Water: Essential nutrient 6 of 6
This is post 6 of 6 dedicated to the 6 essential nutrients and in this post, we are talking about water! Nutrients can be categorized into two groups, macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Micronutrients are your vitamins and minerals. These 5 nutrients plus water are the 6 essential nutrients your body requires for smooth sailing.
Water is a small molecule made of only 3 atoms, two hydrogen and one oxygen. The structure of a water molecule allows for hydrogen bonding giving water many amazing properties. Water is a favorite at our house. I think my husband has probably written a ballad depicting the quenching and satisfactory nature of drinking a glass of ordinary water when one is only a little thirsty. I am only slightly joking. He really loves water so much, and with good reason. Water is potentially the most important of the six essential nutrients. You can only survive mere days without it. Just a little dehydration can affect physical and mental functions.
What does water do?
An adult body should be around 50-75% water and the blood is 90% water. Every cell requires water to function.
These functions include:
Lubricating joins
Stabilizing heart rate
Maintaining blood pressure
Digesting food
Protecting organs
Transporting oxygen
Excreting waste
Detoxing the body
Promoting healthy brain function
Skin health
Maintaining healthy weight
Having high energy levels
Saliva
Regulating body temperature
While keeping our bodies hydrated is extremely important, it is also possible to get sick from drinking too much water in one sitting. If you have had more than two pints of water at once and find yourself feeling dizzy or nauseous you may be experiencing water intoxication and should slow down your water intake.
It is generally agreed that eight cups of water throughout the day should keep the body hydrated and happy. Keep in mind that everyone’s bodies are unique and have slightly different needs. Also, temperature, physical excursion, altitude, and diet could change the amount of water your body requires.
Water, from where?
Do not try to get your water from soda, coffee, teas, or fruit juices. Many drinks including sodas and juices are extremely high in sugar and offer little nutritional benefit. It is important to note Alcohol as a bad source of water as well. Alcohol will actually dehydrate the body. The ideal source of hydration is from plain water.
The best way to get the water your body needs is to just drink natural clean water. You can get it right from your tap or from bottle sources. I have a brother who just doesn’t like the taste of water. If you fall into this camp, try squeezing some lemon or other citrus fruit in your water. Adding cucumbers is another great way to get a new refreshing water flavor. If you have a hard time getting enough water every day. Try consuming fruits with a lot of water, like watermelon, on top of your regular water intake.
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