HEALTHY REASONING: Drinking Water Is Good For Your Health

By Allan Bucka Jones
PRIDE Health Columnist

As someone who is focused on health concerns, especially as it relate to the black community, I am amazed at the variation in how much water is recommended by various health professionals, as the amount necessary for you to drink each day to enhance good health. Do not get bogged down with this detail, just make sure you consume at least two litres of water each day.

Water is very important for our existence. More than 90% of our blood is water. Our muscles are 75% water. The brain is 85% water. Water assists in purifying our blood supply. Good health is dependent on drinking adequate amounts of water each day.

Water keeps us healthy by keeping our systems hydrated and assisting nature in resisting disease. Drinking adequate amounts of water, allows you to create the environment for the body to heal itself.

With adequate consumption of water, digestion is helped, and the risk of constipation is decreased.  Fibre and water jointly assist in eliminating waste products that build up in our body.

Weight loss is a big concern for many of us. Drinking water reduces hunger and it helps us to lose weight. It is an effective appetite suppressant, causing us to eat less. Water also assists in eliminating the by-products of fat breakdown. Water has zero calories. There is evidence to support the fact that drinking a half a litre of pure water can raise our metabolism, further contributing to weight loss.

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, and drinking water can offer relief. Water can also help flush toxins and waste products from the body. These waste products, if not eliminated, can cause fatigue and a lack of energy.

Helping us look younger, with a healthier skin, is a another significant benefit of consuming water. It replenishes skin tissues, moisturizes skin, and increases skin elasticity.

As we age, our memory gets less reliable. Since the brain is 85% water, drinking water helps us to think better, be more alert, and concentrate more. Water also helps to regulate your body temperature and allows you to sustain a greater amount of exercise.

The risk of cancer is reduced by drinking adequate volumes of water. Research suggests drinking water may reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancers.

A 2009 study out of Tufts University in the US, found that drinking adequate water helps create a positive attitude. A group of 31 male and female students who performed 60 to 75 minutes of high-impact aerobic activity while mildly dehydrated, reported more tiredness, depression, confusion, tension, or anger than those who drank adequate amounts of water and engaged in similar activities.

It is best to avoid drinking water or juices with meals, so that the digestive juices in the stomach will not be diluted. The dilution of the digestive juices delays the emptying of the stomach. This delay can contribute to problems such as acid reflux and heartburn. Avoid drinking water or any other liquid, less than 15 minutes before your meal, and wait one hour after a meal.

Water is also important as a cleansing agent for the outside of the body. Regular bathing or showering is essential for good health. The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it releases some of the body’s chemical waste through its pores. Our skin not only excretes toxins, but when exposed to toxins and pollutants, it can absorb them. Water is nature’s cleanser to remove these impurities. A daily shower or bath, can improve circulation, soothe nerves, and aid in obtaining a better sleep.

Considering all the benefits that water provides to both the inside and outside of your body, it is clear that that the very best health you can enjoy, depends partially on the proper use of water. Go for it !!!

Allan Bucka Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. You can contact Allan Bucka Jones at allan@jonesandjones.ca.