WATER 101

Three cheers for WATER!

Water is essential for life and longevity! Everyone has heard about drinking the recommended amount of 8 glasses of water per day. But how many of us actually make the time to consciously take note of how much water we consume daily?

A typical American is unaware that they are perpetually on the brink of dehydration most of the time. Some of the symptoms of dehydration according to the Mayo Clinic are: 

"Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:

• Dry, sticky mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
• Thirst
• Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
• Few or no tears when crying
• Dry skin
• Headache
• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:

• Extreme thirst
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Lack of sweating
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
• Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn't "bounce back" when pinched into a fold
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby's head
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• No tears when crying
• Fever
• In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness

Unfortunately, thirst isn't always a reliable gauge of the body's need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you're well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration."

So, as you can see, not getting enough water can cause many symptoms we may be used to, or consider normal. What happens is that many people replace drinking water with tea, soda, coffee, milk, juice, flavored water,  energy drinks, alcohol or whatever they can get their hands on that, is NOT water! 

Some of these beverages are good for you once in a while, especially organic green teas. But, they do not replace simply drinking 6-8 glasses of water per day (depending on your age and weight). Have you been suffering from any of the listed symptoms? Check out if you are getting enough water: Human Daily Water Requirements

Here are a few more excellent links I found, concerning the benefits of water on chronic disease and even cancer:

The Water Cure

Benefits of reverse osmosis water

Dr. Mercola- Why to avoid tap water

References: 
Mayo Clinic Site- Dehydration Symptoms