More than 50-65 per cent of our body weight is water, our muscles are 75 per cent, the brain is 70-85 per cent, bones are 50 per cent and blood is 93 per cent. Water is found inside and outside our cells, 40 per cent on the outside and 60 per cent on the inside. All of our body functions need water in order to work properly and without it our digestive function and immune system would not work optimally, we could not blink our eyes, produce saliva, have bowel movements, swallow or speak and toxins would build up creating disease. Just by breathing we lose almost two cups of water a day, over two cups through our skin, and seven cups through elimination. The ideal amount of water to drink is to take your weight in pounds, divide by two, and that’s how many ounces of water you need.
When we don’t have enough water dehydration sets in and our bodies malfunction and create disease. Life ceases when we lose 20 per cent of our body water. When we lose one per cent of our body’s weight in water we are sent a signal to drink, but by that time, our body is starved for water. Most people misinterpret their thirst as hunger and to drink plenty of water between meals will help curb that appetite naturally. It is best for optimal digest to not drink any liquids with meals but to drink 20 minutes before a meal and 45 minutes after.
Water is our coolant; it helps fight infection, fatigue, heartburn, and a sluggish metabolism. Drinking plenty of water can decrease high blood pressure and acts as a mild diuretic. Water flushes out sodium to contribute to lowering the blood pressure. Water helps prevent gallbladder disease by diluting the bile. It helps prevent kidney stones by diluting the mineral content in the urinary system. It helps to prevent bladder infections by diluting toxins, as well as for those who smoke. Water also helps many illnesses that affect bones, muscles and joints, and helps us think and concentrate better.
Drinking water increases the blood flow through the joints and tiny vessels in our spine and eyes. Lack of water mimics hypoglycemia, can severely lower blood pressure, cause fainting spells and headaches, and red blood cells to become dehydrated. This then causes them to be less flexible and then has a greater tendency to clot, increasing your risk for heart attacks, strokes and a host of other health problems.
Many people tell me they don’t like water, never get thirsty or have to run to the washroom often. If you are one of them it is often because the bladder needs time to expand to its normal size. It has become too lazy. The more you drink the stronger it will become. If you don’t like water try adding a spritz of fresh lemon to taste and teach your taste buds to like it, trust me, eventually your body will start to crave water if you listen to it.
If you never get thirsty, it’s most likely because you have ignored your thirst center for so long, that it no longer talks to you, but instead, sends a signal of hunger. Start drinking and it will start talking, but again, don’t misinterpret thirst for hunger. When hungry and it has been only a few hours since you last ate, try drinking a full glass of water instead. Also, start out your day first thing in the morning by drinking a nice tall glass of refreshing water 20-30 minutes before breakfast. Your body will love you.