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The Benefits of Drinking Water

How much H20 do you really need?

Water’s benefits are extraordinary. Maybe you already know some of the health benefits, but do you know what amount of water intake will give you the absolute optimum benefits?

Studies show conflicting recommendations. So how are you supposed to know which amount of water is best for you? Although no single formula for water intake fits everyone, there are simple ways to figure out your water amount needs based on:

—Your physical activity

—Where you live

—Your health

Every single cell and system in your body depends on water to operate properly. Even though you could survive for more than a month without food, you can only go about three days without water.

Your body needs sufficient water intake to:

—Prevent constipation

—Help flush out waste

—Keep your joints lubricated

—Regulate your body temperature

—Protect the body’s organs and tissues

—Carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells

—Help dissolve nutrients for your body to use

—Keep tissues in your eyes, nose and mouth moist

So is your water intake enough? Probably not. Most people depend on soda, coffee, fruit drinks and alcohol to supplement their liquid intake. But these substitutes don’t offer all the great water benefits. In fact, alcohol and caffeine increase your water needs.

Here’s what we know: It takes about nine cups a day to replace the water your body uses and loses (The Institute of Medicine recommends nine cups of fluids a day for women and 13 for men.) People living in dry climates may need even more. Plus, your water requirements increase when you exercise, sweat a lot, or are sick with a fever, diarrhea or vomiting. Fresh fruits and vegetables are 80 to 90 percent water, so a diet rich in them can help replenish the amount of water you lose daily.

Read more about why water is good for you at BlackHealthMatters.Com.

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