Personal Trainers Forum

[Jasmin]

Water: Your Most Important Nutrient

In order to ensure that we're eating healthy, we need to be
sure we are including as many healthy nutrients in our daily
meals as possible. Out of all the nutrients out there, do you
know which one is most important? Vitamins, minerals- which one
would you choose?

Would you be surprised to hear that water is the most important
nutrient in our body? Our body is 60% fluid, making water the
most important nutrient to our body.

Losing as little as 5% of water in your body can cause
headaches, fatigue, confusion, forgetfulness, and an elevated
heart rate. You easily lose almost half that amount each day
through urination and sweat, so replacing fluid is vital to
maintaining a healthy body.

What does water do for the body?

Each part and function of the body requires water in order to
operate properly. Without water, no tissue can be formed or
repaired and very few chemical reactions can take place.

1. Blood, tears, saliva, gastric fluid, and mucus all contain
water.
2. In order for our cells to dissolve and transport vital
nutrients, cells must have adequate water.
3. Water dilutes and flushes toxins from the body.
4. Water helps to regulate the body's temperature
5. Fluid lubricates our joints, cushions the body's organs, and
makes skin soft.

How do I know if I need more water?

You will be happy to know that your body, more or less, can
control its balance of fluids. When your body is low, the sodium
in the body becomes elevated. As the brain reads this change in
sodium levels, it signals to the kidneys to slow down. It is
this signal that makes you feel thirsty. But by the time you
feel thirsty, you have already lost about 2 cups of fluid from
your system!

How much water should I drink?

To be smart about water intake, it is important to drink water
even if you are not thirsty. The recommended daily water intake
is 8-12 8-ounce glasses of water a day, but other factors must
come into consideration here. If the weather is hot and humid,
you exercise, and even the types of foods you eat will require
that you take in more fluids. On top of the amount of water
recommended, you may want to drink an additional 1-3 cups.

How can I get my water intake in?

Simply by making sure you drink it! Try carrying around with
you a water bottle (I never leave home without it!). Choose
water with your meals over soda, sip water during your favorite
show, or while you are doing work. You will find that when you
are in the habit of drinking your water, it is easy to get in
your required amount.

Can I only drink water?

No. Teas, lemonade, flavored water- they are all great choices
and add flavor to boot. Just stay away from liquids like fruit
punch and sodas, which are not good for you, anyways.

It is amazing how important water is to our overall health.
Adequate water intake really does have a terrific impact on our
bodies, so do your body good: drink water!