Water: An Overlooked Essential Nutrient

"Water: An Overlooked Essential Nutrient."

First I will take a closer look at water. Water is very important to our health. It makes up, on average, 60 percent of our body weight. Every part in our body depends on water. If we don't fuel our body with enough water it can lead to dehydration, which is a condition that occurs when we don't have enough water in our body to carry on normal functions. The daily recommendations for water can be easily determined with this equation 0.5 ounces x Body Weight in Pounds = Daily Fluid Requirement in ounces. Our water contains essential nutrients, such as minerals selenium, sodium, chlorine, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. Those are nutrients that the human body cannot produce, but they are essential for our health. The easiest source for water is from the tab, tab water is usually safe to drink and very inexpensive. "The average price of water in the United States is about $1.50 for 1,000 gallons. At that price, a gallon of water costs less than one penny." (www.drinktap.org/kidsdnn/Portals/5/story_of_water/html/costs.htm) There are many advantages of consuming water, some examples are as follows. "Water consumption is required to keep all your cells, tissues and organs functioning properly. Many headaches are caused by dehydration. Water can provide you with energy and ward of fatigue. Drinking water regularly can help you lose weight. Drinking water can promote healthy teeth. Water consumption can help your skin look healthy and young." (www.livestrong.com/article/262607-the-advantages-of-water-consumption/) As long as the water meets drinking water standards it is safe to drink and we cannot harm our body. "Consuming too much water can lower the sodium levels in your blood. Low sodium affects your electrolytes, which are responsible for sending signals to cells that control body functions. When you consume large amounts of water within a specified timeframe, your kidneys work overtime to release the fluid from your body. That extra work can cause excess wear in your kidneys, creating long-term problems. The process of harming yourself from drinking too much water is a slow process with very few symptoms, unless you consume large amounts in a short period of time. (www.ehow.com/list_7185261_disadvantages-consumption-water.html) We need water to survive and to keep our body healthy. Water is almost free and it is accessible for us pretty much anywhere. It is almost impossible to harm our body by drinking water.

Let's take a closer look at Gatorade. Gatorade is a sports drinks and it was formulated to replenish electrolytes, which are lost through the sweat during heavy exercises. I believe Gatorade is best to drink during workouts that are lasting longer than 60 minutes. "A Gatorade Natural beverage contains 50 calories, 14 g of total carbohydrate, 110 mg of sodium, and 30 mg of potassium, but the beverage does not contain any fat, protein or vitamins. "(www.livestrong.com/article/334461-what-are-the-nutrient-contents-in-gatorade) There are many different types of Gatorade, which offers a variety of flavors and benefits. The average cost of an 20oz bottle of Gatorade is $1.50. "Gatorade can be beneficial for increasing stamina and ensuring proper hydration and replenishment of electrolytes. Electrolyte balance is essential for bodily functions, such as the heartbeat." (www.livestrong.com/article/67128-advantages-gatorade) It is important to keep in mind that Gatorade is recommended to be consumed before, while, or after a workout. Gatorade is very high in sugar and your body will get more sugar than needed by drinking it. "Gatorade contains citric acid and sugar. According to the American Dental Association, both sugar and citric acid can promote tooth decay and erosion of your teeth. Consuming too much sugar during or before exercise may result in an upset stomach,