Water: The Key Ingredient
DID YOU KNOW that water is lost through the simple task of breathing? In addition to breathing, water is also excreted by sweating and digestion. The human body is nearly 75% water based, being found in about every cell, organ, and tissue. The average human loses about 2-3 liters of water per day. Situations when increased water loss may be present are:
Exercise
Illness
Pregnancy
Increased physical workload
Environmental factors
Among many other
Fluids are not created equally
Unfortunately far too many people believe that consuming soft drinks, coffee, tea, etc is similar to drinking pure water. In realty, this is actually about the opposite. The consumption of fluids such as tea or coffee increases the fluids lost through digestion and water demands are met through body reserves.
Dehydration
Given water is found in nearly every cell, organ, and tissue – the symptoms of dehydration can range from mild to severe and at times hard to detect. Although difficultly exist, common signs are:
Slowed digestion
Poor body temperature regulation
Water retention
Headaches
Urine color change
Weight gain
How much water
Many people have heard of or are familiar with the “8 by 8” rule, thus eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. Although a good start, 8 by 8 (1.9 liters) may still fall short of your body requirements. As previously discussed, the average adult loses 2-3 liters of water per day with increased amounts according to the situation. The Mayo Clinic offers this recommendation; average adult females should consume 9 cups or 2.2 liters and average adult males 13 cups or 3 liters per day.
