Water keeps us cool, lubricates our joints and flushes toxins from our bodies, but admit it, how many of us really drink the recommended two litres a day? For those of us who do struggle to drink enough, the great news is that water actually can help you in the battle against the bulge.

Now for the science bit Your metabolism is the bio-mechanical process that breaks food down and turns it into energy. In a nutshell, it consumes calories. Since metabolism is your best ally in the frontline against weight, you want it to be working at full speed. Water is the fuel that drives metabolism's chemical reactions. So, if you're not drinking enough, you won't burn as many calories as you can. Simple.

Running on empty? If you're not drinking enough water - at least 2 litres a day - here's how your body is being affected:

• Your weight loss will slow right down.
  
• Your digestion will suffer.
  
• You'll feel 'fake' hunger.
  
• You won't get the full benefit of exercise.
  

For the full article go to www.ivillage.co.uk

ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH WATER? HOW TO TELL

Don't rely on thirst to judge if your body is adequately hydrated. Waiting until you're thirsty to take a drink of water is waiting too long. If you're drinking around 1 ounce of fluid per pound per day (around 1/2 ounce of just water), plus an additional two or three glasses during times of increased water need, chances are you're drinking enough. (This amount includes all fluid sources: soups, fruits, milk, etc.) Also, your kidneys can give you a clue. Notice the color of your urine. If your body is low on water, your kidneys try to conserve it by concentrating the urine. If you have enough, or even too much water in your body, the kidneys excrete more water in the urine. If your urine is almost colorless or slightly yellow, you are probably drinking enough liquids. If your urine is darker than usual, like apple juice, drink more water.

For the full article go to www.askdrsears.com

PREVENTING DEHYDRATION, PREVENTING HEADACHES AND MIGRAINE

We're always trying to identify headache and Migraine triggers in hopes of avoiding as many of them as possible. Dehydration is a know trigger and perhaps one of the easiest to avoid. Since summer heat increases the risk of dehydration.

Experts say drinking just 5 glasses of water a day can reduce the risk of colon cancer by 45 percent, bladder cancer by 50 percent and breast cancer by 79 percent. With statistics like those, there's no reason not to reach for the H20. The consumer market has caught on to the health benefits of water, filling the shelves with new products to keep you hydrated. Enhanced water is the latest trend, taking what Mother Nature gave us and giving it a kick in the form of added vitamins and delicious flavors.

For the full article go to headaches.about.com

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First Alternative Chiropractic©

February 19, 2006