I think the following article is a good reminder for all of us to drink plenty of water. Here is a portion of it….
Many people may take drinking water for granted, but keeping hydrated can have a huge impact on overall health. Despite how crucial it is that people drink enough water, a significant amount of people may be failing to drink recommended levels of fluids each day.
Water is needed by all the cells and organs in the body in order for them to function properly. It is also used to lubricate the joints, protect the spinal cord and other sensitive tissue, regulate body temperature and assist the passage of food through the intestines.
Although some of the water required by the body is obtained through foods with a high water content – soups, tomatoes, oranges – the majority is gained through drinking water and other beverages.
Drinking water, be it from the tap or bottle, is the best source of fluid for the body. Beverages such as milk and juices are also decent sources of water, but beverages containing alcohol and caffeine, such as soft drinks, coffee and beer, are less than ideal due to having diuretic properties, meaning that they cause the body to release water.
Water also helps dissolve minerals and nutrients so that they are more accessible to the body, as well as helping transport waste products out of the body. It is these 2 functions that make water so vital to the kidneys.
Water is important for the workings of the kidneys, not only for helping to initially dissolve the nutrients, but for ensuring that waste products, bacteria, and proteins do not build up in the kidneys and the bladder. These can lead to dangerous infections and painful kidney stones.
The CDC make a number of suggestions that could help people increase the amount of water they normally drink:
*Carrying a water bottle with you means that fluid can be accessed when out and about, at work or running errands.
* This water can be frozen in freezer-safe water bottles to provide a supply of ice-cold water all day long, which can be more satisfying than other beverages in certain situations.
* Adding a wedge of lime or lemon to water can give it a different edge that may improve its taste without affecting its nutritional value.
The recommended amount of water that should be drunk per day varies from person to person depending on factors such as how active they are and how much they sweat. There is no universally agreed upon threshold of water consumption that must be reached, but there is a general level of consensus as to what a healthy amount is.
According to the Institute of Medicine, an adequate intake for men is about 13 cups (3 liters) a day. For women, an adequate intake is around 9 cups (2.2 liters).
medicalnewstoday.com
March 12, 2015