Cindy's Health Tips:
Water
Health Tip #9, 24 October 1996
What function does water have in my body?
Your body uses water for chemical reactions in your body, temperature regulation, elimination of wastes, and circulation of nutrients to every cell.
How much water do I need to drink a day?
Your body requires about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Don�t assume that you get all the water you need through foods and beverages you consume. Many water-based drinks are actually dehydrating because they are diuretic, meaning that they retain water in your kidney and wash water away from your body through urination. Some such drinks are coffee, sodas, alcoholic drinks, tea, and drinks containing caffeine and sugar.
What kind of water is best for me?
Contrary to common belief, bottled water is not universally healthful. Here is some information on some different kinds of water:
Distilled water: purest water because it contains no solid matter of any kind and is free of sodium. This water also tastes flat and dead, though.
Mineral water: water that contains minerals. This includes nearly all water except distilled water. Natural mineral water contains minerals found in the ground. Simple mineral water may have been processed and had minerals added or removed.
Seltzer: usually tap water that has been filtered and carbonated, no minerals or mineral salts added. Some seltzers contain sweeteners which add about 100 calories per eight ounces. Regular seltzer contains no calories, sugar, or mineral salts.
Sparkling water: is a generic term for carbonated water. The carbonization can be natural, which comes from gases as the water escapes from its capturing, or added artificially. The results are similar. Most sparkling water contains high amounts of sodium.
Club soda: usually simple tap water, filtered and carbonated, with added minerals and mineral salts to give it a distinctive taste for its brand distinction. Most club sodas are high in sodium (30-65 mg per 8 ounces). If you want to avoid sodium, you should stick to seltzer.
Spring water: water that has risen naturally to the earth�s surface. This water has not been processed in any way before bottling. Spring water may be contaminated. It is best to choose a spring water that is from a source not near an industrial area.
Our blood is 83% water.
Our brain is 75% water.
Our muscles are 76% water.
Our liver is 70% water.
Our kidneys are 82% water.
Our skin is 70% water.
Our bones are 22% water.
Even our fat is 20% water.
FREEBORN HALL
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University of California at Berkeley
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