The 411 on H20

The amount of water varies in the human body. It ranges from 50-75%. The average adult male is about 60% water and the average adult woman is about 55%.

We know from science class that water is made up of 2 Hydrogen and 1 oxygen. Hydrogen is the lightest element and tis widely spread on the planet and the universe. Hydrogen binds to many other elements, mainly carbon and nitrogen which makes up your DNA, proteins, sugars and fats.

Oxygen is vital to transfer energy stored food throughout the muscles and organs. A process called cellular respiration (energy made from glucose) occurs to give cells energy to move and maintain vital functions of our body.

What happens when we don't have water ?!

Our body must balance the amount of water we lose with the amount gained from food and beverages. If we lack water our body's function declines. We need water to carry nutrients to the cells and carry waste away from the cells. Water helps regulate body temperature by absorbing heat and eliminating heat through perspiration.

We also need water to digest food and to lubricate our joints.

Our stomach lining is 98% water and contains a bicarbonate (helps buffer the acidic levels in your stomach) and should be thick to prevent stomach lining damage. Inadequate water intake thins this lining causing damage and increasing the probability of getting gastric ulcers.

As we get older we dread getting arthritis like some of our parents or grandparents. Did you know that the cartilage in our joints consists of approximately 80% water! Cartilage allows our joints to glide smoothly during movement. As long as we keep them lubricated, we lessen the chance of arthritic damage. When don't drink enough water, our joints have less lubrication causing a greater amount of friction. This degeneration leads to arthritis.

Lack of water can lead to high blood pressure. We need water to keep our capillaries open and keep blood flowing easily. The smaller our capillaries close the harder our body tries to push the blood through. In turn, restricting blood flow to the kidneys. The kidneys react by constricting veins and arteries causing blood pressure to rise even higher.

Water also helps flush lactic acid and impurities out of our muscles. When we drink pop or eat processed foods. Our biddy has to work harder to flush out the artificial chemicals and dies that are packed into these foods. Less water in our muscles means less filtration causing a collection of debris in our muscles. This causes irritation to the muscles. When we exercise, the lactic acid builds and creates even more sediment in the muscle tissue.

So how much water should I drink daily?

There are many variables that need to be considered. I.e. your weight, hight, age, activity level of that day, temperature outdoors or indoors, etc...

Im going to share with you an average recommendation of water consumption to make it easier.

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So, who measures in ounces? Unless your a Chef or work in a science lab you probably don't. Here is a breakdown in glasses.

The average household glass size is about a pint or 16oz.

The average adult Female should drink about 6 glasses of water a day. Not hard right? especially on a warm day.

The average adult Male should drink about 8 glasses of water a day. Little harder but doable.

With all this said I hope you will consider these negative health effects and try harder to imbibe more water daily. We all want to live longer and be healthier. What an easy way to stay healthy. H20 is the way to go!