The Oaks At Ojai
Do you realize that every time you take a drink of water, you’re sipping controversy? It’s true. There’s been lots of talk and a few arguments about how much water our bodies require and some of the old thinking has been thrown out the window. As we approach the next few months, with all the busyness of this time of year, it’s important to keep health high. A body that is stressed from over work, over commitment, over eating, is susceptible to flu, colds, fatigue, depression and even weight gain. I believe adding sufficient water to your daily menu can help make you healthier and keep emotions under control, too. Here are some tips.
*Drink. The old thinking was that the only drink was water, but the new thinking on this topic is that any liquid can help keep the body’s level of fluid at the right level. However, if you’re watching your weight or know that sugary drinks do not make you feel well, then plain water is the right choice. How much? Enough so that you’re thirst is quenched. There was a time when doctors and nutritional experts said for optimum health one must have at least 10 tall glasses. Now that concept is being scrutinized and the current thought is that one should drink enough to feel healthy. You cannot know if you feel healthier by drink more water UNLESS you try it for a few days. Why not do an experiment on your body starting today and see how you feel by spacing five tall glasses of water in the next ten hours? I know I feel better when I choose to drink water, over soda or sugary-fruit juices.
*Plain or sparkling? The decision is yours. If you’re concerned about sodium (or salt) in your diet then read the labels on all bottled water that you consume.
*A diet drink? Yes, water may be the best diet drink around. It has zero calories, quenches thirst and is available everywhere. How could you ask for more? I know that water naturally keeps appetite in check, hydrates the body and helps the body metabolize stored fat.
*Drink for your skin? Youthful skin is well hydrated. No amount of expensive skin cream can take the place of three glasses of pure water.
*Drink to help cope with fluctuating hormone levels? During a woman’s monthly cycle, water retention in the body often makes the process more uncomfortable. Drinking water, as odd it as it might seem, helps reduce the discomfort by flushing out the body. As we reach menopause, increasing water may also help make us more at ease during periods of hot flashes and night sweats. Drinking extra water during an illness, such as a common cold, may also reduce the time you’re out of the action.
*A brain drink? Yes, the brain is about 90 percent water. Since the body has no way of storing water we need to replace it. Adults lose 12 cups of water every day, through urinating, sweating, breathing, the water must be replaced somehow or we begin to feel out of sorts. If you’re feeling slow to go this season, muddled, forgetful, or just crabby, it could be you’re not drinking enough. When the body has enough water, you’ll feel increased mental clarity, have more endurance and energy, and may even find that feelings of depression have disappeared “like magic.” Foggy memory and depression may actually be symptoms of insufficient water in the body.
Drink to your health this holiday. Next time you’re asked, “What will you have?” say “Water!” And you’ll stay fit for life.
