Durban - Water has a lot more benefits than simply quenching thirst and making crops grow.
Besides obvious other sideline plusses – what would a gin and tonic be without ice, people?; and what about the many benefits of steam? – natural water is also a great beauty and health aid.
Our parents and hairdressers have been telling us for years that a cool-water rinse can make hair shinier, and it’s not simply an old great-granny tale that drinking more water helps the skin appear more radiant, right?
It is an obvious form of hydration, keeping skin fresh and glowing. And, in hydrating our bodies, water assists with keeping our joints lubricated and our muscles more elastic, which can help to keep joint pain away.
Water has also been known to help and even prevent headaches, and drinking more of it can be good for avoiding constipation, and is essential for digesting food.
There is also the advantage of the precious liquid helping to rid the body of waste and toxins through sweat and urination – and I, for one, will forever be grateful to my doctor for having strongly suggested I constantly refill my water glass for all these benefits.
But, being a regular battler of the bulge, two of the main reasons I personally strive to drink two to three litres of water a day is that it has no calories and can be an appetite suppresser.
Also, I don’t ever again want to go through the hell of suffering kidney stones… and I took my doctor’s advice for increased water consumption as a good way of helping to keep kidney stones and urinary tract infections at bay.
It has also been reported that water, along with lemon or lemon juice, is often used to overcome respiratory diseases, intestinal problems, rheumatism and arthritis. All considered, it plays a pretty important role in strengthening the immune system.
Although the recommendation of eight glasses a day for health has been around for years, the amount of water one should drink daily differs from individual to individual. Factors such as a person’s size and health, and his or her level of activity, all come into play.
Studies have produced varying recommendations over the years, but one thing is clear – water should be drunk regularly throughout the day.
A report by Mayo Clinic, at www.mayoclinic.org, points out that The Institute of Medicine determined an adequate intake for men to be roughly 13 cups (about three litres) of total beverages a day. The recommendation for women is about nine cups (2.2 litres) of total beverages a day.
“Every day you lose water through your breath, perspiration, urine and bowel movements. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply by consuming beverages and foods that contain water,” the report adds.
“Water is the body’s principal chemical component, making up about 60% of body weight.
“Every system in the body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to cells, and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues.
“Lack of water can lead to dehydration, a condition that occurs when you don’t have enough water in your body to carry out normal functions. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.”
The Mercury