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Although it contains no nutrients, water is a vital component of our
diet. It is essential for the growth and maintenance of our bodies
as it is involved in a number of biological processes. But most of
us do not get enough.Water is found throughout our bodies. It is the major component in blood and urine and is found in gastrointestinal juices, perspiration, and even the synovial fluids which surround our joints. Water also helps in maintaining normal sodium levels in our blood. Why do we need water?
The following are a series of changes in a case of water restriction:
How much do we need? The body gets its water from three sources:
Water is the major ingredient of all drinks: carbonated drinks are 65 per cent water, squashes are 86 per cent water (after dilution) and fruit juices are 90 per cent water. But drinking plain water is still the most effective way of replacing lost fluids. How to achieve your daily water intake :
Some tips for staying hydrated:
Water and Weight loss: Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true "magic potion" for permanent weight loss. Water may be the key to taking weight off and keeping it off. Proper water intake is the key to weight loss. If people who are trying to lose weight do not drink enough water, the body cannot metabolize the fat, they retain fluid, which keeps weight up, and the whole procedure that you are trying to set up falls apart. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolise 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. Here is the reason why - As mentioned above, the kidneys cannot function properly without enough water. When they do not work to capacity, some of their load is dumped onto the liver. One of the liver's primary functions is to metabolise stored fat into usable energy for the body. But, if the liver has to do some of the kidney's work, it can't do its own job as effectively. As a result, it metabolises less fat; so more fat remains stored in the body and weight loss stops. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in spaces outside the cells. This shows up as swollen feet, legs and hands. So, paradoxical as it may seem, the way to eliminate fluid retention is to drink more water, not less. Water or Other Beverages? There is a difference between pure water and other beverages that contain water. Bio-chemically, water is water - obviously you can get some liquid by consuming such beverages as fruit juice, soft drinks, beer, coffee and tea. Unfortunately, while such drinks contain water, they also may contain substances that may contradict some of the positive effects of the added water. For example - beer contains water, but it also contains alcohol which is a toxic substance. Fruit juices contain a lot of sugar while tea and coffee are a diuretic, so you excrete more liquid than you take in. Such drinks may tax the body more than they cleanse it. Another problem with these beverages is that you lose your taste for water. To sum up-Water is the most important element on earth without which survival of any species is impossible. Remember to have water at regular intervals throughout the day and it is always preferable to consume water to replace lost fluids instead of other beverages. About the Author Firooza F. Karkaria is a first class graduate from Bombay University in Foods & Nutrition and has done her Post Graduation in Nutrition & Dietetics. She has also attained the status of a Registered Dietician (R.D.) awarded by the Indian Dietetics Association (I.D.A.). She has a varied experience of having worked in hospitals & gymnasiums as a dietician. Presently she is working for Gold's Gym which runs an international chain of gymnasiums. She has helped scores of people achieve their goals in losing as well as gaining weight as per their individual requirements & prescribes diets for people suffering from various ailments. She can be contacted on 9820654200 for personalised guidance. |
