Water: The Elixir of Life

Without water there is no life! Water is our most important food. It is the main component of every body cell and is responsible for the communication among the different cell groups. Water regulates all functions of the body, starting with body composition, metabolism, digestion and ending with cardiovascular function.

Water performs a variety of tasks in our body: It acts as a solvent, transport and cleaning agent. It transports nutrients to the cell, eliminates metabolic byproducts, regulates body temperature and much more. The elimination of toxins via the kidneys, intestines, skin and lungs can only occur with the help of water. The body loses 1.5 to 2 liters (6 - 8 cups) a day. We have to compensate for this fluid loss through drinking. If we do not, our body dries out. The result: Metabolic processes can no longer function properly, the blood thickens, waste products are deposited in joints and vessels, and the aging process accelerates rapidly.

When's the best time to drink?

The best time to hydrate your body is between meals. Drink a quarter of an hour before meals and about an hour after each meal to meet most of your individual water needs. Only a small amount is advisable while eating, because liquid dilutes digestive juices and thus delays and impairs digestion.

How much water should we drink?

The amount of fluid required depends on individual body weight. As a rule of thumb:

30 ml (1 ounce) per kilogram (2.2 pounds) body weight

So if you weigh 60 kilograms (132 pounds), you should drink at least 1.8 liters (7.6 cups) of water a day; if you weigh 80 kilograms (176 pounds), you should drink at least 2.4 liters (10 cups).

Which kind of water should we drink?

Most people believe that if they drink soft drinks, beer, wine or coffee, they have satisfied their fluid intake. This is a big mistake! While it is true that most of these drinks are made of water, the additives mean that this water offers few free anchoring points to bind and eliminate toxins. The fewer the ingredients, including minerals, the better the cleansing power. Even carbonated water can only partially absorb harmful substances. Caffeine-containing drinks, such as coffee or Coke, but also high-proof spirits, even remove additional water from the body. Particularly when trying to lose weight is sufficient water supply necessary, because toxins are stored in our fatty tissue. When fat melts, the toxins circulate again in our body and only water can seize them and excrete them.