Why water is so important!?

Water is vitally important when it comes to staying healthy and vibrant. It’s significance to human health is highlighted by the fact that 70% of our body mass is made up of water.

Water helps to regulate our body temperature, aids in digestion and keeps our skin clear and relatively wrinkle-free, while at the same time distributing nutrients around our body and lubricating our organs, muscles and cartilage. It also assists the kidneys, bowls and liver in their daily detoxification efforts, and consequently helps reduce the size of the fat deposits in the body. This is because the over-accumulation of fat in the body is not just the result of consuming too many kilojoules, but it is also due to high levels of toxins. When the human body is unable to immediately remove toxins, it ‘holds’ them in fat cells where they cannot injure the surrounding tissue, until such time as it can safely deal with them.

We each need to drink about 2 litres of water every day for our bodies to function properly, though the optimal amount for an individual depends on the size, energy expenditure, the climate in which they live, thirst and other factors.

Tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks are not considered part of the daily recommended water intake – quite opposite, in fact. They actually dehydrate our bodies due to their diuretic effects (increased urine output). For every cup of coffee, for example, we need to drink two glasses of water to replenish the water lost due to the diuretic effects of caffeine.

Just remember that if you drink enough water your organs will be able to keep toxins at bay, which in the long run will prevent them from becoming diseased. Dehydration, on the other hand, will immediately impact on your physical and mental performance. If it goes on for long enough, it can cause migraines, digestive problems, low blood pressure, lower back pain, constipation, premature aging and many other problems.

What water is best to drink?

For optimal hydration, it is recommended that you drink alkaline, purified water that still contains valuable minerals but has been cleansed of pollutants and toxins.

Drinking tap water is not considered ideal as it contains chlorine, fluoride and sometimes iodine, heavy metals and agricultural chemicals. Old, corroded pipes in your home or in your neighbourhood are another issue to be aware of.

Effects of most common water additives:

• Fluoride: Fluoride is linked to teeth degeneration and discolouration, as well as the deterioration of bones and joints. When combined with other chemicals and heavy metals, fluoride is also thought to increase the risk of dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
• Chlorine: Chlorine in tap water has been linked to the increased prevalence of certain types of cancer.
• Iodine: Too much iodine can negatively affect the thyroid gland and lead to hyperactivity, bronchitis, sleeping disorders and skin rashes.

If you get all or most of your drinking water from a tap, buy a good tap-water purifier. It will be an investment for your long term health. Filters such as reverse osmosis system are best on the market. I’ve been using this water purification system for over 4 years now and I highly recommend it to everyone.

This information comes from Trupps’ Wholefood Kitchen cookbook.