Nutrition - Water Intake

Question
How much water do we need to drink each day and does it matter what temperature it is?  I have heard lots of differing opinions!  I heard that cold water is bad for you and then that it burns more energy if you drink it etc etc.  Can you please help to clear things up a bit?  Thanks very much!

Answer
Hello Kate!

   Thank you for your nutrition question.  It does not really matter if the water you drink is warm or cold unless you are an athlete trying to stay hydrated where you would drink cold water.
    We need at least eight cups of water a day.  This may increase depending on your daily consumption of coffee, alcohol, soft drinks and juice drinks.  Coffee and alcohol are diuretics, which are not as easily absorbed by the body and can cause more dehydration.

Important Functions of Water

?        Transports nutrients between cells and organs.  

?        Helps to maintain our body temperature. It cools the body with sweat.

?        Participates in the metabolic processes.

?        A component of body fluids that are essential for the proper function of organs, such as, saliva (moisten food for swallowing), tears (lubricate and clean eyes), and synovial fluids (cushion joints for shock absorption).

?        Balances the water and electrolytes in the body

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com
www.dietitian.mymagicwand.com

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