Water and nutrition

Although water has zero calories and only contains some minerals in the way of nutrition it is an essential part of your body’s basic nutrition. A large percentage of our body weight is water and we could not function without it.

We need 8 glasses of water or fluid per day. Most of us do not drink enough which causes our bodies to dehydrate and not function as well. Our bodies alert us when fluids are running low and we need to drink by creating a thirst sensation.

Water is good for reducing weight as it is a good substitute sweet juices and sodas. It also helps to create a feeling of fullness so that you do not feel so hungry.

Water is used for many functions in our body. Here are some common ones:

Flushing out toxins: One of the most important functions of water in the body is to help us flush out toxins. Toxins will build up in the body and make us sick. They come from pollution, ingestion and metabolism. The liver also generates free radicals, some of which can also be flushed out with proper water consumption.

Cooling the body: The body sweats to keep us cool and water is necessary for this. Plus drinking cool water when you are hot will also help to lower the temperature of the body. This allows the body to regulate its temperature and not get overheated.

Lubricating joints and membranes: Joints need lubrication to move and water allows us to make this lubricating fluid. Membranes are kept moist with fluids made of water.

Organs like the eye also need water to lubricate and keep it clean (tears). The eye also uses water to protect it. Many organs use water to function correctly.

So remember to drink your 8 glasses of fluid per day. Water can be consumed in other fluids but is best in it’s purest form. Because of the pollution present in our water supplies it is best to ensure that your water is pure you can use purified bottles, filtered, or even a portable distiller to make sure that the water you drink is not contaminated.