When we think about our health ONE vital nutrient often fails to come to mind, and it’s one so important that we cannot exist without it. How can this be?

So what is it? Is it Calcium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or what? Is it something new that we don’t really know about yet? Not at all. It is one vital nutrient that is so overlooked that often we cannot tell when we need it.

Although it has been separated from ‘nutrition’ by terminology, it is never ever possible to do without it.

Its value (although it is beyond price) is ignored and seen as something too commonplace to worry about. And that’s a huge problem!

It is not particularly nutritious but try going without it! At your own peril!

It fills our bodies, down the smallest cells and it’s required for virtually every bodily function.

IT IS WATER!

Besides the fact that our bodies are mostly water, and that water is needed for nearly every bodily process, some amazing things are being learned about water

Water as a means to reduce tiredness, and increase concentration: A lack of water is considered by some researchers to be the major cause of daytime fatigue. Research suggests that a tiny drop (even1-2%) in body hydration can result in short-term memory problems, cause trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on a computer screen. When a work day feels long, and concentration is wavering - a walk to the water cooler and a drink may be all that’s required to get you back to peak performance. Try it for yourself.

Water as a dieter’s best friend: A glass of water is recommended by many diets programs to shut down ‘hunger pangs.’

Water as a ‘wonder drug’: Some researchers have found evidence that indicates drinking 8-10 glasses of water a day can significantly ease back and joint pain. Other research indicates that drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer, breast cancer and bladder cancer.

Sadly it is estimated that people in the developed world are no longer able to recognize ‘feeling thirsty’. Their response to ‘that feeling’ is to have something to eat.

If you’re not sure if it’s ‘hunger’ or ‘thirst’ -
Re-educate yourself by reaching for a glass of water first time, every time. Slowly drink the water, and wait 5 minutes.

If you still feel hungry it may be time to eat, but you’re just as likely to find that your body wanted water in the first place and that you don’t need to eat yet.

Give your body what it really needs!
For optimum nutrition - Just add water.

Cheryl North (http://www.therightnutrient.com) is an educator with diverse interests in Nutrition and Health

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