Water, Winter and Your Wellness
In the winter months, people have a tendency to drink less water. The warmer weather acts as a reminder to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water. In the cooler months, this trigger is not activated and as a result, some people drink less water than the suggested daily quantities for them.
Generally, an adult male needs about 3 liters per day while an adult female needs about 2.2 liters per day. Of course, this varies according to age, gender, and also by where you live.
In fact, during the winter months, a routine governing your water intake is vitally important to ensure that you are consuming enough water to stay hydrated and maintain optimal body function internally.
For those of you who are focused on weight loss, be aware that ample water intake assists the brain in not mistaking dehydration for hunger. A consistent water intake routine will eliminate the urge to eat when your body is really just thirsty.
Your water intake and your wellness are intertwined. Water makes up about two-thirds of your body and it influences 100% of all the body’s processes. Water is:
- A vital nutrient to the life of every cell, acting first as a building material.
- Regulates our internal body temperature through sweating and respiration.
- Helps metabolize and transport carbohydrates and proteins through the bloodstream.
- Assists digestion by flushing waste mainly through urination and supports bowel health by helping dissolve fat and fiber, aiding the kidneys to eliminate waste.
- Acts as a shock absorber for the brain, spinal cord, and fetus.
- Forms saliva for good food breakdown and oral hygiene.
- Lubricates joints, helping us feel younger and move freely.
- Supports weight loss by keeping you hydrated and feeling fuller.
- Boosts metabolism and assists in the fat-burning process.
- Improves mental health by providing more energy and enhancing overall well-being.
According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water,
and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.
Wellness Alert – dehydration can cause concentration loss, decreased attention span, memory loss,
lack of attention to detail, decreased motor skills, and lack of creativity.
Water Wellness Newsflash – Drinking ample amount of water helps the immune system fight off the flu,
cancer, and other diseases. It also keeps muscles elastic and joints well-lubricated so you have less risk of joint pain.
In general, having a consistent water intake routine will aid the body to stay healthy.
Here is how I ensure to keep up my water intake consistently on a daily basis. [Video]
References
Boschmann, M., Steiniger, J., Hille, U., Tank, J., Adams, F., Sharma, A., Klaus, S., Luft, F. and Jordan, J. (2003). Water-Induced Thermogenesis. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 88(12), pp.6015-6019.
mindbodygreen. (2012). 10 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water. [online] Available at: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-4287/10-Reasons-Why-You-Should-Drink-More-Water.html [Accessed 14 May 2016].
USGS, Science of a Changing World.Water Properties: The Water in You. Available at https://water.usgs.gov/edu/propertyyou.html
