How Much Water Should You Really Drink?

As a society we've grown up being told that we're not drinking enough water, so consequently all of us have become more conscious of hydration, which is good. The human body is 60-75% water, so we definitely need to keep our fluid level high. Plus, adequate water intake has been shown to:

* Help the body flush toxins
* Improve the condition of our skin
* Prevent water retention
* Assist in weight loss (by helping you stay full and flushing toxins
* Help all of our internal organs function more efficiently

However, new research also shows that some people are drinking too much water. Called over-hydration, the practice of drinking too much water can cause the salt content in your bloodstream to become diluted. As a result there is less salt available to your body's tissues, which can affect your brain, heart, and muscle function.

So how much water should you really drink? Most health agencies and organization recommend a formula like this:

1. Calculate 75% of your body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds, this would be 112.5 pounds.

2. Covert that figure to ounces (112.6 ounces).

3. Add 16 ounces each for a dry climate or strenuous exercise to get your total suggested water intake.

Having listed this formula, many holistic physicians also recommend that you listen to your body. Pay attention to when you are thirsty and respond by drinking water. Don't force yourself to drink water when you're not thirsty and don't ignore thirst signals either. Also, most experts recommend that you spread your water intake evenly throughout the day.

Once you're drinking enough water you might also want to consider how you can increase your body's ability to release toxins (which are carried out of the body by water). We suggest adding probiotics like acidophilus and bifidus, two forms of friendly gut bacteria that also act as natural antibiotics, as well as plenty of antioxidants like. Also, avoid drinking chlorinated water whenever possible. With plenty of water and good nutrition you can look forward to a new healthier you!

Alan Joel is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and nutritional counselor. He is also an independent distributor of Simplexity Health, producer of all-natural blue-green algae products, including probiotics and antioxidants, for people, pets, and plants. For free health tips and to order blue-green algae online at wholesale prices at http://www.prosperity-abounds.com/order.html

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