How Much Do You Drink?

There are many stories and recommendations about the health benefits of drinking water. It seems that everyone has heard that 8 glasses a day keeps the doctor away but what is the reality? How much is enough and how much is too much? Without wanting to shy away from the numbers it has to be said that everyone is individual and what is enough for some might be too much for others.

According to Wikipedia the [human] body water constitutes as much as 73% of the body weight of a newborn infant, whereas some obese people are as little as 45% water by weight.

Water exists inside every cell of the body and also outside each cell. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water, the skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and bones are 31%.

We know that water is necessary for all the major functions in the body, including:

• Muscle contraction
• Nerve transmission
• Lung function
• Cell division
• Rejuvenation of skin
• Removal of free radicals
• Transport and removal of wastes
• Temperature regulation

Just about everything that happens in the human body requires water to help it happen.

It’s no surprise then that dehydration is becoming widely recognised as the number one stressor of the human body.

F Batmanghelidj MD is a world renown expert on the health benefits of water and adequate hydration. Below are some extracts from his 2008 book ‘Your Body’s Many Cries For Water‘

“Humans seem to lose their thirst sensation and the critical perception of needing water. Not recognising their water need, they become gradually, increasingly, and chronically dehydrated as they age.”

“Further confusion lies in the idea that when we’re thirsty, we can substitute tea, coffee, or alcohol-containing beverages. This is a common error”

“In prolonged dehydration, brain cells begin to shrink. Imagine a plum gradually turning into a prune. Unfortunately, in a dehydrated state, many, many functions of the brain cells begin to get lost, such as the transport system that delivers neurotransmitters to nerve endings.”

Boots (yes the chemist) recently advocated 7 reasons to drink more water:
As an aid to slimming; as an energy booster, to lower stress; build muscle tone; for skin nourishment; keeping yourself regular; and for the reduction of kidney stones – you can find the reasons here: http://www.webmd.boots.com/diet/ss/slideshow-7-wonders-of-water

Not convinced yet? Take a look at the recent article in the Daily Mail where Sarah, 42 took ten years off her “face” by drinking more water.

The question still remains “How much is enough?”

The answer is still the same – “It depends on who you are!” No two people are identical and there is no “one size fits all” approach to health. That’s where holistic healthcare comes in.

At Caro Holistic Healthcare our treatments are tailored to you as an individual.

We hope that you have found the above interesting and a little thought provoking. Please note that the links and references are provided for your use but the articles are not necessarily endorsed by Caro Holistic Healthcare. However, you are welcome to contact us to discuss how we might help you find your best hydration levels.