Doing the H2O

by Jon Fiume
August 18, 2006

Let's just get to the point of what many of us already know; we need eight to ten glasses of water a day! We've heard it time and time again. But why do most of us not even come close to consuming that amount? Maybe it is because we have not heard or understand the health benefits of water and why it is so important.

First and foremost, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Dehydration is more than just being thirsty. Its impact on one's health can be detrimental and be linked to many disorders. For instance, often times dehydration is mistaken for hunger. And fueling that feeling with food can lead to an over consumption of calories, as well as additional unwanted pounds.

Dehydration can also prohibit the cleansing of toxins from the body. Sufficient intake of water assists the body in ridding itself of toxins. Toxin overload has a relationship to almost every disorder from cancer to irritable bowel syndrome to fibromyalgia. In fact, consuming at least five, eight-ounce glasses of water a day may decrease the risk of colon cancer by 45%, reduce the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50%. These sound like good reasons to me!

Water can provide the body with energy. It may sound awkward, as water does not contain any vital nutrients. However, by nourishing the body, especially on a cellular level, fatigue can be reduced.

Where do we obtain quality water? That is a question that is often misunderstood. Many assume that they receive enough water from the juices, sodas, coffees and teas that they consume throughout the day. However, quite often these beverage choices do not count towards your daily water goal because of the amount of sugars or caffeine that they contain. Specifically, high amounts of such ingredients as caffeine, function as a natural diuretic, ridding the body of more water than is consumed.

Tap water is no longer considered to be a quality source, say many experts. High levels of contaminants, and the lack of quality control are the reasons. These reasons alone have often been linked to cancers and other disorders. Safer considerations consist of bottled waters from a quality researched source, and water processed from a reverse osmosis system. Many bottled water companies have established stringent quality control measures assuring the absence of contaminants. Reverse osmosis processes the water through a membrane filter as well as an ultraviolet filter removing contaminants resulting in pure, clean water.

So how much water should you truly consume? Many of the experts today say that eight eight-ounce glasses may not be enough for everyone. The suggestion instead is to calculate our weight, divide by two, which results in the number of ounces required by your body each day. Therefore, if you happen to weigh 175 pounds, you would need to consume 87.5 ounces or approximately eleven eight-ounce glasses. This is certainly a more than the standard eight glasses per day!

How do you accomplish that you may ask without living in the bathroom? For one, after a short while your body will be accustomed to consuming that amount of water. It will adjust itself to the new program and subsequently, it will begin to run more efficiently. Begin your day with one to two glasses of water before anything else. Additionally, end your day with one to two glasses. You may also want to consider carrying water with you wherever you go. Carry a bottle, or even a case, in the car, on your desk at work, in your gym bag, or just various locations around the house. They all can serve as reminders to stay hydrated.

Happy Hydration!

This information is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of your current healthcare program or advice from you healthcare professionals.