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"People that drink five or
more glasses of plain water a day have a much lower risk of fatal
coronary heart disease compared to those who drink less than two
glasses per day." |
According to a study published by the American Journal of Epidemiology
(Vol. 155, No.9) people that drink five or more glasses of plain
water a day have a much lower risk of fatal coronary heart disease
compared to those who drink less than two glasses per day. The study
also shows that by drinking more water, healthy people can reduced their
risk of dying from a heart attack by half or more. This is very
significant specially when compared to other well-known preventive
measure including: stopping smoking, lowering cholesterol levels,
increasing exercise or maintaining ideal weight. In other words not
drinking enough water can be more harmful that smoking. The study also
shows that individuals with high intake (5 of more glasses a day) of
fluids other that water greatly increased risk of coronary heart
disease.
Symptoms of dehydration generally become noticeable after 2% of one's
normal water volume has been lost. Initially, one experience thirst and
discomfort, possibly along with loss of appetite and dry skin. Keep in
mind that thirst (indicator of dehydration) it is not an early warning
sign because by the time you feel thirsty, you might already be
dehydrated. Other symptoms of dehydration include: feeling dizzy and
lightheaded, having a dry or sticky mouth, producing less urine and
darker urine, athletes may suffer a loss of performance of up to 50%,
low endurance, rapid heart rates, elevated body temperatures, rapid
onset of fatigue and joint pain.
A Simple Life Style Change.
 Drinking plenty of
water is a simple lifestyle change that anybody can adopt and while not as
glamorous, the degree of benefits surpasses that of drinking small amounts
of alcohol or taking aspirin (with non of the adverse side effects). It is
also clear that adopting this practice has the potential of saving tens of
thousands of lives each year and saving billions in “heath care” costs.
So… whether you go to camping to the high desert looking for solitude or
to the local urban jungle looking for the latest at the mall, remember
that carrying water for your journey (and drink along the way) might be
the ultimate act of love... to your heart.
References:
1. American
Journal of Epidemiology (Vol. 155, No.9)
2. Agency for
Healthcare Research & Quality
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