It is common knowledge that we need water to survive.  We know it helps with dehydration and we even know that we need to compensate for all the dehydrating drinks we have such as caffeine.  So, why do we always seem to be battling for hydration and why does drinking water seem to be so important? 

First off, it is important because our bodies are mostly made of water, our blood is about 90% water, about %85 percent of our brain is water, 70% of our muscle is water and every, single cell in our body needs water to live. 

It only makes sense that we need to drink water to survive. So, why don’t we and if we do why do we not see more benefit from it?  There are a few keys to drinking water to make sure we realize its benefits and especially so we do not experience the adverse effects of not doing so.

It is estimated the average individual needs to drink 1.5 to 2.5 litres a day to stay hydrated.  The amount is important but not as important as the way in which we consume water.  It is important to drink water as close to your body temperature as possible.  Extremely cold or warm temperatures will put your body into shock and sometimes shuts down systems that aid in water absorption.  Room temperature water or slightly warmer will increase the success of the water absorbed throughout your whole body

Your body can only absorb small amounts of water at a time. If you drink large glasses of water all at once, the majority of it is excreted and never absorbed.  The other problem caused by large amounts of water is the flushing of minerals such as salt.  Salt is what helps to absorb the water and is vital to the process that removes toxins and wastes.  Small sips throughout the day are the best way to maximize the water you consume.

Water helps to keep your metabolism working properly.  In order to do this best you need to maintain a regular level of hydration.  Your body needs to stay assured that hydration will be a regular condition and therefore will continue to operate optimally, metabolizing food and fats at its highest rate.  Every time it experiences dehydration it is a stressful event suggesting energy should be stored for future reserves.  Without water, glucose remains in the bloodstream and extra glucose is stored as fat.  Without water we do not metabolize or burn fat as effectively as possible 

We all know that it is always better to drink pure water instead of soda, tea, or coffee as these products increase your need for fluids because they contain caffeine. Diuretics such as caffeine or alcohol, force out stored water along with certain essential nutrients.  But, what many don’t realize is that fluids without caffeine still cannot do the work of just plain, old, natural water.  Because when we drink pure water we have the best chance of flushing toxins out of our system.  Without pure water, our liver and kidneys are still working to flush toxins.  Once dehydrated our kidneys cannot function properly and our liver works overtime to compensate.  With pure water many of our organs can rest and let the water simply hydrate, as we need it to. 

There are many illnesses and symptoms that are caused or intensified by dehydration and lack of water.  Headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, heartburn and many other digestion problems are often associated with dehydration.  Dehydration may not always be the cause but you can be assured that making sure you are properly hydrated will alleviate some of the symptoms.  Headaches are symptoms of tissue tension, changes in blood flow and lack of nutrients all of which are improved with hydration.  Digestion is increased with water and contents of our system can be flushed with water.  So then next time you may not be feeling your best, check your water intake and see what you can do to help yourself.

Having joint problems?  Water helps to cushion your joints and reduce the impact of regular friction within the joint.  Water also helps muscles repair and build.  It is what carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells.  With good muscle structure you are able to reduce the pressure on the joints.  From all standpoints water just gives your body a break. 

If you want to start your day off the best way possible, drink a glass of water when you wake up.  The purpose of sleep is to rest your body.  While we sleep, organs that have been working hard all day take the opportunity to detoxify as much as possible.  If you wake up and drink a glass of water, you help to finalize the detoxification process, flush out the remaining toxins and give your body a refreshing boost.

Water is a gift that comes to us for free.  As long as your tap water is free of any harmful chemicals or substances you have access to the most powerful healing agent known to man.  It is the most, simple action you can make to ensure you are always at your best.  Next time, try medicating yourself with a little water.

Note: if you are not a consistent water drinker and desire making it a more regular practice, be aware that the first few days you may notice some adverse symptoms. You may actually feel worse for a day or two while your body is given the chance to get rid of more toxins than normal.  That is a good sign.  You are giving your body a chance to get rid of toxicity that it has not had a chance to do before.  Start slow and make sipping water throughout your day a regular part of your day.