The Understated Importance of Water in your Diet

The importance of water is understated in the diets of most Americans. Every day we are bombarded by advertisements and commercials for specialty coffees, sports drinks, soft drinks, energy boosters, and other artificially sweetened beverages.  With all these options, it’s no wonder that so many people suffer from dehydration.

While these drinks may taste good, they are no substitute for good old-fashioned water.  It plays a crucial role in your daily bodily functions and a healthy diet.  Our body is composed of 70% water and we need to drink water to restore and revitalize it, in order to sustain energy and youthful longevity.

Why You Need It

Water is the body’s natural solvent, which allows it to regulate all its functions.  First and foremost, it acts as a medium to transport nutrients and oxygen to all the cells in your body.  It also improves our organs’ absorption rates and detoxifies the body by removing waste such as uric and lactic acid.

Water also plays a vital role in regulating body temperature through perspiration, our metabolism, and moisturizing the air in our lungs.  Externally, it improves the appearance of your skin and hair.  If you have ever experienced the effects of dehydration, you may have suffered from severe migraines, joint pain, stomach pain, back pain, lethargy, fatigue, disorientation, and even depression.

Replenishing Your Reservoir

The average adult loses 12 cups every day due to basic bodily functions, so it is important to drink enough water to keep your body in balance and avoid dehydration.  The age old advice of eight glasses of water may not be enough to keep you fully hydrated, but it’s a good place to start.  Those with an active lifestyle require significantly more, but your water intake should be spread throughout the day.

Don’t wait until your body signals that it’s thirsty to drink.  In order to increase your daily water consumption, keep a supply of filled containers in your refrigerator as a healthy alternative to other, less healthy options.  You can also fill your cup or bottle with water when you reach the office, to remind yourself to drink throughout the day.  You should also avoid drinking excess amounts of caffeinated drinks since they increase fluid loss.

Water serves an important purpose in your diet. Drink up!