The Benefits Of Drinking Water.

Do You Have A Drinking Problem?

DRINK WATER! We've heard it again and again… that it's healthy… that it's beneficial for our body. We all know that we're supposed to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Some of us have even heard the formula... Divide your body weight by two and consume that many ounces of water daily.  (i.e.  If you weigh 200 lbs, divide by two to reach 100, indicating that you should drink 100 ounces of water daily.)
Nearly every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the efficient flow of water through our system. Water transports hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients to vital organs of the body. When we don't keep our bodies well hydrated, they may react with a variety of signals… some of which, we would never think related to our poor drinking habits.
Medical research has shown that regular water intake will help eliminate dyspeptic pains like gastritis, duodenitis, and heartburn. Without getting into the technical and graphic details of digestion, our bodies use many hormones, enzymes, and neurotransmitters to complete the digestion process. Without ample water intake, the pancreas is less efficient, acids in the stomach are not properly neutralized, and the functions of the intestine are inhibited. Over an extended period of time, this can lead to constipation, colitis pain, false appendicitis pain, and even hiatus hernia.
Obviously, if you're trying to lose weight, water intake is important. Not only for proper digestion, but to prevent overeating. The sensation of thirst and hunger are generated simultaneously to indicate the brain's needs. If you're not getting plenty of water, you'll likely eat more to satisfy your body's urge for water. When you feel hungry, try drinking a few glasses of water first. You may not be as hungry as you think.
Be sure not to confuse water consumption with fluid consumption. Sodas and coffee are NOT an acceptable substitute. In fact, you need to consume even MORE water if you're drinking sodas and coffee. Caffeine, one of the main components of most sodas, causes increased urine production and acts as a dehydrating agent. That's why you can drink sodas all day, and never feel satisfied. The water doesn't stay in the body long enough. Plus, you may mistakenly think that you've consumed enough "water" by drinking soda. When your body cries out for thirst, you're likely to over feed it with food instead.
The body is 75% water and 25% solid matter, and your body needs to stay well hydrated to operate at it's best. Not only will your body function more efficiently, but you may even avoid many health problems. Increased water consumption has been shown to help relieve migraine headaches, high blood cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis pain, allergies, and high blood pressure. And, since you're brain tissue is 85% water, your brain functions rely heavily on an ample water supply. (Maybe you're not really getting old and forgetful; you just need more water.) In fact, studies have shown that with prolonged dehydration, brain cells actually begin to shrink.
Maybe this information is enough to inspire you to consume plenty of water. Maybe you'd like to learn more. The book, "Your Body's Cries for Water" by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. includes detailed descriptions on how your body utilizes water and why it's essential. Even if you don't care about your body's proper digestion… distinguishing hunger and thirst signals… the effects of caffeine… or about efficient brain functionality… As moms, we owe it to our little ones to take care of our own bodies, and to teach our children to care for theirs. When it's something as simple and inexpensive as drinking water, why wouldn't you?


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