The Water Challenge

Chandi Schwab
I have a challenge for you this week. Anytime you go to drink a beverage, no matter what it is, replace the same ounces you would drink with water. That's right make water the only liquid that you drink this week. You will be amazed at how much better you feel. Please leave a comment and let us know how it goes!Here is why drinking water is so important.

Water is the substance of life. Life can not exist without water. We must constantly be adding fresh water to our body in order to keep it properly hydrated. Water can be a miracle cure for many common ailments such as headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and much more. We can go for weeks without food, but only 3 days without water!

Prevents Dehydration
Water makes up 60 percent of the body and is necessary to keep the body functioning properly. Dehydration can lead to death and water helps balance and regulate every system of the body. According to CellHealthMakeover.com, dehydration can cause diseases such as hypertension, asthma, ulcers, arthritis and allergies.

Elimination of Toxins
Water helps remove toxins from the body, in particular from the digestive tract. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

Regulates Body Temperature
Water is particularly helpful in keeping the body at the correct temperature during exercise by cooling the body through evaporation of water from the skin. Water changes temperature very slowly and serves as heat storage, keeping our bodies at the correct temperature, according to the University of Nebraska Neb Guide. It is vital that the water lost through sweat during exercise is replaced. Drinking a half a glass of water every 15 minutes during exercise ensures that you will replace the fluids lost, especially during hot weather. If you do not drink enough water during exercise, you may become dehydrated very quickly and need medical attention.

Lubricant
Tissues use water in the body to help defend the body against shock. The eyes, brain, and spinal cord are very delicate and depend on water as a protective cushioning layer to absorb shock. Water lubricates joints and muscles in the body; if dehydrated, your body may be susceptible to injury or cramping.

Transport
Water also transports nutrients and elements such as oxygen, hormones and antibodies throughout the body. If the body does not have enough water, body functioning is reduced and waste is dumped into fat, tissues, muscles and joints instead of being eliminated through waste, urine or sweat.


Water plays a vital role in nearly every bodily function. Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

General Rule: Due to the fact that every body is different the rule we often hear about drinking 8-8oz. Of water per day can be misleading. We need to drink half our body weight in ounces of water every day to provide the body with its MINIMUM water replacement requirements. Triple the intake for better results.