The planet earth is comprised of just over 70% water. Most of it can be found in the oceans, lakes, moving streams and rivers, as well as underground aquifers. Interestingly enough, the composition of the human body averages very near that same 70% of water. It is important to maintain good health and vitality by consuming proper levels of the best drinking water one can find.
Levels of Water the Body Requires
Depending upon one’s body size, activity, general shape and healthfulness, a person may need toingest from 1 to 5 or more liters of water every day. While estimates of the water content provided by fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables, may contribute as much as a liter per day, conscious intake of additional water is required to ensure good health in the short- as well as long-term.
Why Does the Body Need So Much Water?
Because as much as three quarters of our bodies are made up of water, proper hydration is a necessary component to obtaining and maintaining quality health. Some parts and systems in the body contain much higher percentages of water in them. Our blood, for example, may have up to 83% water. This provides for the blood system to more effectively transport nutrients and oxygen to our cells.
Our brains are nearly 90% water. As such, proper hydration helps our brain and other vital organs better absorb nutrients. It also is responsible for providing general protection to the brain and various organs in our bodies.
Consider the bones in our bodies. They are comprised of 22% water. Drinking adequate amounts of water every day helps keep them strong, plus it provides protection and lubrication for the joints.
Well hydrated muscles maintain their 75% water composition. This in turn helps stabilize metabolism, detoxifies the muscles and surrounding tissues and provides superior body temperature regulation. Falling short of daily recommended levels of water can have deleterious effects on one’s body and overall health.
Continual under-hydration can lead to chronic tiredness, muscle cramps and dry skin. If one experiences migraines, constipation, irregular blood pressure or kidney problems, increased amounts of the best drinking water one can find may have very positive effects on these conditions.
Health Benefits of Drinking Plenty of Water
A major plus for consuming increased levels of water has to do with studies showing a decreased incidence of certain types of cancer. Notably, bladder and colon cancer seem to show up less in patients with proper levels of hydration over long periods of time.
Weight loss is also attributed to consuming the right amount of water. When one drinks enough water, their kidneys are able to function optimally. This allows one’s liver to more effectively do its job, namely removing excess fats from the blood. Appetite control is also a nice side-effect of drinking water. It has zero calories, and yet has volume which takes up space in the stomach. This kicks in the brain’s appetite mechanism which turns off hunger for a period of time.
As previously noted, the brain is comprised of as much as 90% water-based fluids. A bout of short, but strenuous, activity can cause a loss of approximately 2% of body mass. The vast majority of this weight loss is in the form of sweat and body fluids, thus reducing overall hydration. The reduction in the body’s levels of water causes the heart to reduce volume of blood pumped and the brain to decrease the amount of water soluble nutrients passing into it.
Chronic dehydration has been noted as a major cause of migraine headaches. As such, maintaining one’s level of water intake can stabilize intracranial pressure and reduce pain.
Additionally, the brain just works better when it gets enough water. This can lead to better alertness at work and more creative pursuits. One’s ability to concentrate will be greatly increased as a result of proper hydration as well.
Because drinking water also helps flush toxins out of the body, it only makes sense to consume the very best drinking water one can find. Whether this comes from in-home filtration systems or bottled water purchased at the store or delivered to one’s home, clean, clear, impurity-free water can make massive and positive changes in one’s health.