More water

In preparation for a medical test, last night I had to drink gobs of fluid, and this morning I am to take in no fluid. So fluid consumption is on my mind. My family says I often don’t take in enough fluids, and they’re likely right.
Here’s a few stats to help motivate me to drink more water (the 1st four statements came from a mass email; I’ve not yet tracked down their sources, so take ‘em with a ‘grain of salt’) --

Lack of water is the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.
Even mild dehydration will slow down one’s metabolism
as much as 3%.
In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is mistaken for hunger.
One glass of water shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.
“If you don't get enough water, the body goes into emergency mode, and clings to every single water molecule it can find, reports the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. The stored molecules appear as extra weight. The weight is only released once the body gets enough water.” [http://www.webmd.com/]

So, how much is enough?
“Water is an essential nutrient required for life. To be well hydrated, the average sedentary adult man must consume at least 2,900 mL (12 c) fluid per day, and the average sedentary adult woman at least 2,200 mL (9 c) fluid per day, in the form of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages, soups, and foods. Solid foods contribute approximately 1,000 mL (4 c) water, with an additional 250 mL (1 c) coming from the water of oxidation.” Water An Essential But Overlooked Nutrient, SUSAN M. KLEINER PhD, RD J Am Diet Assoc. Feb 1999; Vol 99, Issue 2, pp 200–206.

And what does not enough water have to do with health?
“Dehydration of as little as 2% loss of body weight results in impaired physiological and performance responses. New research indicates that fluid consumption in general and water consumption in particular can have an effect on the risk of urinary stone disease; cancers of the breast, colon, and urinary tract; childhood and adolescent obesity; mitral valve prolapse; salivary gland function; and overall health in the elderly” (from same source cited immediately above).
Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers (unsubstantiated, but interesting to consider).

All this talk of water reminds me of how great it is that we have clean water so readily available in the U.S. I resolve to not only be grateful for the availability of clean water, but take in more of it as well!