What to Drink

This is as simple as water, water, water. The body is make up for 70% water which regulates body temperature, creates cells, removes toxins and performs millions of other bodily functions. With its great importance too us we should understand how much we should drink for our body type.

It is estimated that the average person loses 9 cups of water every day through breathing, sweating, and urine. When the weather is hotter we lose more. The alarming part is that most people do not consume that much water on a daily basis.

When water levels in your body become too low, dehydration results, and the body becomes weaker. Your ability to fight off diseases, recall memory and physical abilities become impaired. Muscles are largely made up of water, so there abilities become impaired along with other functions such as healing and digestion.

So what you can do is to start monitoring your water intake and do not only drink when you are thirsty as it already to late! You can monitor your urine by looking at its colour. If it is a dark rich yellow colour you need to hydrate and drink some more water. If it is close to a clear colour your water levels are good.

How much water do you need?

You should be consuming 8oz of water for every 11 lbs of bodyweight per day. Say for instance you weigh 185lbs then you need to consume 185/11 = 16.8 oz of water for the day. A diet high in water foods such as vegetables, fruits and sprouts will assist you in reaching your daily water intake. In fact the water from these sources is often more pure then tap water and should be included to supplement water intake throughout the day.

What not to drink

Avoid all soft drinks as sugar levels and cancerous food additives are used in the manufacturing process of these products. Avoid alcohol where possible because the chemicals react with your body and affect its functions not only in the short term but also in the long term. Minimise bottle juices as they are often high in sugars, but do consume fresh juices and do not be afraid to squeeze fruits and make your own juices. These are great drinks!

Milk is an interesting drink. Its affect on your body should be considered. What milk does is line the stomach and create a barrier for absorption of vitamins and minerals. In fact some studies have shown that it actually prevents the calcium in the milk from being absorbed and should not be consumed at all as it has no purpose without the calcium. I personally only drink milk on its own 15 minutes after or before a meal. This ensures that it is not lining my stomach when I am eating food so all the nutrients and be absorbed in an efficient manner.