Did you know that the human body can survive without food for 5 weeks, but it cannot survive without water for longer than 5 days?! Water is the basis of life! In fact, water is the most plentiful substance in our bodies, as it constitutes 65-75% or our body weight. It is second only to Oxygen in the necessity for life. We need water to maintain equilibrium in our systems, to lubricate our tissues, to flush wastes and toxins from our cells, to hydrate our skin, to regulate our body temperatures, to aid digestion and assimilation, to act as a shock absorber for our joints, bones, and muscles, and much more.
Every day, up to 3 quarts of water are lost from our bodies through perspiration, urination, and exhalation. Because the body has no reservoir for water, it must be steadily replaced throughout the day. But while most people know they should be drinking greater than 8-10 glasses of water each day, the average American drinks only 4.6 glasses daily…not nearly enough! In fact, chronic dehydration is as common in the United States as it is in many dry regions of the world, including developing countries where water is difficult to find.
Research reveals the well-documented roles of water in treating allergies, constipation, hypertension, headaches, asthma, arthritis, and more. If you suffer from any of these conditions, you may just be chronically dehydrated. Replacing your water stores may be all that you need in order to feel better. You can accomplish this by drinking your body weight in ounces of water each day or by drinking at least 1 gallon of water each day. We live in a very dry climate, and therefore, require much more water intake than many other areas in the US. I recommend keeping plenty of good bottled water near at hand and drink a few ounces every 15-20 minutes to keep your body cells hydrated. Remember…by the time your mouth is dry and you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated!! So, take control and Drink Water for Life!