Water! Cool, Clear Water!
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I know, you have heard it before - drink plenty of water. You may think, how boring. This is sound advice, yet how many of us consciously pay attention to the amount of water we drink each day? Do you know if you are getting enough?
When we think of dehydration, we visualize someone collapsing due to sun exposure or from heat exhaustion after vigorous physical activity. But in actuality, dehydration is an insidious condition that can creep up on a person unaware. You may be dehydrated and not even realize it. Thirst or a dry mouth does not show up until the body is actually dehydrated. When we are dehydrated the thirst sensation diminishes and we may be seriously in need of fluid and not even be thirsty.
Over the past few days, you may have been like me; low energy, a little irritable and just not as focused as you would like to feel. Science tells us that these are all markers of mild dehydration. By the time we are actually aware that we are thirsty, attention, memory and mental performance have deteriorated by as much as 10%. Doctors advise us that as we age our body’s ability to convey a sense of thirst diminishes, so dehydration is a frequent problem in older persons.
Men with prostate problems or persons with bladder control issues often try to manage frequent urination by drinking less fluid. This can be a dangerous mistake. If we fail to provide our system with enough water we are literally poisoning ourselves with our own waste.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses water faster than it is being replaced. The body normally loses between a half gallon to a gallon of water each day through our breath, perspiration, bowel movements and urination. This amount is dramatically increased by a raise in body temperature and or by exercising strenuously.
Virtually every system in our body requires hydration. Without sufficient water, our bodies do not function optimally. Water is the principle chemical component in the human body and accounts for 60-75% of our bodies weight. Most humans are about 25% solids and 75% water. That is rather remarkable when you think about it. Our brains, blood, muscles and lungs all contain water. The brain is said to be 85% water.
The body utilizes water to regulate temperature, transport nutrients and flush toxins and waste from vital organs. Water is also necessary to maintaining a moist environment for the ear, eye, nose and throat tissue. Water lubricates our joints. Next to oxygen, water is the second most important element needed to support life. We can go for weeks without food but a person can’t survive for more than a few days without life-giving water.
Deprive the body of adequate hydration and all kinds of unpleasant symptoms show up; repeated urinary infections, nose bleeds, unproductive hacking coughs, sinus pressure, constant sneezing, headaches and constipation. Dry and itchy skin, chronic joint or muscle pain, fatigue and hair loss are all signs of prolonged mild dehydration. Scientific studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle combined with a lack of hydration is one of the major contributing factors in the formation of kidney stones. Just the thought of passing a kidney stone has me reaching for my water glass.
Prolonged mild dehydration also leads to weight gain, loss of muscle mass, chronic digestive upsets, fluid retention, acne, dull skin, excessive wrinkles, baldness and bad breath; totally unattractive qualities. Yuck! Drinking more water is actually a fine beauty treatment and compared with all the lotions and potions, I really like the price.
I wonder how many people endure many of these symptoms, or attempt to treat them with drugs or diet, when the problem may simply be a lack of water. Water heals!
How much water should you drink each day? — It would seem like a a simple question, but there are no pat answers. Medical studies have produced varying recommendations; however, your hydration needs are dependent on several factors. Your overall health, how physically active you are and the climate you inhabit all affect how much water your body requires.
There isn’t a single formula that fits everyone. Many medical professionals suggest you drink 50% of your body weight in ounces of water. If you are very active or in a dry climate, it is suggested that you up that about to 75% of your body weight in ounces of water. For every 25 pounds that a person is over their ideal weight, it is suggested that an additional 8 ounces be added to the daily consumption.
If you are aware of your body’s need for fluids and how a shortage makes you feel, you will be more likely to pay attention to your body’s signals. If adequately hydrated, urine output will be colorless or pale yellow in color. Urine that is a strong color or has a strong odor is an indication that the body is lacking in the amount of water needed to flush toxins and function properly.
We obtain needed fluids from more than just the water we drink. All beverages including milk, sodas, juice, coffee, tea or energy drinks contain water. However, many drink products contain high levels of caffeine which dehydrate. Alcoholic drinks also require additional water to process. If one drinks alcohol, it is a good idea to drink an offsetting amount of water. Medical experts say that sodas, alcohol and caffeine drinks should not be considered in our daily water requirements as many of them deplete more fluid than they add to our systems. To truly meet your water requirement, natural water is the drink of choice as water has no caffeine, fat or calories and is inexpensive and readily available.
Water is most abundant in many of the foods we eat. Think about biting into a ripe, juicy orange and how the liquid runs down your chin. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a prime source of water. Cucumbers, watermelons and grapes are almost totally made up of water. For most people, water in food contributes about 20% of the water we ingest daily.
I have tried to find ways to incorporate more water into my daily routine. What are your suggestions?
For optimum health, consider how much water you drink. For a healthier, leaner body, I know I want more ~ cool, clear water.
Marlene Affeld has a passion for the environment and all things natural. A seasoned traveler, Marlene enjoys sharing her experiences with others. Visit Marlene’s site at Nandu Green for Eco-Friendly living options.
More infomation at WikipediaRejuvenate Your Entire System With a Full Body Detox
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In the modern world where even the air is contaminated with pollutants, all of us should realize the importance of detoxification, mainly a full body detox. Most of us are under the impression that we are living healthy lifestyles but we still seem to suffer from tiredness and lethargy. If you have similar problems, maybe it is time that you should consider going for a full body detox program. Such detox programs are extremely popular and there are many different variations available.
Detoxification i.e. detox is important as it can help eliminate harmful substances from within the body. These harmful toxins if not removed, can lead to health issues like fatigue, nausea, and even serious diseases. There are numerous detox diets that can help you detoxify. The main trick behind a full body detox is to adopt specific eating habits that exclude certain food items that contain harmful toxins; these special diets are rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Certain food items like meat, certain grains, dairy products, caffeine, and white flour are temporarily removed from the diet.
These diets usually start with a short period of fasting that is followed by a strict diet of fruits, vegetables, plenty of water and fruit juices. The best diet plan would be to base your diet on fresh vegetables and fruits, lean sources of protein, whole grains, and unsaturated fats. You can combine such diet plans with regular exercise, massage therapy, and proper relaxation for the best full body detox program.
The full body detox provides physical and mental well-being; it also gives a sense of rejuvenation and healing. It effectively helps cleanse your body from the inside. Sometimes in certain programs, herbal laxatives are also used to flush out harmful toxins from the body. These programs last for about 7 to 10 days and after a full body detox, people feel more refreshed and energized.
There are several other methods available for a full body detox like a juice diet, detox body wrap, detox teas, and a number of other detoxification products as well. There are also many ways by which you can aid your internal detoxification system to better detoxify your body. Here below are some ways that you can incorporate for a full body detox:
A) Consume food items that are rich in selenium to help detoxify your body.
B) Adding zinc to you regular diet can be extremely helpful as zinc protects the body form the harmful effects of toxins.
C) Buying organic produce is a good option and it is wise to choose homeopathic medicine over over-the-counter commercial drugs.
D) Drink plenty of water to help flush out all the harmful toxins from your body.
If you are planning to go for a full body detox, ensure that you have good guidance. Following the right steps for a full body detox shall help you cleanse your body in a matter of days and you shall notice a boost in your energy. Detoxification can purify you both mentally and physically to help you get the best out of life. So get rid of the toxins that are weighing your down and start your full body detox program today!
John Khu is a health enthusiast and author of a new eBook titled “Body Detox Tips”. He is devoted to educate others on the benefit of body detoxification. He is also the owner of the website called http://www.BodyDetoxTips.com which provides complete and up-to-date information.
More infomation at WikipediaBlackjack
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The game of Blackjack is one of the few games in the world whose origins cannot be traced back to any specific period in time. The earliest records of a game similar to Blackjack can be seen in a Spanish tale in which two cheaters become great at a game called ‘veintiuna’, which is ‘21’ in Spanish. Played with a Spanish deck of cards (a deck of cards without the tens in), the aim of the game is have a hand of 21 cards without going over (″going bust″). Written just after the turn of the 17th century, this leads most to believe that the game was played in several small Spanish times throughout the late 16th Century. From this period on, references of the game veintiuna and vingt-et-un in France can be found in abundance.
Played throughout Europe as ‘21’ for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the game was taken across the Atlantic to the United States of America when it had a name change. When 21 reached the American shores, it wasn’t an instant hit. However, casinos could see the potential in the game so decided to offer a selection of bonuses to entice players to play the new game. Out of the various bonuses available, one of these was an extra payout should the player reach 21 with the ace of spades and a black Jack (the ace being counted as 11 and the Jack as a 10). Appropriately named a ‘Blackjack’ hand, the initial popularity of the game can be down to this alone and, even though the ‘Blackjack’ bonus was abolished once the game became popular, the name stuck and most variants are now known as Blackjack around the world today.
Whilst Blackjacks initial popularity can be taken back to the ace of spades and black Jack bonus, its continued popularity can be purely down to the way the game is played. Blackjack mixes both skill and luck in, generally, equal measures. All levels of gamers can play Blackjack, however, for those who play regularly and consider themselves professionals can expect to have a big edge against the house than first time, or part time, players.
Most players of Blackjack don’t play any set strategy. For first time players, they simply try and get to 21 without any specific strategy in mind. Based solely on luck, it is often said that this can be the best way to play on low-value bets. For players who play Blackjack occasionally, they often put some basic rules in to play. For example, if they are to have cards that total 17, they will stand as the odds are in the players favour. Furthermore, they may also consider taking out insurance where appropriate and splitting their hand if possible. The only Blackjack players who do usually have a set strategy are they professional Blackjack players. Playing Blackjack for a living, they follow set rules and a strategy that increases their edge over the houses. The strategies can vary quite considerably and can several set points, most notably card counting, in which the player counts which cards have already been played, meaning they know what cards are left, giving them a distinct advantage when deciding which move to make next.
Blackjack is a fantastic game to play for all. It can be simple and based on luck alone, or more complicated and require a level of skill. Either way, Blackjack guarantees a good time when gambling.
Virgin Casino offers you the chance to play Blackjack and a chance to win easy cash prizes, all from the comfort of your own home.
More infomation at Wikipedia