Weekly Wellness News

November 20, 2006

Feature: Cool, Clear Water

The single most important nutrient in our bodies (after air) is water. We are made up of approximately 70% water. Without enough water, our nerves and muscles quit working and we quickly die. Body temperature regulation is heavily water-dependant. We need water to ingest, digest, and eliminate food. Vision and hearing stop working without enough water supplied. Our lungs need water to keep from drying out. Yes, water is essential to every moment of life.

How much water is enough? The rule of thumb used to be 8, 8 ounce glasses of water per day. Now the recommendation is to drink one ounce per day per two pounds of body weight (so if you weigh 160, you would need 80 ounces of water per day). If you are more active you will need more water. If you feel thirsty or if your urine is dark or has a strong odor, you are not getting enough.

Some of the substances we consume deplete our water supply. Caffeine and alcohol both cause us to dehydrate, so drinking a cup of coffee doesn't actually rehydrate us. Digesting proteins, especially complex proteins found in animal products, consumes water.

In recent years, more and more attention has been focused on the quality of the water we drink. While every water source has some contaminants (pure water is nearly impossible to produce), some sources are better than others. Tap water in the United States is some of the best in the world, but not all cities and locales are of equal quality. The EPA contains surveys and other information about the water across the country, see the links below to find out where your home rates.

Bottled water can be a better option for some people, but often bottled water is simply tap water from a nearby facility. If you are going to pay for bottled water, take the time to make sure you're getting water from a reliable and clean source.

Make sure you drink enough and that the water you drink is not contaminated with dangerous levels of anything. Clean water is crucial to our wellness and well-being.

Resources:

• Drinking Water to Maintain Good Health [nutrition.about.com]
• Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water [epa.gov]
• Local Drinking Water Information [epa.gov]
• Water Health Series: Bottled Water Basics [epa.gov]
• Water Quality Information Center [nal.usda.gov]

Other news

• Sports-moms, FYI: Blow to chest can be fatal in child athletes [msnbc.msn.com]
• You've got to address the habit: 'Light' snacks shrink guilt, not waistlines [msnbc.msn.com]
• Those crazy fish will keep me sane! Certain Fatty Acid May Cut Dementia Risk [healthday.com]

From the editor

It's Thanksgiving this week! Time to crowd onto a plane or a highway for hours in order to over-stuff yourself with relatives you haven't talked to since, well, last Thanksgiving. Time to brave the crowds and start your Christmas shopping (yes, I have already heard stores playing Christmas music).

Take it easy on yourself this year. Eat less. Breathe deep during your trip. Focus on your family rather than on the game or the feast.

Most of all, be grateful for all the good and wonderful people and things you have in your life... after all, that's the true spirit of Thanksgiving.

Healthy thoughts,
Jeff

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Copyright 2006, Jeffrey Eliasen.
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