WATER
Water is one of the most important fluids for humans
and all other animals. It not only plays an important role in our survival, it
also helps the brain function and the body stay healthy.
Water just like everything else has its advantages
and disadvantages, and should be consumed in a moderate manner. Too much of it
can be bad for your body. I am going to write on some of the benefits and
disadvantages of water and how much water should we consume.
How much should you drink every day?
How much
water should you drink each day? It's a simple question with no easy answers.
Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but in truth,
your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you
are and where you live.
Although
no single formula fits everyone, knowing more about your body's need for fluids
will help you estimate how much water to drink each day.
BENEFITS
Water is
your body's principal chemical component and makes up about 60 percent of your
body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water
flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and
provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you
don't have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild
dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.
1) Drinking Water Keeps You Young
Drinking
plenty of water is great for your skin. If you don't drink enough water, you'll
suffer from dry skin, and you'll be likely to use more creams and lotions to
moisturize. However, creams and lotions don't strike at the root of the
problem. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturized and reduces the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you
don't drink enough water, your body will try to retain it in order to conserve
resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating.
2) Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight
There's a
reason why most diets and fitness programs ask you to drink a lot of water. One
of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight.
Water
suppresses your appetite, so you don't eat as much. Drinking plenty of water
also prevents fluid retention, because your body won't try to retain water if
it's getting enough.
Drinking
water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough
water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body. When
you drink plenty of water, your kidneys don't need any extra help, so your
liver will be able to metabolize stored fat more efficiently. Drinking water
flushes toxins from your body and prevents constipation.
3) Drinking Water Helps You Build Muscle
Another
benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's
because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your
muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and
longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.
4) Drinking Water Makes You Smarter
Drinking
water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in
order to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your
brain gets all the oxygen it needs. Drinking eight to ten cups of water per day
can improve your levels of cognitive performance by as much as 30%!
Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that
your body's electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay
messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.
This are some of the few benefits
of drinking water.
DISADVANTAGES
Drinking
excessive amounts can also lead to loss of sleep as people have to get up in
the night to go to the toilet, and other studies show it can even cause kidney
damage, instead of preventing it.
Worryingly,
Dr McCartney also warns that taking on too much water can lead to a rare but
potentially fatal condition called Hyponatraemia, which sees the body’s salt
levels drop and can lead to swelling of the brain.
In 2003
actor Anthony Andrews, who starred in the I TV adaptation of Brideshead
Revisited, was hit by the illness after drinking too much water during
rehearsals for a West End role.
