5 Benefits of water-Essential For Health
Why is water so essential to the body?
Water comprises more than 80% of body mass and there is nobody region that is devoid of water.
After air, water importance is the second most requirement for survival as it is the mediator for all principal biochemical events in the body including cell survival, birth and death.
It helps in almost all major functions of the body starting from nerve conduction to respiration, absorption to excretion, etc.
Excess water in the body is spontaneously eliminated from the body by various means but during a water shortage, it is to be replenished by an individual from outside by safe drinking water.
The instinct for replenishment is a natural thrive for everyone but, due to the present lifestyle of tension, habits and negligence, this urge is either postponed or forgotten leading to long term damage in the body mechanism and function.
So to avoid the consequences of damage sufficient water consumption is a prerequisite health tip.
Role of water and its benefits in the body
♦ The cell requires water for transport of nutrients & waste material (across membranes), for metabolism and also to maintain the proper shape of the cell. Cell with water shortage shrinks or collapses.
♦ Water dilutes toxic substances lie alcohol and other irritants like pickles and reduces the risk of cancer, ulcer, inflammations, etc in the gut during their consumption.
♦ During medication, it helps to reduce drug accumulation and minimizes associated toxic side effects.
♦ It maintains good blood volume and Cerebrospinal fluid volume, by which it provides sufficient glucose and oxygen and other nutrients to the brain and other body tissues.
The brain has a high requirement for oxygen and glucose. Less water content in the body decreases CSF formation and thereby leads to headaches due to less glucose and oxygen supply. So have some frequent gulps of water and many times you will be relieved.
♦ It helps in the important activities of the body like absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.
Absorption: the food digestion & absorption into the body from the gut is facilitated by water.
Distribution: food and other excreta are distributed to proper places due to water solubility.
Metabolism: The nutrients are metabolized through water involvement in the liver and other tissues.
Excretion: Excretion is by the process of filtration in the kidney. This requires the presence of a good amount of water.
Therapeutic facts of water in health
Help combat body heat. Good water levels in the body help to combat severe heat during summers and other high-temperature situations like exercise and games. Excess heat in the body is removed in the form of sweat.
Prevents piles. Piles are frequently formed due to less water content in the body. The first stage of piles is the appearance of blood during stools. Having 6 liters of water per day can show immediate relief from the symptoms of piles. So water consumption is a good treatment for piles.
Minimizes pimples: Good water consumption has shown to reduce pimples in many cases as it helps in the clearance of skin from accumulated fat and other wastes underneath.
Decreases congestion of lungs due to phlegm. Good water levels minimize the viscosity of phlegm making it easy to clear off from the throat and prevents lung congestion.
Decreases constipation. The hardness of stools is due to dryness and a decrease in water levels. So sufficient water reduces stool hardness and can relieve constipation. In among the functions of carbohydrates, water plays a key role. Carbohydrates in the form of fibrous material absorb water from the gut walls and increase the bulk of intestine helping in easy movement of bowels. Thus water helps clear bowels.
Water health tips-For better health
Some tips for better health with drinking water.
1) Drink water in times non-thirst also.
2. Have 3-5 litres of water per day in all the seasons.
3) Don't have more water during exercise if you have the thirst. But have just a gulp.
4) Having water just before food and between meals can decrease appetite.
5) Having plenty of water in the morning after bed can help in cleansing your body.
6) Have more water during the day than at nights.
How much of water should you drink per day
Some say it's is 5 to 6 liters per day. This is really a good suggestion but there is no fixed rule. Every individual has his own water balance controlled water regulatory center in the brain. The rate of water expulsion is controlled and there is a possible effort to conserve the body water.
But drinking 5 liters per day provides sufficient water for thorough cleansing of the system. So have good amounts of water at frequent intervals than having a whole lot at once.
Don't hesitate to drink more to avoid a frequent visit to the toilet, because, in the long run, it will be well worth.
water quality: People's preference for mineral water is growing. But even tap water is also a safe option if it well purified by the local supply.
water storage containers:
This is a frequent question about water storage containers because of the fear of leaching by the container walls.
When it comes to safety non-leaching options like glass and stainless steel water bottles are advisable.
But the plastic & aluminum water bottles have a reputation of leaching and undesired effects like heavy metal poisoning etc.
Ancient tradition recommends the storage of water in copper containers overnight and has it in the morning when you wake up. This is considered to be very beneficial to health. Here there is leaching of copper ions into water and when consumed, acts as microbicidal adding to health benefit.
So keeping with the above facts lets encourages the idea of proper water consumption in small volumes at frequent intervals in a day as an essential health benefit.
© 2010 bheem