Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Worth of Water

The simplest solution of life.

When the well is dry, we know the worth of water. ~ Benjamin Franklin

This quote could apply to a great many things, but I'm going to deal with it quite literally today.

The reason for this is that I'm very surprised at the amount of doctors coming out and saying "there is no evidence that 2L/64oz of water a day does you any benefit."

I understand that bottled water companies are working hard to keep people drinking, as much or more for their own financial benefit than that of their customers' health, but that doesn't mean it's not true. Who do you think funds all the other research that doctors always quote? From what I know nearly all research is done with some sort of vested interest in the outcome. And this is why I listen to the person who's most important when it comes to knowing what's good for my body - me.

There are only three things women need in life: food, water, and compliments. ~ Chris Rock

The 2 simplest things a person can do to help them feel relaxed and clear minded, energetic and healthy is to drink plenty of water and stretch daily. My friends often laugh that this my solution to all health conditions, but I don't see it as a solution. More just maintenance. If you keep a car well maintained it is much less likely to require major repair work. I believe the human body is the same. Drinking plenty of water and stretching daily are the core of good bodily maintenance.

I want you to test this for yourself though. Forget what anyone else says, me included. Make absolutely sure that you drink at least 8 big glasses of water (and I specifically mean water, not coffee, tea, juice, milk) every day for the next 7 days and then see how you feel. If you already think you do this then just be more aware and make certain you do.

I find it helps stop me from getting headaches and feeling lethargic, while enabling my muscles to be relaxed, in turn helping me manage any stress and pressure over the day.

If I'm not really focused on this though I find it really hard to remember to drink. So I have to have a glass or bottle of water right in front of me at all times or I don't reach that 8-glass-a-day target.

I never used to drink water. I am drinking six liters of water every day now. That's the key. ~ Warren Cuccurullo

Stretching can be anything from yoga (the best option I believe) to Pilates or even just a casual morning limber-up through a standard stretching routine. Whatever it is, making sure you breathe deeply and don't force yourself too far, particularly if you've not stretched much of late.

I'd really like everyone to try this every day over the next week and then let me know how you feel. Forget anyone who talks of any benefit being psychosomatic and try to put up with the more frequent toilet breaks. You are the best judge of what you think helps you feel better.

The water in a vessel is sparkling; the water in the sea is dark. The small truth has words which are clear; the great truth has great silence. ~ Rabindranath Tagore

My opinion is that there is no way that drinking plenty of water can hurt, but it is very clear to me that not drinking enough can certainly cause problems. So it's an "experiment" worth exploring.

Water is the driving force of all nature. ~ Leonardo da Vinci