Our bodies are made up of 70 percent water. Isn’t it amazing our bodies have the same ratio of water to solid matter as does the surface of this incredible planet we live on?

Nothing on this planet can live without water, including us. Besides oxygen, water is the nutrient we humans need most. People can last weeks without food, but without water can die within a few days. Why is this? It’s because our bodies do not store water in meaningful way. It is something we constantly need to replenish or else our bodies will not be able to function.

An average adult looses 10 cups a day through perspiration, respiration, and urination. Respiration causes us to loose 2 cups water a day, 2 cups perspiration and each time we urinate approximately a cup, so 6 cups from urination. That’s why doctor’s toot,"8-10 glasses of water a day."

You wouldn’t run a race or participate in a sporting event without drinking water. Well, think of the race, the event called LIFE and while we participate we must drink water to keep our system hydrated, lubricated, and in good working order.

What does water do exactly?
1)Carries nutrients to our cells.
2) Aids digestion by forming stomach secretions.
3) Flushes our bodies of wastes.
4) Keeps are kidneys healthy.
5) It provides necessary moisture to our skin, eyes, mouth, and nose.
6) Lubricates and cushions are joints.
7) Regulates our body temperature.
8) Regulates our metabolism.

What you can do!
1. Drink ½ your weight in ounces of water every day.

2. Check in with your body .
---do you feel hungry?
--- is your mouth dry?
---any body pain or discomfort such as dizziness,
cramps, nausea, headache?
---are you tired?
---are you forgetful?

More severe signs of dehydration include – mental confusion, asthma attacks, and sunken eyes. Another sign of low water intake is bright yellow urine with a strong smell.

If you experience any of these symptoms, drink an 8oz glass of water slowly. Wait 3 minutes and drink another. How do you feel?

3. Do you drink coffee or soda? For each caffeinated beverage you drink, drink an additional glass of water. Better yet, if you need that jolt from the caffeine try drinking two glasses of water first. How do you feel?

4. Forego, the sports drinks. You do not need to worry about electrolyte balancing unless you’re an elite sports player. If you do not like plain water or still remain concerned about balancing electrolytes then add a small amount, no more than ¼ cup of your favorite unsweetened juice. You may also add a drop or two of a favorite essential oil – lemon, peppermint, orange. Or even better drop in a slice of lemon, lime or favorite fruit. The only beverage that can quench your thirst (besides coconut milk) is water! Drink at least 8 ounces of water before exercising and then another every 20 minutes. If you desire water more frequently throughout your work out, listen to your body and drink up.
5. Drink one or two glasses of water when you get up in the a.m. This helps to get your system literally moving. You’ve been without water for 6-8 hours. Rehydrating your body and brain gets you thinking clearly and gives you better energy.

Excerpts from Alex Jamieson’s, “Great American Detox Diet”