Water has more health benefits than anyone knows, and it makes up more than sixty percent of our total body weight. Most people have heard the rule of thumb that adults need to drink about drink eight 8-ounce glasses of fluid a day (or 1.9L). Experts at the Institute of Medicine, in 2005, reported that men aged 19 and over should generally take in at least 3.7 liters of total water every day (15.6 cups). Women ages 19 and up should take in 2.7 liters of total water every day (11.4 cups), and increases to 3.0L if pregnant and 3.8L if breastfeeding. So when it is summer and you and your family are more active, do not forget to grab your reusable bottle! When exercising, try to consume an extra 1.5-2.5 cups of water. Let\’s go over some various sources of this essential nutrient:
- A cold cup of plain water can jump start your metabolism. It contains no calories or fat, and can also ward of headaches that may be due to dehydration.
- Vitamin water and other sports drinks with electrolytes are marketed as healthy beverages, but in reality, many contain citric acid which creates an acid attack on tooth enamel with every sip. Use a straw, dilute it to half or follow it up with water.
- Sugar sweetened beverages like soda and juice should be skipped, or just have them during one mealtime daily. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 1-6 should only be receiving 4-6 ounces a day! If you are having trouble eliminating them all together, look for healthier options like unsweetened iced tea.
- Fruit infused water is also a great option and you can fill it up your favorite combinations of strawberry, citrus, cucumber, herbs or whatever you like. If it tastes good, you will drink more of it.
- Coconut water and WTRMLN WTR also contain naturally occurring sugar. It may also contain small amounts of vitamins but they can also be found in a well-balanced diet.
- Sparkling water contains carbonic acid which makes the beverage more acidic than plain water, but dentists still agree that it is still better than soda and juice. Other people have suggested that most of the acid is contained in the bubbles which are given off when you twist the top off.
- Fluoridated tap water is more beneficial then bottled because bottles usually contain less than the recommended amount of fluoride. The American Dental Society found that more adults in the United States currently have their teeth today because of water fluoridation. So put that money you’ve saved on bottled water for trying a new outdoor activity!
- Brita filters, do not remove the cavity fighting mineral, fluoride. Newer filters such as ZEROWATER may filter it out along with other inorganic substance. Water is nature’s dental cavity fighter because it rinse the cavity of bacteria on the tooth surface, and fluoride makes the tooth more resistant to demineralization.
- Garden hose is a no-no for kids or pets! There may be toxic chemicals such as lead and brass in the standard hose and nozzles. Rubber hoses may be safer than vinyl, however there has not been enough evidence to suggest either is safe enough for anything other than plants to consume.
- Have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. God bless the United States Veterans who have defended our freedom!