A few months back I wrote an article on the importance of drinking water, and I have had some wonderful follow-up questions from readers. Some exciting new research has been published that I would like to share, in light of a good question I received.

Tara P writes:

I'm always hearing about how it's important to drink enough water. I can never seem to drink the 6-8 glasses that is recommended, but I never feel thirsty. Does this mean I'm getting enough water? Are there any proven health problems from not drinking 6-8 glasses per day?

     A lot of people are really catching on to the idea that water is essential to good health, and most everyone has heard the old guideline about how you should drink 6-8 glasses per day to make sure that you are well hydrated. This is an essential amount, because you lose about this much during daily activity, and even more if you are adding exercise to your day. Even when you exhale you are losing water - up to 2 cups per day! Unfortunately, thirst is not a good indicator of hydration because your brain doesn't send the "thirsty" message until after you are already dehydrated.

     Even slight dehydration has an unhealthy effect, because it means that your blood is thicker since it has less water volume. This means your heart has to work harder to pump this thicker blood through your body. A recently published study performed at Loma Linda University has established evidence that this result may contribute to vascular disease. The long-term study, "Water, Other Fluids, and Fatal Coronary Heart Disease", shows that some of the risk factors, such as the previously mentioned blood viscosity, are increased when you don't have enough water in your system. The researchers found that healthy participants who drank five or more glasses of pure water per day reduced their risk of dying from a heart attack by half over participants who drank less than two glasses of pure water per day. This is as much of a decrease in risk as you would achieve by decreasing cholesterol or increasing exercise! This landmark study, conducted since 1973, has shown that the suggestion to drink water should be more than just a suggestion. It is an essential addition to everyone's health regimen.

     The good news is that some of the juices you drink are contributing to the 6-8 glasses that you need. Almost 90% of a glass of juice or milk consists of water. The bad news is that you are taking a step back if you are drinking and alcoholic or caffeinated beverage. Just remember, for every glass of alcohol you drink you are depleting one of the servings of water that you diligently drank! This means that even a person who is getting enough water will become dehydrated with only one or two servings of alcohol. In light of the Loma Linda study, this suggestion is especially important for people with heart problems or high blood pressure.

     My main suggestion for staying well-hydrated is to keep water with you, but no one likes the idea of lugging bottles around. Instead, try to keep some bottles wherever you spend time during your day. You'll be surprised about how much more water you drink when you make it convenient for yourself. The best spots are in your car, gym bag and at your desk at work. Also, don't forget to ask for that glass of water whenever you're having wine with dinner! Water is the easiest and cheapest way to instantly make yourself healthier.
Thank you for the wonderful questions and comments. Keep them coming!

     The research article mentioned in this study can be found in the American Journal of Epidemiology (Vol. 155, No.9) pp. 827-833

     Dr. Amy Allen has received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh, and her Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic West. Her private practice is located at 3880 S. Bascom Ave. Suite 117, phone 408-559-4059. You can e-mail questions to dramyallen@yahoo.com, or mail them to her practice address.