Water is key to life. After all more than two-thirds of our body weight is water, and every system in our bodies needs water for maximum efficiency. On average 20% of our water comes through food and the rest by drinking it. While water is nutrient-free, it does absorb specific minerals and delivers them to our bodies when we drink it. Fluoride is a natural mineral in water, and many cities add additional amounts to protect and promote healthy teeth. Too much fluoride, however, can lead to an increased risk of bone fractures. Check your city’s website to read a report on your tap water.

Carbonated water; created by nature as in mineral water or when carbon dioxide is added for a bubbly effect like club soda and seltzer are suitable substitutes for regular water as long as sugar and sugar substitutes have not been added. Sparkling mineral water, club soda, and seltzers contain calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and sodium, so be careful if you are watching your sodium intake.

Whether it’s still water or sugarless carbonated, staying hydrated is essential to our appearance, mood, digestion, circulation, temperature, nutrition, muscles, and organs.
Drinking Water leads to a feeling of fullness = weight loss
Water improves digestion = daily elimination
A hydrated brain is a refreshing mood booster = smarter brain
Steam unstuffs a nose = sinus relief
Water hydrates cartilage = lubricated joints, reducing arthritis onset
A sip of water, a sip of alcohol, a sip of water, a sip of alcohol = fewer hangovers
Watermelon, cucumbers, strawberries include natural sugars, minerals, vitamins = tasty hydration
Frozen water means ice skating = low impact exercise
Aqua aerobics is water exercise = low joint-stress activity
A warm bath creates positive emotions = enhanced mood
The recommended amount of daily water (8-ounce glass) intake depends upon your age, sex, activity level and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. In general:
Adults over 19: Men need about 13 cups
and, Women need about 9 cups
Children 4-6 cups
Pre-teens 8-10 cups
Teens, 14-18 yrs. old 11 cups

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends drinking more water if you live in hot climates, if you exercise daily, or are prone to diarrhea or vomiting.

Next week’s blog: The top 5 water filter pitchers