Why Water is Important to our Health

Water: You Just Can’t Live Without It!

 

By Sonja Kabell

The topic I want to focus on this month is water.  Water is one of the most simple but very important keys to good nutrition and health.   Water is the most readily available and free resource there is. The surprising part is that most people- adults and children – do not drink enough water for sustaining health!

Visualize what happens to your favorite house plant when you forget to water it.  It starts to get droopy, the leaves turn brown, they start to fall off and the soil dries up.  Not too good for the house plant! Like a miracle, once you water it, it perks right back up.  Just think of what is going on inside of your body when you do not drink enough water… not so good either!

Water is truly the elixir of life.

Water makes up more than 70% of your body. Every cell in your body, which the average person has 50 trillion or more, is made up of water!  By keeping you and your kids hydrated, the body can perform functions like regulating body temperature, removing waste and toxins, cushioning joints, carrying nutrients to the cells and protecting organs. Don’t forget that drinking water is also a great way to control your appetite!

Water is so important to the development and proper body functions of kids!

High sugar and chemically made drinks like sports drinks and soda will not benefit them at all.  Juices for the most part have very little nutritional value, are full of empty calories and are mainly a sugar source.  Dr. Christine Wood, MD, author of “How to Get Kids to Eat Great and Love It!” recommends offering your children water instead of these other type of drinks.

The most popular recommendation for individuals is the 8×8 rule: eight, 8-ounce glasses of water each day. You can also eat water enriched foods like watermelon and tomatoes to support your fluid intake. The key is not to wait until you are thirsty — drink throughout the day. You can survive without food but not without water!

What You can Add to Water to Make it More Flavorful Naturally

• Lemon and Lime Wedges

• Slices of Oranges

• Slices of Cucumbers

•   Herbs like Mint Leaves, Basil, and Lemon Grass

•  Raspberries, Strawberries, and Blueberries

Have fun with flavorful, natural choices and DRINK UP!

Sonja Kabell, Weight Loss and Wellness Consultant, Slimming World Plano, 972-935-6484