“Raw Water”–Really?
Technically, "raw water" is unfiltered, untreated, unsterilized water from a natural spring. Are there really benefits to drinking water in a "natural" state? A small, but growing group of advocates believe there are. "Living water" as it is called by some, is organically laden with minerals, bacteria, and other "healthy" compounds claimed to boost "energy"…
Read MoreStay Hydrated
So how much water do we actually need? Enough to replace the fluids you lose each day is determined by your size, your activity level, and the climate. A simple method of determining if you are getting enough (adequately hydrated) is the color of your urine (provided you are not mega-dosing on vitamins or taking certain…
Read MoreWater Availability Encourages Weight Loss
New York City schools may have discovered a remarkably simple, yet effective way of combating overweight--by increasing access to water at lunchtime! The availability of water seemed to lower chocolate milk consumption and sugar-sweetened beverages. This economical intervention significantly lowered the likelihood of boys being overweight by 0.9 percentage points and girls by 0.6, compared to schools…
Read MoreRestriction of Sweetened Drinks Leads to Weight Loss
A randomized trial conducted in Boston has found that obese adolescents lost weight when they drank water or non-caloric beverages instead of sugary drinks or 100% fruit juice. The non-caloric beverages were delivered to the kids homes for one year. Two year differences were negilible, suggesting that many returned to sugary drinks.PositiveTip: Calories from sugar-laden…
Read MoreDiet Drinks Cause Belly Bulge
Diet sodas are eagerly consumed by many weight conscious men and women who think they are “healthy alternatives” to sugar saturated sodas. "They may be free of calories but not of consequences," says Helen P. Hazuda, Ph.D., professor in the University of Texas School of Medicine in San Antonio, Texas.Her proof comes from the San…
Read MoreUS Teen Beverage Consumption
Almost three-quarters of 11,429 U.S. teens who responded to a national survey, reported drinking at least one glass of water each day during the previous week. Forty-two percent drank a daily glass of milk and 30% drank some kind of 100% fruit juice. However, 24.3% of teens reported drinking at least one sugar-sweetened soda every day,…
Read MoreDrink Water, Lose Weight
For overweight and obese men and women forty years of age and older, drinking a pint of water just before eating will reduce the amount of food they eat. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet, drinking water before meals results in more weight loss than only dieting.
Read MoreMild Dehydration Can Negatively Affect Your Mind
More than 50 Tufts University male and female students from athletic teams volunteered to examine the effects of mild dehydration on cognitive performance. Each was assigned to complete team practices either with or without water replacement. Following cognitive tests, those in the "dehydration group" demonstrated higher negative mood ratings and confusion than the hydrated group. Those who…
Read MorePrevent the Consequences of Dehydration
Those who exercise vigorously need to follow a fluid replacement plan to prevent excessive dehydration (>2% body weight loss) to prevent early fatigue, cardiovascular stress, increased risk of heat illness and diminished performance. PositiveTip: Replace fluids often and early during and after exercise--especially if you are in hot environments.
Read MoreHyponatremia
Hyponatremia is a condition where the sodium levels in our body are too low, allowing water to cause our cells to swell. This can result in coma or even death! There are different causes for hyponatremia, one of them is drinking too much water. We hear many messages about the importance of drinking water, but some…
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