Water gives us life!
It rained for the first time in weeks — weeks that also have been oppressively hot in the usual central Texas summer sort of way. And so yesterday morning when I looked out upon my long-suffering lawn, the change was readily apparent. The water had breathed new life into my grass. Blades of St. Augustine, which previously had been thin and withdrawn are now plump and perky. (The bad news is it also looks like I really need to mow now).
Water is also extremely important for us humans, and even more so for those who are hoping to lose weight or perform well athletically.
Here are some water facts:
- Water makes up about 60% of the adult human body by weight.
- The average person should drink about 96 ounces of water per day, plus
- Those wanting to lose weight should consume an additional 8 oz glass for every 25 lbs above ideal weight; and
- (Of course) additional water is needed with exercise or in a hot environment
- For exercising < 60 minutes, water is the best fluid replacement drink (although a sport drink can be beneficial for exercise > 60 min).
- Fluid loss of only 2% has an adverse effect on circulatory functions and will decrease an athlete’s performance level.
- Water has an effect on many bodily functions, such as endocrine gland function, metabolic function, body temperature regulation, and maintenance of proper blood volume.
- Drinking the right amount of water helps the body use more fat for energy, and it can also decrease appetite.
- Drinking water (ironically) helps reduce water retention in the body.
Make sure you are drinking the proper amount of water every day so that your body can function at its best.
I think I’ll go get a glass of water now. Cheers!
