Water

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Water

We all know that water is essential in sustaining life, yet so many people do not drink enough water for optimal health. In addition, many of us lack the knowledge of basic nutrition and how our bodies work, preventing us from living our best life ever. 

Adult bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, and our blood is made up of about 90% water making water a true necessity yet so many people load themselves up with other liquids such as sodas, alcohol, coffee, energy drinks, and juices. Those drinks do provide some hydration, but they do pack a powerful punch in calories, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, preservatives, and other ingredients that do not promote optimal health. 

Health Benefits of Drinking Water

This shouldn’t even be a tag line. The idea of drinking water should be as natural as breathing air. Without it we would die. So why do so many people still go and fill themselves with unnecessary liquids and avoid drinking water?  Some say, “It doesn’t taste good.” Water can be more exciting than you think. Adding natural fruits, veggies, herbs, can improve the taste of water, in addition to bringing additional health benefits of the added ingredients. Lemon water is probably the first one that comes to mind, but there are many, many other ingredients that you can add to your water to make it refreshing to drink. I will include some refreshing water recipes below.

Benefits

·        Produces mucus and saliva
·        Lubricates joints
·        Lubricates our eyes
·        Cushions the brain and spinal cord
·        Flushes out toxins
·        Provides skin elasticity, moisture, and prevents dryness
·        Prevents constipation and reduces stomach acidity
·        Aids in kidney function
·        Helps to maintain blood pressure
·        Works as a transport for nutrients, vitamins, and minerals throughout the body
·        Aids in digestion
·        Regulates body temperature

How Much Water Should I Drink Daily?

How much water you will need each day is different for everyone and will vary from person to person. Factors that may influence water intake may include sweating, exercise, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, illness, age, gender, the weather, physical activity, and overall health.

According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the average recommended daily intake of water from both food and drink is:
►      For men: Around 3.7 liters or 125 ounces
►      For women: Around 2.7 liters or 91 ounces
This would be around 15.5 cups for men and just over 11 cups for women. However, around 80 percent of this should come from drinks, including water, and the rest will be from food.
This means that:
►      Men should drink around 100 ounces, or 12.5 cups of fluid
►      Women should drink around 73 ounces, or just over 9 cups

Fresh fruits and vegetables and all non-alcoholic fluids count towards this recommendation. (Medical News Today).
  

Drinking water doesn't have to be boring! Here are some recipes from some of my favorite food websites. Enjoy! 


Refreshing Infused Water Recipes



Strawberry Cucumber Water Recipe

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