W.A.T.E.R. = H2O, Our Body’s Essence

I keep emphasizing the importance of water for our health, however we seem to always forget, so reminding again is good for us all.

WATER: a chemical substance with the chemical formula H2O. Its molecule contains one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms connected by covalent bonds. Water is a liquid at ambient conditions, but it often co-exists on Earth with its solid state, ice, and gaseous state, water vapor or steam. – wikipedia

Yes, this is WATER. It seems to have very simple structure, maybe too simple, but this water is essential for this planet’s survival and all its residents and covers 70.9% of the Earth’s surface.

And Approximately 66% of the human body consists of water, literally our cell is the sac of water, without water our body doesn’t function properly, if water supply stops in the human body, you know the effect is the death.

Then how much water we should take to feel good and fit? Between 1 and 7 liters of water per day including water intake through foods or beverages other than straight water, yes the exact amount depends on your level of activity, temperature, humidity, gender and other factors; and yet it’s not still clear how much water is needed by healthy people, though I recommend 6-7glass of water(approximately 2liters).

What does water do inside our body?

It helps transport nutrients from protein, carbohydrates and fats to bodily tissues via the bloodstream, and to help get rid of waste, regulate temperature and prevent disease.

Below are the symptoms you might be able to get when water intake is not enough and your body does not function properly.

Mild dehydration can lead to irritability, lack of focus and fatigue. more severe one can result in headaches, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke during exercise in warm weather. Chronic dehydration can lead to constipation and kidney stones.

Yes, if you think from now on you need to drink more water then this is the time! Let’s make a good habit of drinking water enough from now.

Tips to increase your water consumption to healthy levels;

Replace other beverages with water and carry the bottle of water always and drink whenever you feel thirst and your mouth dry. At first you really need to make a conscious effort to have water with you at all times, in the car, at your desk, in your bag or purse.

You also can eat these foods;

Apple – 84%, orange-87%, avocado-81%, a tomato-97%, broccoli 91%, cabbage 93%, lettuce 96%.

You also should know caffeinated beverages (soda, tea, coffee) and alcoholic beverages can cause dehydration, food high in protein, and sugar.

“A little change of your daily water-intake could make a huge difference”

I have seen many clients feeling more energetic and calm and even they look brighter and younger, their skins are radiant after they changed the amount of daily water-intake. It’s very obvious even within a week.

And also I’ve found from the consultation that most of office workers show the signs of dehydration; fatigue, nervousness, dry mouth, mild headache, having difficult in concentration at the office etc.

they drink 4-8 cups of water daily and drink 1 or 2 cups of coffee or green tea….and didn’t have think of drinking water or time to drink.

therefore If you have a weight-loss program or skin-enhancement program, drink water and keep hydrated – more than 2 liter, You will look shiny and radian and feeling really wonderful.

Foods to Help You Look Your Best:Keep Your Skin Glow and Clear

Acupuncture views nutrition in a complex light, through the application of Asian medicine wisdom to dietary habits. In short, certain foods are considered too yang, or hot to eat in excess during the warmer months, while others are prized for their yin ability to cool the body. Overall, the goal is balance between the internal yin and yang of the body.

A healthy, nutritional diet, getting good quality sleep and moderate exercise can keep your skin and physical form at it’s best. Be sure to integrate these items into your diet to help keep you looking your best!

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes – Healthy skin is directly dependent on the amount of vitamin A in our diet. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful elements in our skin, helps to prevent wrinkles, resist infection and maintain the skin’s elasticity. One of the best places to get Vitamin A is vegetables that are deep orange in color.

Blackberries, Blueberries, Strawberries, and Plums – In a study recently published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, these four fruits weighed in with the highest “total antioxidant capacity” of any food. Antioxidants and other phytochemicals in these fruits can protect cells from damage and disintegration, thus guarding against premature aging.

Salmon, Walnuts, Olive Oil, and Flax Seed – Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are responsible for skin repair, moisture content, and overall flexibility, but because the body cannot produce its own EFAs, they must be obtained through the diet. Fish, walnuts, and flax seed oil are among the best sources for omega 3 fatty acid. Eating good-quality olive oil helps keep skin lubricated and keeps it looking and feeling healthier overall. Which olive oil is the best for your skin? Those labeled “cold pressed”, “expeller processed”, or “extra virgin” are the least processed forms. As a result, they contain the highest levels of antioxidative substances.

Whole Wheat Bread, Brown Rice, Turkey, Tuna and Brazil Nuts – Selenium is an antioxidant mineral responsible for tissue elasticity and healthy skin. It may play an important role in preventing skin cancer, as some recent studies are showing that skin damaged by the sun may suffer fewer consequences if selenium levels are high.

Green Tea – Green tea’s ability to slow down the development of some signs of aging is attributed to its high levels of polyphenols, which have been well-documented for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea may help prevent or reduce the risk of skin cancer according to a study published recently in the Archives of Dermatology, which shows that whether taken orally or applied to the skin, green tea can reduce the risk of damage from ultraviolet light and thus reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Water – Hydration plays a key role in keeping skin cells healthy. It is essential to maintaining your skin’s elasticity and suppleness. Keeping cells hydrated helps cells move nutrients in and toxins out, which helps keep skin clean and clear. =>>>very important!!!

From Dr.Kim’s 2011 August Newsletter.