By Staff
waterhead.com
October 14, 2011

About 70 percent of the human body comprises of water. A large part of the brain, muscles, lungs and blood is made of water. Proper water nutrition is essential for the proper functioning of the body systems. Water transports nutrients from various organs to different parts of the body and also regulates the bodys temperature. Proper water nutrition ensures wastes are removed and oxygen is transported to the cells.

Poor water nutrition leads to dehydration, which makes a person weak and thirsty. Causes of dehydration include not getting enough water through the diet, excessive sweating, respiration and urination. Alcohol, certain medication and diuretics such as caffeine pills may also make you lose water. More water is lost when you are active than when you are sedentary.

Water Nutrition: Signs of Dehydration

The most obvious sign of dehydration is feeling thirsty. In fact, you should take water before you feel thirsty. Other symptoms of mild dehydration include headaches, constipation, lower back pain, and chronic pains in the muscles and joints. The urine may also produce a strong odor and may change color to yellow or amber. However, take note that certain types of medications and riboflavin (a vitamin B) can also change your urine color to bright yellow.

Water Nutrition: How Much Water Should You Drink?

The daily water nutrition requirements depend on the amount of physical activity you engage in and the climate of your location. Some experts suggest that people should take about half of their weight ounces of water. For example, a person weighing 180 pounds should take 90 ounces of water each day. The ideal water nutrition requirement may however vary depending on how frequently you urinate, sweat and other factors.

About 20 percent of the daily water nutrition requirement comes from the food you eat. The rest come from beverages. Water is the best choice of beverage because it is natural, has no added ingredients or calories and is cheap. While some sports drinks may balance your electrolytes, most of them have extra sugars that can increase the calories in your body. You can also get part of your daily water nutrition requirement from caffeinated beverages like tea or coffee. However, keep in mind that too much caffeine can make you jittery. Natural juices from fruits and vegetables are also good sources of water and may contain different vitamins. However, most vegetable juices are high in sodium.

Water Nutrition: Tips on Maintaining Your Fluid Level

There are a number of water nutrition tips that can help you maintain sufficient amounts of water in your body. Here are some of them:

Start your day by taking a glass of water when you wake up. This will refresh you and energize you to shake off the sleepiness.

Take fluids during the day. You do not have to take water only. Fluids such as juices, tea and coffee can also help to maintain the fluid level. Just watch the sugars in most of these alternative beverages.

Develop a habit of taking a glass of water after every meal. This water nutrition habit will help to  regulate your fluid level and may assist in digestion.

Others who read this, also read Water And Your Health Are Connected, Top Reasons to Conserve Drinking Water, Tap Water Can Be Controversial, The Biggest Causes of Water Pollution, Top Reasons to Carry a Water Bottle, Water Nutrition Benefits of Drinking Water or The Untold Truth On Bottle Water.