Introduction: Water the Drink of Choice
Water is a very important nutrient. Your body can only survive a few days with water. Without water, cells quickly die. Water makes up about 60% of the body.
Functions of water:
- Carries nutrients throughout the body
- Solvent for minerals, vitamins, amino acids, glucose
- Removes waste
- In needed for chemical reactions
- Lubricates joints
- Shock absorbers (eyes, spinal cord, amniotic fluid)
- Help maintain the body’s temperature
The 2020 Canada Guide includes recommendations to make water your drink of choice:
Benefits of making water your drink of choice
There are a lot of drink choices available. Many choices have a lot of:
- calories
- sodium
- sugars
- saturated fat
Make water your drink of choice instead.
Drinking water is:
- important for your health
- a great way to quench your thirst
- a way to stay hydrated without calories
Our bodies lose water by:
- sweating
- breathing
- getting rid of waste
You need to replace what is lost.
How to make water your drink of choice
Use these tips to help make water your drink of choice:
- drink it hot or cold
- drink water with your meals
- ask for water with your food when eating out
- carry a reusable water bottle when you are out
- try a fruit and herb in your water
When mineral salts dissolve in water, the become ions which are called electrolytes. Balancing the fluid and electrolyte balance that helps keep fluids in their proper compartments.