Al-Huda
Foundation, NJ U. S. A
the Message Continues ... 9/185
Newsletter for April 2017
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The Health Benefits of Water
"We all need water to survive, but how exactly does it help?"
The body loses water through breathing,
sweating, and digestion, which is why it's
important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and
eating foods that contain water.
Most people who are in good physical health get
enough fluids by drinking water and other
beverages when they're thirsty, and also by
drinking a beverage at mealtime.
Women who are pregnant or nursing may want to
consult with their physician about increasing
fluid intake.
Did you
know that your body weight is approximately 60
percent water? Your body uses water in all its
cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its
temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
Because your body loses water through breathing,
sweating, and digestion,
it's important to rehydrate by drinking fluids
and eating foods that contain water.
The amount of water you need depends on a
variety of factors, including the climate you
live in, how physically active you are, and
whether you're experiencing an illness or have
any other health problems.
Water Protects Your Tissues, Spinal Cord, and
Joints
Water does more than
just quench your thirst and regulate your body's
temperature; it also keeps the tissues in your
body moist. You know how it feels when your
eyes, nose, or mouth gets dry? Keeping your body
hydrated helps it retain optimum levels of
moisture in these sensitive areas, as well as in
the blood, bones, and the brain. In addition,
water helps protect the spinal cord, and it acts
as a lubricant and cushion for your joints.
Water Helps Your Body Remove Waste
Adequate water intake enables your body to excrete waste through
perspiration, urination, and defecation. The
kidneys and liver use it to help flush out
waste, as do your intestines. Water can also
keep you from getting constipated by softening
your stools and helping move the food you've
eaten through your intestinal tract. However, it
should be noted that there is no evidence to
prove that increasing your fluid intake will
cure constipation.
Water Aids in Digestion
Digestion starts with saliva, the basis of which is water.
Digestion relies on enzymes that are found in
saliva to help break down food and liquid and to
dissolve minerals and other nutrients. Proper
digestion makes minerals and nutrients more
accessible to the body. Water is also necessary
to help you digest soluble fiber. With the help
of water, this fiber dissolves easily and
benefits your bowel health by making
well-formed, soft stools that are easy to pass.
Water Prevents You From Becoming Dehydrated
Your body loses fluids when you engage in vigorous exercise,
sweat in high heat, or come down with a fever or
contract an illness that causes vomiting or
diarrhea. If you're losing fluids for any of
these reasons, it's important to increase your
fluid intake so that you can restore your body's
natural hydration levels. Your doctor may also
recommend that you drink more fluids to help
treat other health conditions, like bladder
infections and urinary tract stones. If you're
pregnant or nursing, you may want to consult
with your physician about your fluid intake
because your body will be using more fluids than
usual, especially if you're breastfeeding.
How Much Water Do You Need?
There's no hard and fast rule, and many individuals meet their
daily hydration needs by simply drinking water
when they're thirsty, according to a report on
nutrient recommendations from the Institute of
Medicine of the National Academies. In fact,
most people who are in good physical health get
enough fluids by drinking water and other
beverages when they're thirsty, and also by
drinking a beverage with each of their meals,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. If you're not sure about your
hydration level, look at your urine. If it's
clear, you're in good shape. If it's dark,
you're probably dehydrated. |