Did you know that water is the second most popular beverage in the US? I bet you can guess the most popular. Correct. Soda!
Water has no negative side effects compared to soda with its risks of obesity, stroke, and heart problems.
Water has a positive influence on our bodies. It helps with fluid balance; transports nutrients, regulates body temp and helps in the digestion of food. It keeps things moving so it can relieve or prevent constipation.
Believe it or not, it can also help with weight loss.
It also helps relieve the burden on the liver and kidneys by flushing out waste products.
I am sure you have heard it said that drinking water can relieve headaches. Sometimes headaches are a sign of dehydration. So have a couple glasses of water.
We also know that water helps maximize physical performance. Especially important in high heat and intense exercise. It also protects joints and cartilage and it keeps them supple and the joints lubricated.
Ever get a bit of “brain-fog”? Brain function is influenced when not drinking enough water. Memory, concentration, and impaired mood can be by-products of not enough water.
So when it gets right down to it how much water should we be drinking daily? Men should drink 13- 8 ounce cups of water daily and women should be drinking 9- 8 ounce cups daily. More if exercising.
Resources
http://press.endocrine.org/doi/full/10.1210/jc.2003-030780
http://greatist.com/health/health-benefits-water
http://authoritynutrition.com/7-health-benefits-of-water
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
