Living Healthy
Healing Waters The Connection Between Water and Your Health By Charlotte R. Williams Williams Wellness Consultants Charlotte is a wellness educator in the Triad area. She is passionate about creating timely solutions for community health needs. She can be reached at WilliamsWellness@live.com *** Health and wellness information provided in this article is for awareness and health promotion purposes. Please consult with your physician before seeking treatment for a diagnosed medical condition.*** Drink up!
Water, Water, Everywhere!
Have you ever stopped to notice that water is all around us… and in us? This divine combination of oxygen and hydrogen makes up approximately 60% - 70% of our bodies. This percentage decreases as we age. Our brains are 85 % water, our blood is 80 % water and our muscles are 75 % water. When we want to give our brains a break after a long day at work or soak our aching muscles after a visit to the gym we may run a warm bath, take a hot shower or even get a pedicure. All of these relaxing self-care options have something in common --– water. One of the best ways we can pamper our body from the inside out, is to give it plenty of water. In fact, the word Spa (Sanus Per Aquam) is Latin for health through water.
So Fresh & So Clean
Many of us think of cleanliness and purity when we think of water. However, all water is not created equal. We drink it, we bathe in it, and we even swim in it. But how many of us truly know what is in our water? Chemically, water is a combination of hydrogen and oxygen atoms at a ratio of 2:1. But what other chemicals are in the water coming out of our faucets? Some of us may be familiar with the terms hard and soft in reference to our tap water. Or in particular you may notice the affect on your laundry etc. Water is classified as hard or soft based on the chemicals that are found in it. Generally, hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, while soft water has low levels of chemicals. The chemicals found in your drinking water will vary depending upon what part of the country you live in and your water source. It is also important to note that pool water (and whirlpools) is treated with chlorine. Chlorine is a very strong chemical so be sure to protect your hair and skin if you have frequent exposure to this type of water.
HUAMI MAGAZINE
Water has many purposes and functions, chief of which is to keep us hydrated. Dehydration can cause a person many health problems; headaches, fainting, constipation, even death. Often times, the thirst sensation can be so strong that we frequently mistake it for hunger. In fact, drinking a glass of water before meals cuts down on overeating. In our bodies water performs numerous activities; fluid balance in cells and between cells, temperature regulation, shock absorption between joints, waste removal and more. It is easy to see that water provides a lot of ‘bang for the buck’. So, drink up! The next time you take a sip of this refreshing liquid, remember you are experiencing the original spa treatment. And, several glasses a day, just might keep the doctor away.
Water 101
Little known facts about Water -About 70% - 80% of the earth is covered by water -One gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds -Water freezes at 32 degrees Farenheit, O degrees Celsius -We can only survive without water for 3 – 5 days
Signs of dehydration
~ Sluggish ~ Constipation ~ Dry skin ~ Headaches ~ Thirst ~ Deep colored or strong smelling urine
•It’s Sugar-free •Detoxification •Lose weight •It is a nutrient •Better mental clarity
Flow On
Now that you are on your way to a water-filled life, here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated on your journey with this miracle liquid.
- Purchase a Water bottle. It is environmentally friendly to refill your own personal container rather than purchase plastic bottles that fill up landfills. - Workout with water!
Due to the water lost in sweat, exercise increases your hydration needs. If you exercise, drink plenty of water and always keep your water bottle with you.
- Lemon & Lime your water.
Accent your water by adding sliced (or wedged) lemons, limes, oranges or other fruit to add pizzazz to your sparkling beverage.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal.
This simple step can cut down on your food intake and help you cut calories.
9 Reasosns to drink more water: •Digestion •Glowing Skin •Zero calories •Curb hunger
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2009
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