes water, fruits & vegetables contain water and other beverages e.g. juice, milk, tea, coffee and soup)

                                              
Additional Factors to Consider Regarding Water Intake:

1. Exercise and sports, prolonged physical activity.

2. Hot weather

3. High altitude (e.g. A traveller can lose approx. 1.5 liters of water during a 3-hour flight)

4. High-fiber diet

5. Consumption of caffeine and alcohol

6. Medications and supplements intake

7. Fever and illness

8. Diarrhea or vomiting

9. Pregnancy or breastfeeding (women)

A Practical Way to Monitor Hydration Level – Observe Your Urine right after you get up in the morning

Get up in the morning,

the 1st urination shows Color of the Urination

* Body hydrated Light-color clear urine

* Dehydrated (need more Dark-color urine (like water intake) apple juice)

Tips for people who dislike drinking water –

1. Add a slice of lemon or lime, some strawberries or mint leaves to plain water to add variety. 

2. Another option is to add a splash of fruit juice to water to make it taste better

3.   Keep a bottle or glass of water handy with you at all times.

4. Drink water with each meal and snack.

5. For frequent urination, try to eat more fruits or vegetables with high water content every day (e.g cucumber, melons, pear, peach, orange, grapefruits, grapes, etc.)

Keep The Digestive Tract Healthy

Drink 2 cups of warm water when you get up in the morning. This will give a flush to the digestive tract for better bowel movement. Refreshing the system is a great way to start the day.