Why Water Is So Important

We are all told to drink plenty of water. Why is that? It’s good for you. Here are some ways in which it is good for you.

“Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods. All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day,” says Joan Koelemay, RD, dietitian for the Beverage Institute, an industry group.

Kaiser Permanente nephrologist Steven Guest, MD, agrees: “Fluid losses occur continuously, from skin evaporation, breathing, urine, and stool, and these losses must be replaced daily for good health.

When your water intake does not equal your output, you can become dehydrated.

Drinking water helps maintain the balance of body fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.

Imminent need

Council set to discuss possible location for homeless shelter on 15th Street

4h ago

International Spotlight

P.A.'s Howe one of 4 Sask. born players named to Canada's World Junior roster

20h ago

National

Ottawa to remove 30% investment cap for Canadian pension funds

23h ago

Water helps energize muscles. Cells that don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. When muscle cells don’t have adequate fluids, they don’t work as well and performance can suffer.

Water can help control calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn’t have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.

Water helps keep skin looking good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.

Water helps maintain normal bowel function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don’t get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration. The result is constipation.

Water helps your kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine. Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate.

When you’re getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in colour and free of odour. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, colour, and odour increases because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.

If you chronically drink too little, you may be at higher risk for kidney stones, especially in warm climates

Here are some tips to help you drink more water:

– Have a glass of water with every snack and meal.

– Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.

– Keep a bottle of water in your car, at your desk, and or in your bag.

An easy way to make sure you are drinking enough water is the colour of your urine. The closer it is to being clear, the better hydrated you are. Keep in mind that while other drinks may contain water, they are no substitute for the real thing. You’re better off to stick with water until your urine is clear, after that feel free to treat yourself to a tasty beverage.