Water an overlooked essential nutrient

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Without water, neither of those functions are able to happen.

We may not think of water as a specific nutrient, but its role in our metabolism, cellular functions, mood, cognitive health, and physical performance is involved in every aspect. If we are not appropriately hydrated by giving our body the quality water it needs, you can imagine how those processes begin to slow.

Think about it like this: Now, if you had a showerhead with several streams of cascading water, you could get rinsed off more quickly and efficiently. In a very simplistic way, your body needs many different streams of water to carry out several different functions—all at the same time throughout your body, from breathing to stabilizing blood pressure to breaking down your breakfast.

In every part of our body, where cellular reactions are happening, water is being consumed, transferred, expelled, and produced every moment. Every system in our body relies on water. It is extremely important to replenish water loss and keep the fine machinery of our body running smoothly with adequate water levels daily.

Dry Matter Intake

Simply put, that is why humans are able to go weeks without food, but can only survive mere days without water. Recommendations As a general rule of thumb, you should try to drink cups ounces of water a day. Waiting for thirst to kick in is not always the best indicator either.

Thirst signals are the beginning signs of dehydration, especially for younger and older individuals who may not recognize this cue as readily. Other signs and symptoms of severe dehydration include headache, dizziness, forgetfulness, sleepiness, confusion, and delirium.

Coffee, tea, juice, broth, and other liquids can count toward your fluid consumption, or water recommendation, but keep in mind the amount of sugar, salt, and other additives in these drinks can take away of the immediate usability, but water is certainly extracted and immediately put to work.

Although caffeine and soda can be diuretics causing you to produce more urineto say they are dehydrating may not actually be factual, since they are made with water. Alcohol can be especially dehydrating since your body has to detoxify it and water in between drinks is a good idea.

Just like food, the more pure and less processed—added sugar, artificial sweetener and other additives—the more beneficial it will be for your body.

In the United States, we are very fortunate to have clean water straight out of the tap in most places across the nation with few exceptions. Many populations have to walk for miles to get to a water well. Fill up your re-usable water bottle, save money, and spare the planet from drowning in the plastic bottles and fancy flavored water containers.

Purchasing a filter or water-bottle filter are good ideas to increase the quality of the water and are inexpensive investments toward optimal health. Other factors affecting hydration Age: Water and staying hydrated are more important than ever.

The more you weigh the more water you will need. Some literature suggests 0. When the temperature rises, we excrete more water, and, therefore, need more water. But definitely something to always think about, especially in the southern summertime heat.

Be careful with sports drinks, sugary Kool-aid, teas and juices; the sugar will not be helpful for your hydration status and waistline. Mostly associated with marathon runners and endurance athletes, increased water intake also needs to be adequate for anyone participating in rigorous events for an hour or more.

Adequate water intake, before, during, and after the activity is essential. You do need electrolyte replenishment after more than an hour workout but again work with an RDN to understand your needs for your specific activity level.

Oxygenated Water

Beware, you can consume too much Also called water intoxication, hyperhydration, or hyponatremia meaning low presence of sodium in blood, which is essential for heart, organ, and muscle functionoverdosing on water can be a rare but real threat. Inthere was a case where a young woman died in a water drinking contest to win a Wii system.

Marathon runners as well as military recruits have also lost their lives related to exercise associated hyponatremic encephalopathy.Most people might think of a green spirulina drink or a "nutrition bar" when they hear the word "superfood". However, it turns out that liver (from grass-fed animals) is nature's most potent superfood.

So throw away your soy protein bars and noni juice and eat some liver! The superfood spirulina is arguably the most nutrient-dense food on the planet, and spirulina benefits major health concerns such as cancer, Candida and more.

Water truly is the most overlooked nutrient. It does so much more than just hydrate, it’s the product of the hydration that we need. Just like you said with hunger issues and fatigue, a lot of people don’t realize all they need is just a bit of water, not the moisturizing creme or the caffeine.

‘Providing your body with essential amino acids before training reduces muscle loss and helps create an anabolic environment.’ ‘Carbohydrates are not a requirement for survival as are proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, or minerals.’.

Water is an essential nutrient because it is required in amounts that exceed the body's ability to produce it.

Even without perspiration (sensible losses) the normal daily turnover of water is approximately 4% of total body weight in . Get help on 【 Water: an Overlooked Essential Nutrient Essay 】 on Graduateway Huge assortment of FREE essays & assignments The best writers!