May 2009 Fit 4 Ever Jimmy Page
Water of Life
"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." – Proverbs 9:1
Is abundant health a choice? For the most part, the answer is yes.
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To purchase a copy of The Seven Pillars of Health at a 30-percent discount, go to fcahealthandfitness.org, click on the book cover and enter "FCA" as the promotional code. |
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In his book The Seven Pillars of Health, Dr. Don Colbert, who served the FCA staff with a helpful workshop at the recent RealTime gathering, brings life-changing wisdom through seven foundational pillars: water, sleep and rest, living food, exercise, detoxification, nutritional supplements and coping with stress. And similar to the case in the verse above, we can build our health on these seven pillars.
This month, we're discussing practical strategies for the first pillar: water.
Water is the single most important nutrient in the body. To be honest, it's impossible to be healthy without water. Yet, even though we know we're probably not getting enough, many of us still don't do anything about it.
What if I told you that you were far more likely to get sick, have headaches, lose your memory, be less productive, have less energy and age faster? Would you then consider drinking more water?
Every single bodily function is impaired if you don't drink enough of this foundational fluid. That includes your immune system, digestion, toxin-removal, concentration, memory, cardiovascular system, muscle strength, endurance, joint function and metabolism.
Consider these major reasons why water is so important for your long-term health:
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TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR WATER INTAKE |
1. Drink eight ounces of water first-thing when you get up. This helps you replenish fluids and energizes your metabolism.
2. Drink eight ounces of water 30 minutes before breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you get into the habit of drinking before every meal it becomes routine and can also help you eat less and control your weight.
3. Replenish at least eight ounces of water after every hour of moderate exercise and 16 ounces for every hour of intense exercise. We often forget to drink water after working out, but it is imperative for cell repair and growth.
4. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. It turns out that what God originally designed for food even helps to hydrate our bodies. |
1. Easier Weight Loss A well-hydrated body has higher levels of oxygen in the blood and an increased ability to burn fat. It also better regulates hormone production and metabolism.
2. Boosted Immunity Water is essential in fighting disease. Dehydration weakens your body's barrier to bacteria, viruses and pollutants, and it makes it easier for you to catch a cold, suffer from allergies and get the flu.
3. Improved Memory Have you ever had trouble remembering simple things like a friend's name or been in the middle of a sentence and lost your train of thought? Part of the problem may be dehydration. It's like trying to ride a bike on a flat tire.
4. Fewer Headaches Millions of people take pain-relievers every day when simply drinking enough water could prevent most headaches.
5. Better Digestion Thousands of people suffer from constipation or don't have regular bowel movements. Water is necessary for the absorption of nutrients and the efficient removal of waste through your digestive system.
6. More Energy Drinking a glass of water can give you an immediate energy boost as your cells will have what they need for muscle contraction and endurance. Dehydration causes a measurable decrease in speed and power.
Generally speaking, a person needs eight ounces of water for every 20 pounds of body weight, so drink up! Getting more water is a great place to start as you build a foundation of abundant health. 
--Want more? Catch Jimmy Page's 90-second "Fit Life Today" podcasts, now available at www.fcapodcasting.com.
Medical Disclaimer: All information in this article is of a general nature and is furnished for your knowledge and understanding only. This information is not to be taken as medical or other health advice pertaining to your specific health and medical condition. Always consult a physician or health professional before beginning any exercise or nutrition program.
Photo courtesy of Siloam Press.
