by Carmen Ugas

Water is an essential nutrient.  70% of our body and 90% of our brain are composed of water and this vital fluid needs to be replenished on a daily basis in order for our organs to function properly and for our cells to remain healthy.  There are 100 trillion cells in our body, and certain vital body processes like digestion, absorption and/or distribution of nutrients, and the elimination of toxic waste depend on water.  We are exposed to toxicity on a daily basis, not only from the food that we eat and the air that we breathe, but also from the products that we use such as personal care, cleaning and laundry products, etc.Water makes our liver, kidneys, digestive and immune systems function properly, and amongst other things, it lubricates our joints, strengthens cartilage, controls body temperature, helps restore pH balance and slows aging.  As water helps the body metabolize fat, it is a key factor in weight-loss as it suppresses appetite and controls hunger.  A good rule of thumb is to drink a minimum of half your weight in ounces of water every day, and a good way to accomplish this is by starting your day with a full glass of water before consuming anything else; this simple act will set the tone and encourage you to continue drinking water throughout the day.

In general, when you experience hunger, try consuming a full glass of water first, and if after 10-15 minutes you are still hungry, go ahead and eat something, you will notice that you’ll feel satisfied sooner.  Feel like drinking a soda instead?  Note that sodas contain approximately 10 teaspoons of refined sugar, a toxic substance and the equivalent to empty calories that contribute to weight gain and obesity.  Do you suffer from heartburn?  Try consuming a full glass of water first, and if after 10-15 minutes you are still experiencing it, go ahead and have another full glass of water.  You’d be surprised to find that this simple experiment might take care of your heartburn and that you have no need for antacids.

For some of you consuming half your weight in ounces of water doesn’t come easy and you must get creative in order to accomplish this task.  Something that might work for you is to keep a glass bottle full of water with you: one at your desk, one in your car, one in your bag when you are out and about, one in your bedroom, and so on.  If it is the taste of water that doesn’t appeal to you, get creative and make it fun, try adding an ounce of fruit juice to a full glass of water, some mint leaves, a few slices of cucumber, or try sparkling water if you prefer.  Another great option – and a very detoxifying one – is to sip on hot water.  But please remember, once we experience thirst it means that we are already dehydrated, and this may come along with headaches, sluggish thinking, poor digestion, skin breakouts, bad breath and general fatigue.

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