Water; The Essential Element of Life

Water Creates Optimum Health

Aug 12, 2009 Tyler Woods

Water is the essential element of life and is important as it keeps our bodies in good health.

We take for granted the importance of this tasteless liquid. The fact is our bodies are comprised of two-thirds water; our blood is 80 percent water. Water is full of vital nutrients that help with bodily functions. It helps transport nutrients and waste, and it is necessary for digestion, absorption, circulation and excretion.

Your body can be seriously endangered if you do not drink enough water. Cells can start to pull water from the bloodstream, causing your heart to work harder. Without enough water the kidneys cannot properly function and other organs are equally affected. Mental health issues can arise as well. Mood swings, a sudden onset of anxiety, and agitation are all signs of dehydration.

Water is one of the most important catalysts in weight loss. Water naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a reduction in water intake can cause fat deposits to increase.

Sufficient Intake of Water

Drinking plenty of water helps prevent dehydration, anxiety and bouts of depression, can prevent tooth decay, acts as a diuretic, and prevents constipation. There are many more reasons to drink water. It helps maintain circulation, controls body temperature, assists in digestion, helps remove toxins from the body, increases energy levels and overall bodily function.

Remember Your Water!

Many people have a hard time remembering to drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water each day. Try these suggestions to help remember to give your body the water it needs.

Keep a 12 oz. or 16 oz. bottle of water with you at all times. Take a few sips whenever you can. If you fill the bottle four or five times a day, you'll know you have had the proper amount of water.
Drink water at mealtimes.
Add a very small piece of fresh fruit to your water. A slice of lemon, lime or even a slice of peach adds a light flavor to your water.
If you are a coffee drinker or soda drinker, alternate your beverage with water. If you drink coffee throughout the day, for each cup of coffee, have a cup of water.
Drink herb tea, though not pure water, herb teas replenishes the fluids in your body.
Eat water rich foods such as melons, grapes, soups, gelatin, cucumbers, celery, lettuce, natural low sugar fruit juices.
Make water consumption as convenient as you can.

Our bodies' water is lost through elimination and sweat. Because Water is the essential element of life, it is important to our health to drink plenty of water each day to maintain optimum health and balanced tissue.

The copyright of the article Water; The Essential Element of Life in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Tyler Woods. Permission to republish Water; The Essential Element of Life in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.