Water Will Always Be Essenetial

"By means of water, we give life to everything." 

 -Koran, 21:30

One of the main principles that my wellness goals are based around is the belief that if you can achieve something by natural means you should never choose an artificial or synthetic option. This especially holds true when it comes to the subject of water. With a force as strong as water, it shocks me that so many people will choose other drinks, thinking they are healthier. Well, sports drinks, supplements, energy drinks and all other things that fall into this category are not better than water. Yes, they may provide benefits that water does not, but they often have just as many, if not more, draw backs. Also, whatever benefit you are hoping to get out of these other drinks you can get from an improved diet without deminishing your water intake.

First, let's address sports drinks and the argument for needing them. Electrolytes. This is why everyone says they need to consume sugary sports drinks. I bet most of these people do not even know what electrolytes do, however, they are right that electrolytes are good for you. Electrolytes help with the conduction of nerve impulses, and without them, you will have similar symptoms as to what dehydration causes (nausea, dizziness, fatigue, etc.) Electrolytes are a type of salt that dissociates, and actually causes your sweat to have that salty taste. For this reason, I only suggest fast-paced athletes to drink sports drinks. However, only when you must replenish your electrolyte supply. For the rest of us, we can replenish this supply through simple diet changes. A slight increase in sodium and potassium will help. Adding a little table salt to foods and eating fruits can accomplish both of these. 

Secondly, let's address water supplements. These are powders or any other mix you may add to your water. The word "supplement" tells me that they should only be used in addition to your already healthy diet. They are not to replace nutrients you don't feel like consuming through through your diet. The only time they should be taken in place of getting them through foods is if you choose to be vegetarian, gluten free or if you have allergy restrictions.

One of the many things that supplements rave about are antioxidants. Again, I'm not sure that many people know why antioxidants are so great, but they really are great for you. Antioxidants play a role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease by protecting cells from highly reactive substances called free radicals. Free radicals are unstable and will oxidize (steal electrons from) other molecules in the body. Antioxidants bind free radicals and keep them from damaging. DNA and other essential macromolecules. In order to avoid supplements but still get your fill of antioxidants, refer to the list below.       

Antioxidant	Source
Beta-carotene	These foods are normally orange in color. Carrots, cantaloupe, squash, mangoes, pumpkins, and apricots. Also leafy vegetables such as collard greens, kale, and spinach are rich in beta-carotene
Lutein	Also found in leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, kale, and spinach.
Lycopene	Found in watermelon, papaya, apricots, guava, and tomatoes.
Selenium	*Is technically a mineral, not an antioxidant but it acts as a cofactor, helping the effectiveness of antioxidants. You can find this in rice, wheat, meats, bread and brazil nuts.
Vitamin A	Found in sweet potatoes, liver, milk, carrots, egg yolks, and mozzarella cheese.
Vitamin C	Found in most fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Vitamin E	Available in most cooking oils, mangoes, broccoli, and nuts.

Finally, energy drinks. Energy drinks have little to no nutritional value. Some will advertise health benefits, but I guarantee you that energy drinks will almost always be detrimental, rather than helpful. I just use this as a rule of thumb. 

In order to consume enough water, I keep a water bottle on me at all times and drink it continuously. As stated in one of my previous posts, you know you have had enough once your urine is clear or at least light yellow. Water aids in every process your body goes through, do not deprive your body and it will treat you better.

NOTICE: I have begun a new addition to my blog, as recommended by +Jo-El Gonzalez. I am going to have daily challenges in the right hand column each day and I would love for all of you to partake, and comment to let me know how it went for you. Its a great was to start your wellness journey or to enhance it. It should be a dun little thing to do each day.

Below are a list of my sources. I hope you enjoyed my new post, please comments below and give me feedback! Thanks for reading!
-"Human Biology" By Colleen Belk, Pearson Higher Education