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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."
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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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