Let’s spend a little time talking about water. Water is essential for metabolic functions in the body.
Your body is made up about over 60% water by weight. I think 1/2 your body weight is a good rule of thumb because it works for children as well as adults. The hotter it is the more water is lost from your body in the form or sweat and insensible losses (which means you don't feel the loss). Remember that children and the elderly are more susceptible to the heat so watch out to make sure they are not dehydrated. Drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee, black tea, soda, or alcoholic beverages cause you to pee out your water. My rule of thumb is for every glass of caffeinated beverage I encourage two glasses of water.
Many of my patients complain they are not thirsty and that is why they don't drink enough water. Our sensors for thirst are not very reliable so by the time you feel thirsty you are already starting to be functionally dehydrated. This means you need to plan to drink water before you are thirsty.
Now for the big question what type of water is best or healthiest to drink? Reverse osmosis filtered water removes the most contaminants to drinking water. It removes most heavy metals, petrochemicals, estrogen-like compounds, and micro-organisms. Spring water is good but there are not strict standard to preventing chemical contaiminants or bacteria. Carbon filters like brita reduce chlorine and pesticides but not bacteria and possibly heavy metals. Tap water DC area varies greatly depending on your jurisdiction. Right now the EPA is suggesting getting a good filter for your drinking water because it sets and enforces standards better than the FDA which regulated bottled water.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.amazon.com or www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Daemon "Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, The Healthydaes Newsletter, and is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.org