Until a few years ago, water was the forgotten nutrient.Now, popular magazines trumpet the virtues of 8-12 glasses a day! Without a doubt, water is indispensable. You could survive without food for a month, but you'd die in 3 to 4 days without water.When water is lacking, body systems begin to break down. People who lose more than 3 to 5 percent of their body weight from dehydration may experience headache, dizziness and loss of concentration.At 6 percent loss, the heart races and the body can't regulate its temperature. People who lose 7% may collapse.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, men who drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water per day are about half as likely to get bladder cancer as men who consume less than a glass daily.Water drinking may also help people whose blood pressure drops precipitously when they stand up.
Following are some hydration hints:
Drink before, during and after exercise.
Serve water, juice or low-fat milk with meals.
If you're thirsty, drink something right away.
If you consume caffeine or alcohol, drink extra fluids.
If your urine is amber instead of pale yellow, you probly need water.
Eat five servings each of fruits and vegetables daily.
SOURCE: HealthNews/February,2001
