by Ruth A. McKinney, DC
Your body is composed of approximately 60% water, and this water is needed for functions including transport of nutrients, digestion, circulation, cushion for joints, formation of saliva, and temperature maintenance. You lose over two liters of water every day through the processes of sweating, breathing, and digestion. Each day your body replaces lost water by drinking fluids and ingestion of food.
Since muscles are composed of up to 80% water, drinking more water energizes muscles. Tissue that doesn’t have enough fluid tends to shrink, which can result in muscle fatigue, poor performance and injury. Drinking fluid when exercising is important to help increase endurance and tolerance to pain. Dehydration (drinking less than your daily dose of water) can lead to increased sensitivity to pain.
If you want to rev up your fat-burning ability, drink more water. It helps increase metabolism, purify your body of waste, and decreases hunger cravings. It also decreases water retention, which leads you to drop extra pounds of water weight. A dehydrated body doesn’t burn fat as efficiently. Food that is naturally high in water takes up more room on your plate, requires more chewing, and is absorbed more slowly, making you feel fuller faster. Healthy hydrating foods include vegetables and fruits.
Water helps sustain regular bowel function. Inadequate hydration slows down bowel motility and is one of the most common causes of constipation. The easiest way to determine if you’re drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine. If it’s dark yellow, you not drinking enough. If it’s pale yellow, you’re doing a good job of hydration.
Staying hydrated takes just a little planning. Keep water at your desk, in your car, and on the counter at home. Choose healthy beverages you enjoy and that you’re more likely to drink. If you’re watching your weight choose low or no calorie drinks. Eat fruits and vegetables with a high-water content such as watermelon, strawberries, cucumbers, and zucchini. Your body depends on water for good health, so drink up!
To learn how we can help you learn about hydration call our office at 423-485-8480.
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