In Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s often misquoted words are “water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink”.  Summer, especially, is the season we truly hope those words do not ring true. Although water is necessary every day to keep the body functioning at peak performance. Humans cannot survive without H20; our body is made up of water, over fifty percent. So with those figures it becomes clear why we need to replenish water that is lost through perspiration, breathing, and excretion. “Drink eight glasses of water a day” has been a mantra that we learned right along with the Food Pyramid. But drinking enough water has benefits beyond just the dehydration aspect. Following is a list of those: 

*Hydrates the body (all cells and organs)

*Aids in digestion

*Some medications need water to work “their magic”        

*Increases clear-thinking abilities (critical-thinking skills)       

*Keeps short-term memory working at its peak         

*Decreases the chances of developing kidney stones         

*Lowers the chances of getting a cold/flu

*Shortens the length of some illnesses (remember – fluids?)         

*Keeps bones functioning better (lubricating the joints)        

*Reduces back pain and bladder infections         

*Stops some types of headaches         

*Prevents constipation and flushes out toxins        

*Decreases feelings of fatigue or sluggishness        

*Increases athletic performances         

*Decreases the risk of some type of cancers         

*Helps the body if dieting (no calories - helps muscle burn fat)       

*Quenches thirst (cold and refreshing)

*Economical

When you think about all the benefits of drinking water, it makes it much easier to reach the suggested amount of 8 glasses. Cold water tastes great on a hot day and it has been thought to help burn more calories. Drinking warm water in place of coffee is another recommendation. To add a little zest to the water add a slice of lemon or lime. Well, I think I’m getting thirsty. brb. 

psssst – Why don’t you take a break and enjoy a cold glass of water?