Water

Water is the essence of life and is required by every single cell in your body.

Approximately 70% of your body is made up of water which is the main ingredient of all body fluids, blood including lymph, digestive juices, urine, tears and sweat. Water is involved in almost every bodily function. Our circulation, digestion, elimination, nerve function and movement, requires water in order to work properly. Every cell and tissue in the body depends on water for oxygen and nutrients.

Water helps regulate and maintain body temperature. It helps moisten tissues such as the lining of the nose, throat, ears and eyes. Water also helps lubricate the joints and helps prevent constipation.

Dehydration causes stress on the body and stress in the body causes even more dehydration, so drinking water regularly throughout the day is very important for a healthy body. Even mild dehydration causes the body to become drained and tired easily.

Over time dehydration can lead to development of kidney stones, urinary tract infection and even cancer of the bladder. Lack of water also causes the blood to thicken and could lead to increased risk of heart attacks.

Drinking water is also excellent for weight loss. Hot water with lemon juice first thing in the morning increases the metabolic rate and helps burn calories. It is a good way to clean out the digestive system for the day. Drinking water during the day will help you to feel less hungry and less inclined to nibble on the wrong foods. In fact thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so when you feel like nibbling something, drink a glass of water and wait 20 minutes. Often the hunger or craving will disappear. And .... water is calorie-free! A much better choice than sugary drinks, teas and coffees.

Water also helps reduce water retention. When the body is dehydrated it holds on to water and causes bloating. By drinking water, the body does not need to hold onto the extra water to conserve it. As a result, water is flushed out of the system and bloating will reduce.

The benefits of drinking water include:

• Increased metabolism
• Reduction of water retention
• Lowered cholesterol
• IBS symptoms diminished
• Headache relief
• Lowered blood pressure
• Skin complexion improves
• Toxins released from the body