World's easiest, low-cost health and beauty tip

Diet trends change with each new season. Last decade's low carbohydrate craze replaced the previous decade's emphasis on low fat eating. Now the focus has shifted to eating good fats, whole grains, and all natural foods, preferably organic. Many people are choosing more extreme "gluten-free" or "vegan" diets. One nutritionist will point out the health benefits of caffeine while another will forbid it. With so much conflicting or changing information, with the wide spread increase in food allergies and food sensitivities, and with so much variation in dietary needs among individuals, choosing a healthy diet can be overwhelmingly complex.

However, the most important dietary necessity for all people since human life began is very simple and unchanging. Everyone should consume clean drinking water throughout the day everyday. Approximately 57% of a grown man's body weight is water while up to 75% of an infant's body weight is water. The brain is 90% water while 83% of the blood is comprised of water. The muscles are 75% water, and even human bones contain 22% water. Every part of the body functions better when sufficient amounts of water are consumed each day. How much water is needed each day varies by person, but a good rule of thumb is to drink half one's body weight in pounds in ounces of water each day. So, a 150 pound man would need at least 75 ounces of water a day. More water is needed in hot climates and before and after exercise. To determine daily water needs more precisely, refer to About.com's on-line hydration calculator.

Those who drink sufficient amounts of water each day will experience numerous benefits.

Water improves mental acuity.

Since the brain is 90% water, a steady supply of water enables the brain to process information efficiently while optimizing alertness and focusing ability. Drinking plenty of water helps ward off migraine headaches and improves a person's mood.

Water supports weight loss.

Water is a natural appetite suppressant. It fills up the stomach to promote a feeling of fullness. Drinking a full glass of water before a meal usually reduces the amount of food consumed during that meal.

The body easily confuses hunger and thirst cues. Both hunger and thirst can cause fatigue. The body becomes dehydrated overnight, so it is important to drink a full glass of water at the beginning of each day. More often, Americans reach for a cup of coffee, tea, or soda which dehydrates the body. Water satisfies the body so less of these other stimulants are required to energize the body.

When water replaces other beverages, it reduces overall calorie consumption. Water has zero calories while juice, milk and soft drinks have between 90 and 160 calories per cup. The act of drinking burns calories. Michael Boschmann, MD, working with colleagues from Berlin's Franz-Volhard Clinical Research Center measured energy expenditures by healthy men and women and found that drinking just over 2 cups of water increased metabolism by 30% for 30 to 40 minutes (The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, December 2003 issue). Adding ice to a single cup of water increases calorie expenditure by an additional five calories since the body must work to raise the temperature of the water to body temperature.

Water is good for the skin.

Water is like Botox for the skin. It nourishes, moisturizes, and replenishes skin. By preventing dryness, water improves skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

Water improves exercise quality.

Water fuels the muscles and regulates body temperature. It energizes the body and lubricates the joints and muscles. Water helps the body exercise longer and harder without muscle cramping or joint sprains. Water also helps flush waste products and toxins out of the body so that the heart and vital organs do not have to work as hard. In this way, water helps prevent fatigue.

Water supports the body's immune system and helps prevent disease.

Water cleanses the body of germs and toxins. Add some lemon juice to water for added flavor and a nutritional boost. Lemons are high in vitamins and minerals and have antibacterial and antiviral properties. Lemons improve digestion and cleanse the liver. (Source)

New research suggests that water can help reduce the risk of cancer. Since water dilutes the concentration of carcinogens in the blood and pushes these products out of the body more quickly, cancer causing agents have less time to interact with the lining of the digestive system.

Practical Suggestions

Commit to drinking a cup of cold water first thing each morning. Drink a glass of water before each meal. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day. Measure out 8 to 10 cups of water in a separate container(s) and refill glasses from that container throughout the day making sure to empty it by the end of the day. Monitor urine color to ensure that it remains pale yellow in color. If the color becomes bright yellow, increase water consumption. Drink at least a cup of water before and after exercise.

For more information regarding the health benefits of drinking water, please refer to http://www.mangosteen-natural-remedies.com/benefits-of-drinking-water.html.