Water The most important of all the nutrients!

Major function in the body: Water carries nutrients and waste to and from cells in the body Water carries nutrients and waste to and from cells in the body Water lubricates and cushions our joints Water lubricates and cushions our joints Water helps regulate our temperature Water helps regulate our temperature Water makes up most of our blood volume Water makes up most of our blood volume Over 60% of our body is water!!! Over 60% of our body is water!!!

Suggested % of our daily caloric intake NONE! Water does not contain calories… Drink all you want! NONE! Water does not contain calories… Drink all you want!

Diuretics are chemicals that force our body to lose water (dehydrate) Some common diuretics are: Some common diuretics are: –Watermelon –Cucumber –Coffee –Green Tea

Food source for water: Water (obviously) Water (obviously) Juices, milk, liquids Juices, milk, liquids Many fruits and vegetables are over 95% water! Many fruits and vegetables are over 95% water! Many meats and cheeses are over 50% water Many meats and cheeses are over 50% water

How do I figure out the amount of water I should consume each day? Take your weight in pounds, cut it in half, and label it as ounces. Take your weight in pounds, cut it in half, and label it as ounces. Example: Ms. Richards weighs 120 lbs Example: Ms. Richards weighs 120 lbs 120 / 2 = / 2 = 60 Ms. Richards should drink 60 ounces of water every day! Ms. Richards should drink 60 ounces of water every day! ***Thirst is not a good indicator for dehydration*** ***Thirst is not a good indicator for dehydration***

Too much water may lead to: Good health! Good health! There are not many negative consequences There are not many negative consequences associated with water Some may be: lack of appetite, water intoxication. Some may be: lack of appetite, water intoxication.

Not enough water may lead to: Dehydration! Dehydration! Heat exhaustion or heatstroke Heat exhaustion or heatstroke Weakness & Fatigue Weakness & Fatigue Electrolyte imbalance Electrolyte imbalance

Healthy advice for water: Don’t wait for Thirst!!! Don’t wait for Thirst!!! Drink enough water each day, and even more when you’re active Drink enough water each day, and even more when you’re active Eat high water content foods. Eat high water content foods. Yellow urine can be a symptom of dehydration Yellow urine can be a symptom of dehydration