While the season of summer is the perfect time to get into your beautiful, flowy summer dresses and spend time on the beach, it is also the season of sweat, rashes and general exhaustion due to the scorching heat of the sun. Several of our body’s processes like digestion, cooling down etc. slows down if we do not take adequate care of our bodies during this season. This results in a number of illnesses, several of which can be totally avoided if we take care of our hydration and nutrient needs on time.
Our bodies lose a lot of water and essential electrolytes through perspiration during the season of summer. It is our bodies’ natural process of regulating our body temperature and cooling down. Overheating can result in extreme exhaustion or even heat strokes, which can be fatal in nature, if not treated on time. Consuming plenty of water and other fluids is necessary to replenish this lost water and for preventing dehydration.
Lethargy, weak or rapid pulse, low levels of consciousness and inadequate urine output are common signs of dehydration, adequate intake of water is very essential each day as there’s no mechanism for our body to store water.
Dr Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Different people have different needs for water depending on their age, weight, gender and pre-existing ailments. Who needs how much water? Read on to know more about who needs how much water per day.
Water intake cannot be generalised for everyone. It varies from person to person. Drink as much water as you think your body needs. A person who is indoor all the time in an air conditioned room may need lesser water that a person working out in sun. Urine colour is a good indicator of your hydration. Dark colour may indicate to bring up your water intake till urine colour appears light yellow.
Dr. Arpit Verma, MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Apart from hydration, water provides a number of other benefits. They are:
It is recommended to consume about 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women of drinking water and/or other beverages. Do not forget that we get about 20% of our total water intake from water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka – MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
Some people have a hard time drinking water and maintaining adequate hydration levels in their bodies. The reason is yet to be known whether this is a psychological condition or if something in their bodies actually prevents them from consuming water. But the summer sun is not sparing these people either. So, what is it that you can do to get adequate amounts of hydration? Aim for fluids in general instead of just water. Avoid drinks which contain added sugar or caffeine as these may interfere with your health in the long run if consumed regularly.
Also Read: Coconut Water vs Coconut Milk: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide
Below are some water-based summer-friendly drinks which can be consumed along with water to keep yourself hydrated.
Drinking adequate quantities of water is extremely essential to ensure all the organ systems in our bodies are performing efficiently. It helps us stay cool and has a number of health benefits. The key to staying healthy in summer is to consume plenty of water and other fluids.
Also Read: Purple Cauliflower Benefits: A Nutritional Breakdown Backed by Science
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Historically, Copper was the first element known to man. The chalcolithic era or copper age saw man progress from using stones as weapons to replacing them with copper. Ancient societies like Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, Somalia, Incas, Aztecs and Indians used copper in various forms, from currency for trade to household products. Ayurvedic texts mention the use of copper vessels for drinking water. Copper is the only metal with anti-bacterial properties, which were proved to be true even during the 1800s when copper mine workers were immune to Cholera. Over the centuries copper has been used in various forms to treat various illnesses including cuts, headaches, even varicose veins. The rise of ayurvedic usage and indigenous medicines has seen a rise in the use of copper products in household items, especially copper vessels and cups. We present to you the only metal that has journeyed all through history, without losing its credibility and 13 amazing health benefits of a copper vessel and bottles.
| Interesting Facts About Copper In The Body |
| A lack of sufficient copper can lead to premature births |
| Copper deficiency is associated with chronic diarrhoea |
| Although too much copper can cause some negative symptoms, it is not fully established what level of copper is considered toxic amounts |
| Some institutes recommend a maximum of 10,000 mcg per day |
| Copper is a part of more than 30 enzymes produced and used by the human body! |
| Did you know? Even if you consume enough copper, too much zinc in your diet can lead to a copper deficiency. Zinc and copper fight to get absorbed in the stomach but zinc wins more often, resulting in less copper getting into your system |
I would suggest that if you ever come across drinking water that tastes metallic or bitter, you should avoid consuming it. This is because it could indicate the presence of elevated copper levels, which may surpass the recommended health-guideline value of 2 mg/L. To stay on the safe side, it’s best not to drink water with a metallic or bitter taste to save us from worrying about any potential health concerns associated with excessive copper content.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
When water is stored in a copper vessel or bottle, for eight hours more, copper releases some of its ions in the water, through a process called the Oligodynamic effect. Copper is known to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant properties. It assists in the formation of haemoglobin as well as cell regeneration and unfortunately, the human body cannot create the trace amounts of copper it requires to function healthily, therefore, copper has to be a part of our intake either through food or water, but the human body is benefitted in several other ways with the presence of copper, here are 12+ amazing health benefits of drinking water from a copper bottle:
Based on my observations, in mammals, the production of pigment in skin cells requires three enzymes. These enzymes possibly help determine the colour of our skin. One of these enzymes is a copper enzyme. Thus, optimal copper levels in our body might help to avoid pale skin colour.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Copper is a known antioxidant, which means it fights off all the free radicals and negates their negative effects. Free radicals and their harmful effects have been major causes of cancer in the human body. Copper also helps in the production of Melanin which gives colour to one’s skin and eyes, as well protects one from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
According to the American Cancer Society, Copper is known to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If the Copper deficiency has set on since childhood, it leads to the development of hypotension however, if adults suffer from copper deficiency they develop hypertension. Therefore, trace amounts of copper are critical for the regulation of blood pressure in a person.
I would recommend drinking water from copper bottles because of its numerous benefits. Some research suggests that having low levels of copper in our blood might be related to premature greying of hair. Can you believe it? So, it’s important to make sure we have enough copper in our bodies to keep our hair looking fabulous!
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
According to the experts, the most common feature between patients of the thyroid is copper. Copper balances the inconsistencies of the thyroid gland, that is it energizes the thyroid gland to function well, but it also fights off the damaging effects of too much secretion from the thyroid gland. While lack of copper leads to thyroid gland malfunction, it is also true that too much copper also makes thyroid gland dysfunction causing hyper or hypothyroidism among patients.
Copper assists in the breakdown of food to make haemoglobin, it helps the body in absorbing iron, the deficiency of which causes anaemia. Copper deficiency in the human body can lead to rare haematological disorders which also results in low white blood cells.
Copper has anti-inflammatory properties which provide great relief to patients suffering from arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, copper has bone-strengthening properties, which makes it a perfect cure for arthritis.
Copper a natural antibiotic, water stored in copper bottles for more than 8 hours is free of all such microbial. Copper is effective against E.Coli, S. aureus and Cholera Bacillus among other common waterborne disease-causing agents.
Ancient Roman texts talk about prescribing copper-based medicine to kill off germs in the stomach. Ayurveda claims that drinking ”Tamra Jal” detoxifies and cleanses the stomach. Copper also has properties that stimulate peristalsis (rhythmic expansion and contraction of the stomach lining), reduce the inflammation of the stomach lining and assist in better digestion. Copper is an excellent remedy for stomach ulcers, indigestion and stomach infections.
Copper helps clean plaque as well as dilate the blood vessels to increase the blood flow to the heart. Studies have proved that Copper deficiency can result in the dysfunction of the heart muscles, leading to insufficient pumping of the blood, impaired circulation of blood in the body and the inability to respond correctly to stress.
Ancient Egyptians used a lot of copper-based beautifying agents. Several skincare products these days are copper-based because copper is not only an antioxidant, it also assists cell regeneration, negating the harmful effects of free agents on the skin and helps to fight off wrinkles and fine lines that come with age.
The human brain interacts with the rest of the body through electrical impulses. Copper helps the cells in communicating with each other by carrying out these impulses, making the brain work much more efficiently.
Copper also has anti-convulsive properties which mean copper is an effective means to prevent seizures. Copper also has antioxidant properties, meaning that a lack of copper would enable oxidants in working faster and better, increasing the risk of a stroke.
Copper plays an instrumental role in dissolving the excess fat deposits in the human body and helps reduce weight. Copper keeps the body in a fat-burning situation even when the individual is resting, however, this does not mean that too much copper will burn more fat; too much copper could end up poisoning the human body.
Copper exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties. In addition, copper also assists skin regeneration and strengthens the immune system, helping the body in healing wounds faster.
When the food we eat passes into our stomach, it becomes acidic, releasing toxins in the body and thereby making the body heat up. When you drink water from a copper bottle, water upon storage for a couple of hours becomes infused with alkali. This alkaline water helps to balance the acids, detoxify the system and lower the temperature of the body. This is especially helpful during the hot summer months when the body tends to heat up due to the prevailing weather.
People in ancient times used to gargle every morning with water stored in a copper bottle or vessel. This is because copper contains antimicrobial properties and it was believed that when you drink copper infused water it can aid in clearing up throat congestion.
Did You Know?
Copper is your friendly neighbourhood superhero as far as its benefits are considered, not just to the human body, but to the environment too. It is a cheap metal, available in abundance as well as easiest to recycle. There are several benefits of copper, here are some to our health and our environment at large:
A healthy human body requires trace amounts of copper to function effectively. Copper helps with generating heat in the human body, aiding communication between different cells, breaking down certain foods to become haemoglobin and boosting our metabolism. Copper deficiency leads to health issues like anaemia, parasitic infections and leaky gut to name a few. Foods rich in copper include sunflower seeds, lentils, dried apricots, mushrooms among others.
Copper is the friendliest metal in the environment. A good conductor of heat and electricity, Copper is a cheap metal that is also easy to recycle, making it the greenest natural metal. Copper is ideal for making solar panels.
Copper is also the future of nanotechnology, it is interesting to note, that leading IT companies, use copper to make the most powerful computer chips available. In the past few years, copper is being used for bioleaching, a process by which mineral ores are extracted from their sulphide ores with the help of elements present in the environment. Copper also plays an important role in managing hazardous nuclear fuel waste.
Claims of Copper’s antimicrobial properties have been documented since ancient times. However, without any concrete scientific research, it is difficult to ascertain if these claims are fact or a figment of our collective conscience. To bust this myth, Sudha et al (2012) conducted a series of tests to ascertain the antimicrobial qualities of water. Cultured Cholera bacteria was introduced to water stored in a copper vessel for over 16 hours. Sudha et al reported after several more tests that copper does have an antimicrobial property, as they weren’t able to extract any samples of Cholera bacteria from the water stored in the copper vessel, whereas, the copper content in water was within the permissible range by the WHO standards.
Another study carried out by the University of South Carolina reported that Copper killed 97% of the bacteria present in ICUs, reducing the risk of contracting hospital-acquired infections by 40%. In June 2016, Natural Chemical Biology published another study, proving copper’s key role in burning fat in the human body. In 2017, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency registered Copper as the only natural metal with properties to kill harmful microbes.
Also Read: How to Control Diabetes Without Medicine: The Research-Backed Lifestyle Changes That Can Help
Despite all the benefits of copper, one must remember that copper is only required in trace amounts in the human body. One must also remember that too much of a good thing could also become harmful, especially, if we are talking about the delicate balance of human chemistry. Water makes up to 75% of our anatomy, however, one cannot keep on drinking water stored in a copper vessel, all day and every day. Here are a few tips on drinking water from a copper vessel correctly and safely:
The ancient societies didn’t know extensively about bacteria and other harmful micro-organisms, yet, Copper has found its way in nearly all the ancient medical texts. The benefits and various uses of copper have been recorded diligently in ancient texts from all over the world. Ancient Ayurvedic texts claim that drinking water from a copper vessel cures the three doshas of the body namely, Vata, Pitha, & Kapha by positively charging the water. Water stored in a copper vessel for 6-8 eight hours was known as Tamra Jal.
The practise of throwing coins in lakes and landlocked water bodies also find its way back to the time when the mode of currency was copper. Ancient Indians threw copper coins in landlocked water bodies to keep them clean and pure, allowing them to support aquatic life. The practice today has distorted, with people blindly throwing coins made of several other metals into such water bodies, without ever truly understanding the deep science behind cultivating such a practice.
In fact, old houses in western countries, including America have copper pipes to this date, it was believed that a glass of tap water then was enough to keep a person healthy. Temples like Rameshwaram, still store Ganga water in large copper vessels ensuring that the water is purified before it is offered to Lord Shiva. Our practices, however, don’t end there, most Indian households have small copper vessels, they use for their daily pooja as well as preparing tulsi-water which is believed to be pure and energising.
There have been several arguments against using copper vessels for storing water and intaking the same. Here are some of the frequently asked questions about using copper bottles to store water:
Copper Toxicity is caused by using a corroded copper bottle. Copper corrosion can be caused by acidic substances especially food items which are acidic in nature and the softness of the water.
Water should be ideally stored for 6-8 hours in a copper bottle to gain maximum benefits from it.
No. Only water can be stored in the copper bottle, other substances may have different acidity levels or chemical structure, and copper can react with the same, making it harmful for the human body.
It is suggested that the water stored in the copper bottle must be room temperature, neither too hot nor too cold. Temperature can play an inverse role on copper.
Pure copper oxidizes when exposed to oxygen and liquids. The best way to clean a copper vessel is to scrub it with lemon juice and salt, to remove the oxidation stains.
You will not taste the copper in the water. The taste of water will be pure and clean in a copper bottle. However, over a period of months you may get a hint of a copper taste but cleaning the bottle regularly is all you need to do.
It is recommended that you only store still water in your bottle. Copper, just like any other metal, could react with acidic liquids (anything with a pH of less than 7) or milk based fluids. If you want to flavour your water, you can gladly add this to the glass once the copper water has been poured from the bottle.
For people with a copper deficiency, drinking water from a copper water bottle can be beneficial. However, if you are suffering from a copper deficiency you must consult your health practitioner and you may need proper treatment for the same.
The 21st century is reaching out to the wisdom of the ancient world to find answers to modern healthcare concerns. Households, especially in India are going back to employing indigenous household products. One such product is the copper vessel; however, the traditional copper vessel is a large and heavy item, which isn’t compatible with the sleek and space-efficient need of the hour. We at Medlife propose a unique solution to this problem by introducing our range of innovative and designer Copper Bottles, they serve the function of the copper vessel and are sleek enough to be carried in a bag while you are on the move.
– 06th Nov 2018
The WHO in its health reports has reported that instances of Diabetes doubled in a span of 34 years from being around 4.5% globally in 1980 to nearly 8.4% in 2014. In fact, the WHO has predicted that by 2030, diabetes, would be among the top seven death-causing chronic diseases. The WHO has also voiced fears that the younger population of this century is at an increased risk of developing diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease, where the body is either not able to make or utilize insulin properly to help break down blood sugar into energy.
There are several causes that can lead to the development of diabetes in a person, these include lifestyle, obesity, high blood pressure, and so on. Copper vessels have re-entered the market, as the yoga and ayurvedic movement gained momentum. Drinking water stored in a copper vessel for over a period of 8 hours or more has several health benefits, but there is no direct link between drinking water stored in a copper vessel and controlling diabetes. However, researchers have reported that copper deficiency can lead to a rise in diabetes-like symptoms. Researchers also believe that more focused research is required for understanding the relationship between ingesting copper activated water and controlling diabetes.
– 6th Mar 2018
Copper is scientifically proven to be an essential element for the well being of our environment as well as our bodies. This, however, should not translate into the overconsumption of copper. In trace amounts, copper benefits the human body, in excess amounts copper is toxic for the body. The U.S. Environmental Protection Committee has set 1.3 ppm copper (Cu2+ ) ion concentration in drinking water as the safe limit for human intake.
This being said, so far, the detection of the amount of copper in drinking water has been a cumbersome and time taking task, which requires large equipment. Recently, Dr Lei Zheng, Dr Hao Qu and Ph. D. candidate Can Xiong from the Hefei University of Technology, China developed a new system that would make the same task easy, less time taking and reduce the size of the equipment involved substantially.
Dr Zheng, Dr Qu and Xiong have combined the properties of Organic electrochemical transistors (OECT) which act as sensors and amplifiers, which have features like biocompatibility, low cost, stability in aqueous systems, portable and real-time sensing of ions, bacteria, cells and so on with the unusual response of poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene): poly(styrene sulfonic acid) (PEDOT: PSS) an organic semiconductor, whose conductivity is increased multiple times when it is exposed to copper (Cu2+ ) ions.
Zheng, Qu and Xiong argue that the fabrication and application of the PEDOT: PSS OECT would create an ultra-sensitive transistor for the detection of copper (Cu2+ ) ions. The PEDOT: PSS OECT can detect the concentration of copper (Cu2+ ) ions for as low as 100 nm which is much lower than the standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Committee, making the device cost-effective, portable and efficient.
– 8th Mar 2018
Scientists from the School of Materials, University of Manchester collaborated with their Chinese counterparts in developing a technology to merge Copper (metal) nanoparticles with Fibres (Clothes) to create a washable, diseases resistant piece of cloth, which holds immense promise in the medical field.
In the research paper published in the Journal of Nanomaterials, the researchers explained that this material was developed through a process known as polymer surface grafting which creates strong bonds between the metal and fibre parts. Researchers have used a polymer brush that can bind fibre as well as polymer particles to copper nanoparticles which can withstand 30 washes and more. Copper has proved to have high antibacterial properties and this material will hopefully solve the problem of hospital-acquired diseases, which is rampant in the UK.
The composite material so created, shows resistance to E.Coli as well as S. aureus, the latter is also known as a superbug, resistant to most antibiotics and is generally contracted in a hospital environment, passed down from patient to patient. It is being hoped that uniforms made of this material will provide a safety net to patients, reducing the risk of patients contracting these bacterial diseases from hospitals.
The production of the material, despite the cheap price of copper, is very high, efforts are now being made to bring down the price of production for this material.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Many people like to drink a glass of water before they go to bed at night. Are you one of them?
If yes, you would be glad to know there are many benefits of drinking water before you sleep. Read on to know more.
Experts will tell you that you have to fully hydrate before you turn in for the night. The reason is simple. You will be asleep for 6-8 hours, and you will probably not be waking up in between to grab a glass of water. So, that means your body is not being hydrated for the entire duration of your sleep.
But why do you need to be well hydrated during sleep? Because your body loses fluids when you sleep. You continue to burn calories in your sleep- a process that uses up water. You breathe and sweat (if it is warm) while you are asleep- both of which keep reducing your water reserves. And if you have a fever or are a diabetic, your body loses more water than usual at night.
That is why you are at the risk of getting dehydrated while asleep. And how can you prevent that? Simply by drinking water before going to bed.
Read More: How To Stay Hydrated?
Preventing dehydration is not the only benefit of drinking water before you sleep. There are other benefits too –
Experiments have shown that people who are well hydrated during the night tend to be more calm and energetic in the morning than people who avoid drinking water before bed.
Hydrating before sleeping at night will improve your blood circulation. That means, your body will perform cleansing at a cellular level. It will provide nutrition to the cells and remove toxins from the cells to refresh the body from within.
Evidence shows that drinking water before bed will also help ease stomach cramps or pain. And if you also add a dash of lemon to it, it will miraculously cure your cough and cold.
Also Read: What Causes Dry Nose at Night: Investigating Potential Causes and Solutions
Drinking water before you sleep is advantageous, but there is a catch! Drinking water immediately before you go to bed is not recommended. Instead, you should drink water at least two hours before you go to bed.
It is because drinking water right before bed puts you at the risk of nocturia. Nocturia is a disorder that is characterized by an increase in the urge to urinate at night.
If you have to wake up multiple times to urinate, it will disrupt your sleep. And what happens when your sleep is interrupted? Interrupted sleep for long periods can result in heart problems, diabetes, obesity and depression.
It is worth noting that drinking water at bedtime might lead to frequent urination at night. This can interrupt your sleep. So, in my experience, it is better that the water intake is met before the bedtime. Drinking small amounts of water throughout the day is a good idea!
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Drinking water before bed is a great way to ensure that your body temperature stays well regulated. Research has shown that dehydration causes people to feel cold or hot while sleeping. Drinking water before bed benefits you by not only ensuring that you remain well hydrated while you sleep but also maintaining optimal body temperature. This helps ensure that your sleep remains undisturbed and comfortable.
Dehydration causes your skin to lose all its hydration and natural oils. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day will prevent blemishes, wrinkles and acne from occurring on your face. Drinking water before bed ensures that you remain hydrated throughout your sleep and wake up to find your skin soft and supple.
Though drinking water can clean your body, flush out all toxins, and keep you hydrated, it is a good idea to drink water two hours before you go to sleep.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
While drinking water before you sleep is very good for your health, but to reap the maximum benefits, you have to time it correctly. Your goal should be to drink water at least 1.5 hrs before you sleep. This way your body will benefit the most from this practice.
Also Read: 6 Health Benefits of Drinking Water in The Morning
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We all want to put an end to bad habits but that’s a tough job, isn’t it? Eating unhealthily is one of those bad habits that you need to get rid of right away. It affects our body more than you can imagine! If you just knew these few tips, you would never want to eat like that again.
To eat healthier food, you may need to make some lifestyle changes including changes in your daily habits as well as in your environment. For example, if you don’t keep a tab of the snacks you consume in between meals, you may end up overeating. It’s ok to indulge in a healthy snack or two between meals. They can keep blood sugar steady as well as allow one to rack up more servings of fruits and vegetables.
Typical snack foods (chips, biscuits) not only lack nutrition but also are low in satiety, so it’s easy to overdo them. Rather choose something that feels like real food like half of a small sandwich, whole-grain crackers with cheese, a handful of nuts or yoghurt.
1. Do not skip on a healthy breakfast – A healthy breakfast is the most essential meal of the day. Eating breakfast helps jumpstart the metabolism, makes us feel energetic, cut cravings during the day and provides the essential vitamins and proteins required for the day. It is also considered a key to maintaining weight loss for a long time.
2. Try replacing sweets with the fruit of all kinds – Fresh, frozen, dried or tinned. Slice them and store them into plastic lidded containers in the fridge, so you have a go-to snack when you’re tempted to have sweets.
3. Chew your food properly – Gulping food may set you up for stomach troubles. Saliva begins to break down food and when food spends little time in the mouth, it leaves more work for the rest of the digestive tract. This may contribute to indigestion.
4. Turn off the television when you dine – Television makes people particularly prone to spaced-out eating. Plan and make sure that healthy snacks like fresh fruits, veggies, whole grain crackers, or nuts are ready to go when you feel the urge to munch on something. Set your table and plate your food (instead of eating directly out of the container) so that you have more control over the quantity you eat.
5. Hydrate yourself – Water is crucial for the proper functioning of your brain cells and every organ in your body (including your skin). Your body needs at least eight glasses of pure water daily to burn out fat. Water not only quenches your thirst; it decreases hunger and removes toxins. Liquids such as soda and coffee drain water from your body. So, drink plenty of water.
Eating a healthier diet may be intimidating at first. However, you have a better chance of succeeding when you see how good it makes you feel or how good healthy food can taste. Over time, your preferences will change and cravings for unhealthy foods will fade away.
Even those who manage to break their bad eating habits can easily slip into their old ways during stressful times. When you feel weak or vulnerable, the automatic response often overrides good intentions. Make sure you don’t skip or delay meals and ensure that you schedule your snacks. If you stay hungry for a longer period, you may end up eating too much or choosing an unhealthy snack.
If you have a bad eating habit, don’t be too hard on yourself. Slowly but surely change to a healthier lifestyle – you will be happy you did!
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Have you found yourself wondering what would happen if you stopped drinking water? Or how long your body can carry on without it before rebelling?
Laying off food for a few days will not cause any significant damage to your body. But water is an entirely different matter.
Nearly 60% of your body is made of water. Your cells, tissues, muscles and organs consist of water. And they need water to survive and perform all the tasks that are required of them.
Let’s find out why exactly the body needs water.
Water keeps all parts of your body hydrated inside and out. If the water level dwindles, then your body will not function optimally. It coats your eyes, mouth, inside of the ears with a film of moisture.
It ensconces your brain and spinal cord and protects them in the event of a trauma. Similarly, water acts as a shock absorber for your joints and dramatically slows down their wear and tear.
You might have noticed that when you contract an infection, your doctor advises you to drink plenty of water. This is because rehydration speeds up your body’s natural capacity to regenerate and heal itself. Hydration also regulates your body temperature.
Read More: How To Stay Hydrated?
All the cells of your body produce waste that is toxic and has to be removed. And water performs this function with élan. Your body eliminates waste through perspiration, urination and defecation and water is central to all these activities. So the more water you drink, the more efficiently your body will flush out the impurities.
People who don’t drink enough water every day are at greater risk of kidney stones, problems with their heart valves and some kinds of cancer.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Your saliva is tasked with the important job of kick-starting digestion. It contains vital enzymes that start the process of breakdown of food. If your body is running low on water, then your saliva too will dry up. And if you gulp down solid chunks of food, then this will slow your metabolism down and a host of problems will ensue.
These are a few of the vital reasons why your body can’t survive without water.
To understand why water is important, it is essential to realize the following: ingestion and excretion of water and electrolytes are under tight regulation to maintain consistent total body water (TBW) and total body osmolarity (TBO)
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Also Read: Purple Cauliflower Benefits: A Nutritional Breakdown Backed by Science
Many factors determine how long you will live without water before your body gives up, such as the climate, temperature, age, level of activities, sex and the condition of your health and the kind of food you had been eating.
But you can’t go without water for more than a few days. Dehydration will set in because your body will constantly be losing water through sweat, urination and defecation. So, it’s only a matter of time before your body uses up its reserve of water. Before long, your organs will stop working because they are being deprived.
That is why you are recommended to drink around 2-3 litres of water every day so that your body remains at its peak.
Read More: 6 Benefits of Drinking Water in The Morning
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
