GO-GO with H20 the body's important liquid during rest and exercise.
What is the substance that contains no calories, makes up 60% of our body weight, and is practically free?              This answer is water.

Water is an underestimated nutrient says Katherine Grunewald, Professor of Foods and Nutrition at Kansas State University. "We probably don't give it much thought because it is so widely available. However, an   adequate supply of water is critical to our health.

If we were deprived of many vitamins or minerals we might survive for months or even years. But without water we would last only a few days.

Many health professionals recommend 6-10 glasses of water a day or equivalent. Water may be particularly important for individuals who sweat a great deal. Examples are farmers, construction workers, and others who work under hot conditions.

An individual running a 26-mile marathon may lose as much as 10-15 pounds of water.

Why is water loss such a critical factor? The body needs water so that it can cool off during the sweating process. If sweat losses are high, heat exhaustion might result. Furthermore, performance may be compromised by losses as little as 3 percent of the body weight. For a 165-pound person that is a 5-pound loss.

Unfortunately, thirst is not always a reliable indicator of how much you should drink. If you think your sweating losses may be excessive, there is a way to estimate how much water you need for replacement. Weigh yourself before and after activity. For every pound lost you should be consuming a pint (16-ounces) of water equivalent beverage. An easy way to remember this is "a pint's a pound the world around."

This article is not intended to give medical advice, which should be obtained directly from you doctor.

Most medical experts consider water a key part of any weight loss program.

Water

Suppresses your appetite.

    Helps the body in metabolizing stored fat because your liver is overloaded when your kidneys don't get enough water. Your liver metabolizes fat, and it can't do that if it's doing the kidney's job.

Reduces fat deposits in the body.

Relieves fluid retention problems. If you don't give your body water, it will hold it so as not to lose it.

Reduces sodium build-up in the body.

Helps to maintain proper muscle tone.

Relieves constipation.

 

From the Kansas City Kansas Community College’s Online Newsletter, Energize

 

 

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