Your Body is Screaming for Water!

One of the most critical nutrients the body requires is water and it’s probably one of the most overlooked parts of our diet. Every bodily function is dependent on our body being hydrated. Water flushes toxins out of vital organs and joint tissue, carries the nutrients to your cells, provides hydration for the tissues such as nose, throat, etc.  and contributes to the production of vital energy.

Glycogen, which is the body’s main source of stored energy, is produced through a process which combines water with glucose.  If there is not enough water, extra amounts of glucose remain in the bloodstream, which increases your blood sugar level and ultimately is stored as fat. 

One of the primary functions of the liver is to metabolize stored fat into energy. The liver needs the kidneys to  filter toxins, wastes, ingested water, and salts out of the bloodstream in order to function properly. If you are dehydrated, the liver must compensate for the kidneys inability to filter out this debris. As a result, the liver metabolizes less fat and therefore more is stored.

Water is also a great natural appetite suppressant. It actually decreases hunger cravings. However, do not drink large quantities of water before a meal, because that will actually dilute the digestive enzymes and prevent proper digestion.

The amount of water you need depends on your diet, your health, your weight, the climate you live in and even the elevation. Some estimates say that you should get 1/2 your body weight in ounces each day through drinking water. Obviously our diet provides water also and therefore it’s important to choose foods that are not calorie laden or are actually diuretics such as caffeine, soda pop or alcohol. 

Besides just drinking water, our skin is another method of providing hydration to our bodies. How many times have you worked out or been outside working or just had a long hard day and then took a shower. It refreshes you partly because you’re re-hydrating. The health of your skin is a great indicator of your body’s hydration level.

While water isn’t a cure-all, certainly there is indication that dehydration may be implicated in the following ailments.

• Headaches   
• Joint & Back Pain
• Anxiety & Depression 
• High Blood Pressure  
• High Cholesterol 
• Fatigue & Insomnia  
• Allergies and Asthma
• Constipation

The evidence is certainly compelling - water is the source of life. So instead of drinking water as an afterthought, put it at the top of your daily routine. It could quiet your body’s screams.