WHY IS WATER SO IMPORTANT FOR MY HEALTH?
Your body is composed of about 60% water. To function properly your body uses fluids for the following functions:
1. Digestion and absorption of nutrients
2. Nutrient transportation
3. Saliva production
4. Circulation, and body temperature regulation
5. Energise your muscles
6. Helps to filter toxins
7. Hydrates your body keeping your skin looking younger
8. Helps to maintain proper bowl function
Read on for more...
How does my body know when it is thirsty?
The body is remarkable when you think about it; your body performs so many functions without you ever having to think about it!
The brain communicates with the kidneys through the posterior pituitary gland. It tells the kidneys how much water to hold onto for reserves, and how much needs excreting. The brain prompts a thirst mechanism so you know when to take in fluids to keep the equilibrium.
FACT:
Water is by far one of the most important basic requirements your body needs, after all in just a few days you can die without it.
HOW CAN WATER MAKE ME LOOSE WEIGHT?
Firstly, are you really hungry, or are you just dehydrated?
Did you know that dehydration could mimic hunger? If you are eating a well balanced diet and find yourself hungry for no logical reason you may well be dehydrated!
FACT:
“A new study has found that obese dieters who drank two cups of water before each meal lost 5 pounds more after three months. A year later, they also kept more of the weight off”.
Taken from Dr Mercola.
Pure water is known as a “secret weapon” in the fight against the “bulge”! Cordials and flavoured waters do not count!
Keep the cravings at bay by increasing your water today!
FACT:
According to Discovery News:
“The reason could be physical. According to some research, water consumption might spark the body to produce more heat, boosting metabolism and burning more calories. Or, drinking more water might simply make people less likely to drink a lot of high-calorie sugar-filled beverages.”
How much Water should I be drinking?
Ever heard of the 8 glasses a day guideline? This can be misleading information most people have a range of glass sizes or drink from bottles! The other guideline is 2 litres a day, however this may not be sufficient for all. When you look at climate, physical activity, medication, stress, alcohol, etc. all of these things can cause varying degrees of dehydration prompting the body to need more than the advised 2 litres. The truth is, there is not one guideline that fits all.
The Water Calculation
Dr Batmanghelidj MD’s Hydration guide
Dr B pioneering works shows the link between pain, degenerative disease and Unintentional Chronic Dehydration (UCD). As mentioned before constipation, and hunger cravings are just minor conditions that can happen as a result of not drinking enough.
Dr B’s formula recommends that to calculate the correct water intake for your body, you need to use the following formulas:
Determine your body weight in pounds divide by 2 =’s the consumption of water in ounces you need to consume each day.
Or
Body weight in kg x 0.003 =’s the consumption of water required for your body in litres each day.
For example: 60kg x 0.003 ='s 0.18 (so nearly 2 liters)
For more information on Dr Batmanghelidj’s research read his amazing book: The Body’s Many Cries for Water
How do I know if my body is sufficiently hydrated?
The biggest indicator for dehydration other than a dry throat, and a headache, is the colour of urine. If your body is properly hydrated your urine should not smell and be almost clear in colour. The more dehydrated you are, the greater the smell, and darker the colour.
Is tap water ok to drink?
Sadly no. Most water is polluted with a number of contaminants such as: arsenic, aluminium, fluoride, prescription drugs…the list goes on!! The only way we recommend the consumption of tap water is through a water filter.
What Water should I be drinking?
Believe it or not a high percentage of bottled water is actually tap water!! And drinking from plastic bottles is also harmful to your health!
What bottled water brands are the best?
Firstly always try and buy glass bottles to avoid BPA toxins. If you have no choice but to buy plastic bottles make sure you keep it out of direct sunlight, and keep in a cool dark environment. Out of all the brands out there are many on the market Phoenix Transformations only recommends the following brands: Evian, Fiji and Volvic.
I do not like the taste of Water!
This is a common problem for many people, however water is paramount to the Phoenix Transformation System so we have come up with some ideas to help you enjoy!
· Try adding a little squirt of lemon or lime into the water. It will add a little bit of sourness and tastes great!
· Add fresh, clean mint leaves to the water and some ice. Chill in the fridge for a beautifully refreshing taste.
· Try adding washed strawberry halves. Leave to stand for about 5 minutes before drinking. The flavor is sweet and Moorish!
· Try drinking off-boiled water. You can add lemon or lime again for flavor.
So there you have it, to stay in shape and feel great hydrate!
