WATER WORKS

Water may prevent certain diseases. It can prevent kidney stones, and one study has shown that women who drank more than five glasses of water a day had a risk of colon cancer that was 45% less than those who drank two or fewer glasses a day.

Water:

Regulates body temperatures

Removes wastes

Carries nutrients and oxygen to cells

Cushions joints

Lessens the burden on kidneys and liver

Those who do not drink enough water complain of at least one of the following symptoms:

Frequent tiredness

Dry or itchy skin

Headaches

Indigestion

Lapses in concentration

HOW MUCH TO DRINK?

Divide your weight in half.

The answer is the approximate minimum number of fluid ounces you should drink daily.

The common "eight glasses a day" or 64 fluid ounces is the minimum amount a person who weighs 128 pounds should drink. Weigh more, drink more.

The "average" person loses about 10 cups of water a day to body functions

When counting fluids, do not include coffee, caffeinated beverages, or alcohol. They are dehydrating.

Milk, juice, and a low-caffeine tea, such as green tea, are about 90% water, so they can be included in a calculation of daily fluid intake. Nonetheless, daily fluids should include plain water.

WHEN SHOULD YOU DRINK MORE?

Increase water intake when it is hot, humid, or cold.

Increase water intake when you are visiting a higher altitude. Water is a regulator that helps our bodies adjust to climatic changes

Increase water intake as physical activity increases. Drink water before, during, and after exercise.

Sports drinks usually are not necessary unless you are working very hard for 90 minutes straight or, if it is particularly hot, for 60 minutes straight. Otherwise, you may be taking in more sodium than you need.

EASY ICE WATER

Fill a water bottle half full of water.

Place in it the freezer overnight.

In the morning, top it off with fresh water

You’ll have ice water, and it is a lot easier than trying to get ice cubes into the bottle.