Water 101: Your Prescription

for a Healthy Life 

Originally published at The Body Book 

Water is a supplement. A nutrient. A healing tool. From surfing, float tanks and pools, to snowy mountains to ride. Water in all its forms. It’s liquid life. I was crawling into the ocean before I could walk. I am still drawn to the water like white on snow. Ocean therapy daily. I love the rain. I love the snow. My drink of choice is water no rocks. Water is a healing source for me. For you. It’s an essential ingredient. It’s vital. It’s the foundation of life.

Chemistry [study of transformation of matter]: 

Water has the chemical formula h2o; each molecule contains; one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected via covalent bonds. It’s odorless, transparent, mostly colorless, tasteless, and 0 calories.

Biology [study of the science of life]:

The adult human body is about 60% water making it the most abundant molecule within us. The water content in our blood ranges from: 50-83%. The brain contains about 70% agua. Water acts like a reservoir regulating body temperature, digestion, and elimination. It’s necessary for the brain to produce specific hormones and neurotransmitters. Depending on many variables, we might survive 3-5 days and up to 8-10 days without water. 

Geology [study of the earth]: 

71% of Earth’s surface is water. Water is blood for the planet. In all its dynamic forms: oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, and glaciers. 

Meteorology [study of the atmosphere and weather conditions]: 

Weather predictions are based on what is occurring in a six-ten mile thick blanket surrounding the earth’s surface. It’s here in this atmospheric layer where water continuously circulates through evaporation, transpiration, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

Water is even in our food!

The water content of a watermelon is 92%!! Other waterlogged fruits include: grapefruit, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, papayas, pineapples, peaches, oranges, and lemons. Also veggies with high h2o content are cucumbers, celery, lettuce, zucchini, and tomatoes to name a few. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults aim to eat 2 cups of fruits and 2.5 cups of veggies daily. 

And as far as water consumption…

Each day we must replace around 2.4 liters of water via drinking and through aqueous foods like the ones mentioned above.

Our cells are full of water, which helps dissolve substances to utilize the nutrients, minerals, and chemicals for our body’s biological processes. A few other substantial benefits include:

Assists in distributing oxygen

Regulates temperature

Combats dehydration

Helps our brain function

Lubricates joints and protects our spinal cord

Keeps us regular

Reduces headaches

Decreases wrinkles

When you don’t get enough water it may look like:

Fatigue, hunger, headaches, sugar cravings and much more. And if you are thirsty, you are already heading into the dehydration zone. Thirst is a survival instinct. 

So how much water should we drink daily?

It’s debatable. Somewhat controversial. There are various theories. Every BODY is different and requires different amounts. It depends on body size, age, and how much you exercise to name a few.

On average though, an adult requires:

Women: 2.7 liters

Men: 3.7 liters

Enjoy a huge glass of water especially in the morning, since we dehydrate while we sleep. Continue to drink water throughout the day, which is also good for your body to take a break and move! What it all boils down to is, drink up! 

Raising a glass of h2o to you, 

Amanda Kriebel // @amanda.kriebel