Lifescript.com published an article recently that reported a staggering figure of 366 million diabetics worldwide. The figure is not only staggering . It is also disturbing.
Diabetes is known to cause the death of a person every 7 seconds. That's scary. But what is scarier is that majority of those who have the disease have Type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is not hereditary. It's caused by unhealthy lifestyle: poor diet, no exercise, excessive weight, smoking and drinking. These are lifestyles that are very much within our control. And, yet they continue to lead to a deadly disease.
4.6 million diabetic deaths every year - and we will add up to that statistic if we don't change the way we live.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Where to Get More Calcium
Tips for Getting More Calcium
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated September 14, 2011
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
from about.com
Calcium is one of the major minerals your body needs to function properly. Most adults need from 1000 to 1200 milligrams (mg) calcium per day and teenagers need about 1300 mg per day. Your body also needs adequate amounts of vitamin D to be able to utilize calcium properly.
Choosing Calcium-Rich Dairy Products
Consuming three cups of dairy products each day should provide you with enough calcium. One cup of dairy is equal to one cup of milk, one cup of yogurt or 1.5 to 2.0 ounces of cheese (about the size of two dominoes):
One cup fluid milk has 300 mg calcium
One cup plain yogurt has 488 mg calcium
Two ounces of cheddar cheese has 400 mg calcium
Two ounces of blue cheese has 300 mg calcium
You can increase your dietary dairy calcium intake a few ways:
Add dry milk powder to soups and sauces
Drink milk as a beverage
Use low- or non-fat milk in smoothies
Eat low- or non-fat yogurt as a snack or for dessert
Top cooked vegetables with cheese
Add a slice of cheese to a sandwich
Dairy products are rich in calcium, but they can also be high in fat. Choose low-fat or non-fat milk and dairy products when possible. Food safety is importent too. Keep fresh milk and dairy products in the refrigerator and avoid raw milk. Pasteurization doesn't change the calcium content of dairy products.
Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium
Not every one consumes dairy products. Vegans don't consume any form of animal products including milk, cheese or other dairy products. People with lactose intolerance can't digest milk sugar properly, and some people just don' t like dairy products. These people can get calcium from non-dairy sources. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, whole sardines, soy and other legumes, and nuts:
One cup raw kale has 90 mg calcium
One cup of pinto beans 80 mg calcium
Three ounces of canned salmon with bones has 180 mg calcium
One cup of tofu (soy) yogurt has 310 mg calcium
Three ounces of canned sardines has 330 mg calcium
One-half cup cooked turnip greens has 100 mg calcium
One cup of chopped broccoli has 43 mg calcium
You can also buy calcium-fortified orange juice, breakfast cereal, soy milk and rice beverages. Calcium is also available as a dietary supplement. Speak to your health care provider before taking calcium or other dietary supplements.
Vitamin D
Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You need a few minutes of sun exposure on your face, arms or legs, about two days each week. Vitamin D doesn't occur in many foods. You can get the daily recommended amount of vitamin D by eating three ounces of salmon or mackerel, or you can get smaller amounts from egg yolks, beef liver and some mushrooms. Vitamin D is often added to dairy products, calcium supplements and foods that are calcium-fortifed.
Calcium-Rich Recipes
These recipes are made with healthy calcium-rich ingredients:
Dairy-free almond-maple buttermilk pancakes are made with soy milk and almond meal.
Low-fat broccoli soup is made with broccoli and non-fat milk.
Vegan colcannon with kale is made with kale and soy milk.
Easy to make cheese quesadillas are a calcium-rich snack for kids.
Healthier peanut butter rice crispy treats can be made with calcium-fortifed rice cereal.
Basic pinto beans can be served as a calcium and protein-rich side dish.
Canned salmon (with the bones) can be used to make salon patties.
MY THOUGHTS
I stayed away from milk for years. Now, I'm forced to drink it. Regularly. Good that I love tofu though.
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide
Updated September 14, 2011
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
from about.com
Calcium is one of the major minerals your body needs to function properly. Most adults need from 1000 to 1200 milligrams (mg) calcium per day and teenagers need about 1300 mg per day. Your body also needs adequate amounts of vitamin D to be able to utilize calcium properly.
Choosing Calcium-Rich Dairy Products
Consuming three cups of dairy products each day should provide you with enough calcium. One cup of dairy is equal to one cup of milk, one cup of yogurt or 1.5 to 2.0 ounces of cheese (about the size of two dominoes):
One cup fluid milk has 300 mg calcium
One cup plain yogurt has 488 mg calcium
Two ounces of cheddar cheese has 400 mg calcium
Two ounces of blue cheese has 300 mg calcium
You can increase your dietary dairy calcium intake a few ways:
Add dry milk powder to soups and sauces
Drink milk as a beverage
Use low- or non-fat milk in smoothies
Eat low- or non-fat yogurt as a snack or for dessert
Top cooked vegetables with cheese
Add a slice of cheese to a sandwich
Dairy products are rich in calcium, but they can also be high in fat. Choose low-fat or non-fat milk and dairy products when possible. Food safety is importent too. Keep fresh milk and dairy products in the refrigerator and avoid raw milk. Pasteurization doesn't change the calcium content of dairy products.
Non-Dairy Sources of Calcium
Not every one consumes dairy products. Vegans don't consume any form of animal products including milk, cheese or other dairy products. People with lactose intolerance can't digest milk sugar properly, and some people just don' t like dairy products. These people can get calcium from non-dairy sources. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, whole sardines, soy and other legumes, and nuts:
One cup raw kale has 90 mg calcium
One cup of pinto beans 80 mg calcium
Three ounces of canned salmon with bones has 180 mg calcium
One cup of tofu (soy) yogurt has 310 mg calcium
Three ounces of canned sardines has 330 mg calcium
One-half cup cooked turnip greens has 100 mg calcium
One cup of chopped broccoli has 43 mg calcium
You can also buy calcium-fortified orange juice, breakfast cereal, soy milk and rice beverages. Calcium is also available as a dietary supplement. Speak to your health care provider before taking calcium or other dietary supplements.
Vitamin D
Your body makes vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. You need a few minutes of sun exposure on your face, arms or legs, about two days each week. Vitamin D doesn't occur in many foods. You can get the daily recommended amount of vitamin D by eating three ounces of salmon or mackerel, or you can get smaller amounts from egg yolks, beef liver and some mushrooms. Vitamin D is often added to dairy products, calcium supplements and foods that are calcium-fortifed.
Calcium-Rich Recipes
These recipes are made with healthy calcium-rich ingredients:
Dairy-free almond-maple buttermilk pancakes are made with soy milk and almond meal.
Low-fat broccoli soup is made with broccoli and non-fat milk.
Vegan colcannon with kale is made with kale and soy milk.
Easy to make cheese quesadillas are a calcium-rich snack for kids.
Healthier peanut butter rice crispy treats can be made with calcium-fortifed rice cereal.
Basic pinto beans can be served as a calcium and protein-rich side dish.
Canned salmon (with the bones) can be used to make salon patties.
MY THOUGHTS
I stayed away from milk for years. Now, I'm forced to drink it. Regularly. Good that I love tofu though.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
HOW TO KEEP YOUR MEMORY SHARP
Even Light Exercise Keeps Your Memory Sharp
By Laurie Tarkan | August 2, 2011
From www.bnet.com
Being forgetful is a dreaded affliction of middle age–having words on the tip of your tongue and forgetting what you were just about to say–but it turns out that it doesn’t take much effort to stave off the effects of aging on your memory and your mind. A growing body of research shows that you can slow the progression of memory loss and dementia by regular light exercise, like by walking or gardening. You don’t have to do moderate to high intensity exercise to get the oxygen flowing to your brain. So if you needed a tad more motivation to walk to work or exercise during your lunch break, here it is:
Go for a walk
In one study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario measured the energy expenditure and cognitive functioning of elderly adults for two to five years. The “active” adults did not exercise, but instead did things like walking around the block, gardening and cleaning. But this moderate activity protected them from cognitive decline over several years compared to people who were more sedentary. About 90 percent of those with the greatest daily activity could think and remember just about as well over the course of the study.
Prevent brain shrinkage
Another recent study found that exercise counteracts brain shrinkage that occurs with age. The hippocampus “shrinks” in late adulthood, and this reduced volume is associated with impaired memory and increased risk of dementia, explained Dr. Eric B. Larson, the study’s author. But his study found that hippocampal volume increased by 2% compared with declines in the control groups.
Not Just For The Elderly
One study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine looked at young adults ranging in age from 19 to 29 and found that those who did moderate exercise five times a week for 30 minutes had enhanced memory compared to those who didn’t exercise as much.
Lift Dumbbells
If you can’t get out and walk, strength training may be just as effective. Another study published this month in Neurobiology of Aging found that weight training improved how older women think and changed how blood flows within their brains. Women who lifted weights twice a week for 12 months performed significantly better on mental processing tests than a control group.
“Exercise may turn out to be as close as we can come to the long-sought fountain of youth, and exercise, particularly walking, has no significant adverse effects,” wrote Dr. Larson.
Do you feel your brain works better when you exercise regularly?
MY THOUGHTS
I have to admit that my brain seems to function better when I exercise. When I'm sedentary, my brain seems to switch off, too.
By Laurie Tarkan | August 2, 2011
From www.bnet.com
Being forgetful is a dreaded affliction of middle age–having words on the tip of your tongue and forgetting what you were just about to say–but it turns out that it doesn’t take much effort to stave off the effects of aging on your memory and your mind. A growing body of research shows that you can slow the progression of memory loss and dementia by regular light exercise, like by walking or gardening. You don’t have to do moderate to high intensity exercise to get the oxygen flowing to your brain. So if you needed a tad more motivation to walk to work or exercise during your lunch break, here it is:
Go for a walk
In one study published in Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers at the University of Waterloo in Ontario measured the energy expenditure and cognitive functioning of elderly adults for two to five years. The “active” adults did not exercise, but instead did things like walking around the block, gardening and cleaning. But this moderate activity protected them from cognitive decline over several years compared to people who were more sedentary. About 90 percent of those with the greatest daily activity could think and remember just about as well over the course of the study.
Prevent brain shrinkage
Another recent study found that exercise counteracts brain shrinkage that occurs with age. The hippocampus “shrinks” in late adulthood, and this reduced volume is associated with impaired memory and increased risk of dementia, explained Dr. Eric B. Larson, the study’s author. But his study found that hippocampal volume increased by 2% compared with declines in the control groups.
Not Just For The Elderly
One study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine looked at young adults ranging in age from 19 to 29 and found that those who did moderate exercise five times a week for 30 minutes had enhanced memory compared to those who didn’t exercise as much.
Lift Dumbbells
If you can’t get out and walk, strength training may be just as effective. Another study published this month in Neurobiology of Aging found that weight training improved how older women think and changed how blood flows within their brains. Women who lifted weights twice a week for 12 months performed significantly better on mental processing tests than a control group.
“Exercise may turn out to be as close as we can come to the long-sought fountain of youth, and exercise, particularly walking, has no significant adverse effects,” wrote Dr. Larson.
Do you feel your brain works better when you exercise regularly?
MY THOUGHTS
I have to admit that my brain seems to function better when I exercise. When I'm sedentary, my brain seems to switch off, too.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
CAN YOUR PAIN MEDICATION CAUSE YOU SICKNESS AND ILL-HEALTH?
IS YOUR PAIN MEDICATION HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH?
"In high doses, one of our most-trusted, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers – acetaminophen – can kill you. Acetaminophen overdose is the top cause of liver failure among Americans, and women are especially at risk." I am quoting from the article 'Pain Medications: Can You be Overdosing' by Diane Wedner, Lifescript Medical Detective.
If you're like me and you're taking over-the-counter pain medication like crazy you should read the full article. (click here). It scared the daylights out of me. I am in now in the process of finding ways to manage my migraines so I won't overdose on the pain relievers. I would rather do away with some awful habits to prevent sickness. That's a healthier alternative. Would you prefer to go through a liver transplant caused by pain reliever overdose.
There's really nothing wrong with pain relievers. Taken in moderation, it won't result to sickness or other health risks. But when you buy it over-the counter like vitamins and gobble them up regularly in high doses, then a health problem might be in the offing.
I don't want my simple sickness (migraine) to result to a serious liver health condition. I'm taking stock. I'm paying attention. I'm making changes. How about you?
"In high doses, one of our most-trusted, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers – acetaminophen – can kill you. Acetaminophen overdose is the top cause of liver failure among Americans, and women are especially at risk." I am quoting from the article 'Pain Medications: Can You be Overdosing' by Diane Wedner, Lifescript Medical Detective.
If you're like me and you're taking over-the-counter pain medication like crazy you should read the full article. (click here). It scared the daylights out of me. I am in now in the process of finding ways to manage my migraines so I won't overdose on the pain relievers. I would rather do away with some awful habits to prevent sickness. That's a healthier alternative. Would you prefer to go through a liver transplant caused by pain reliever overdose.
There's really nothing wrong with pain relievers. Taken in moderation, it won't result to sickness or other health risks. But when you buy it over-the counter like vitamins and gobble them up regularly in high doses, then a health problem might be in the offing.
I don't want my simple sickness (migraine) to result to a serious liver health condition. I'm taking stock. I'm paying attention. I'm making changes. How about you?
Saturday, July 30, 2011
In Sickness and in Health: PROTECT YOUR JOINTS
In Sickness and in Health: PROTECT YOUR JOINTS
Ever heard of osteoarthritis? Dictionary.com defines it as "the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring after middle age, marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling." It's a degenerative joint disease that can cause immobility and extreme pain. It's a health problem. It's a sickness that can be prevented.
Don't you get scared when you see people who look like this?
I do. I get really scared. And that's why I read articles about it. About health. About sickness. And how they can be prevented.
Lifescript.com published "12 ways to Protect your joints" and here's a summary of their suggestions:
1. "Lighten your load" - extra weight causes extra stress to our joints and we become more prone to fractures and injury. A lot of sickness can be avoided when healthy weight is maintained. Shedding off those extra pounds can do wonders for our health.
2. "Get Moving" - a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of osteoarthritis. We need to be physically active to have stronger muscles and to lubricate our joints. Do some housework. Park a little further away. Go around the block. Take those stairs. Dance if you must. (Or you can). Anything that will get us moving-away from sickness and toward robust health.
3. "Strengthen your Core" - great abs is not only sexy. It has a lot of health benefits. Firm abs is equivalent to a firm core. It gives us stability and better control which mean less pressure on our joints. A firm core is one sure way of staying in good health.
4. Try Tai Chi - This is a form of Chinese Martial arts that requires slow circular and streching movements. The slow, repetitive movements make us more flexible and strong which, in turn, causes less stress on our joints. Search youtube for some simple tai chi moves if you're not up to spending for a CD. On the other hand, wouldn't you rather invest on your health rather than spend on medicine and hospital bills because of sickness.
5. Run Smart - our joints will certainly get more pounding if we prefer running to walking. But it can be done without getting yourself injured. Check out this link for some safe running tips.
6. Load up on fish - Lifescript suggests "at least two servings a week – 3.5 ounces cooked or 3/4 cup canned." 3.5 ounces is almost 100 grams. That's not much considering the health benefits. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish helps in cartilage formation and reduces the risk of joint inflammation. I'm lucky I love fish.
7. Do not slouch - this is my biggest problem. I'm a sloucher. A big one. The chiropractor who treated me confirmed this. As I have slouched all my life, my neck bones and spinal chord are now misaligned. This causes my perennial headeaches, back pain, hip and knee pains. So, if you want to stay away from sickness and be healthy, be conscious of your posture. Slouching "strains our ligaments" while erect posture allows for "even distibution of our weight". Needless to say, when you stand and sit erect, there will be less pressure on the joints.
8. Minimize the use of stilletos - occasional high heels won't do much harm. But frequent use of shoes with very high heels puts a lot of pressure on knees and hips. In my younger days, I was a stilleto person. My health was put to risk and I have long ago switched to the comfortable flats. You don't need to hurt yourself to be stylish.
9. Go easy on the handbags - those heavy loads are hazardous to your health-to your "joints and wrists. I know that for a fact. Raid your handbags and carry only the essentials. If you must bring a heavy load, go for the backpack.
10. "Don't be a weekend warrior" - What's a weekend warrior? Someone who does no exercise on weekdays and tries to compensate on weekends. According to Lifescript, this is damaging to our health and suggests 30-minute exercises on non-weekends.
11. Avoid Processed Foods - Lifescript calls the fats in processed foods destructive. Do I need to say more? For obvious health reasons, the best way is to go natural.
12. Stop when you Have Joint Pain - Pain and swelling is a sign of too much stress. If you want to have healthy joints, give it some rest.
These are all very sensible reminders. If you're reading this, you'reprobably at that age where you're starting to feel the pressure on your joints. I hope we can influence the younger generation to take heed. Health is not like school exams and reports where we can cram and still, by sheer luck, pass. Avoiding sickness requires folowing the law of the harvest. You cannot harvest what you have not planted.
via Lifescript -
Ever heard of osteoarthritis? Dictionary.com defines it as "the most common form of arthritis, usually occurring after middle age, marked by chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling." It's a degenerative joint disease that can cause immobility and extreme pain. It's a health problem. It's a sickness that can be prevented.
Don't you get scared when you see people who look like this?
I do. I get really scared. And that's why I read articles about it. About health. About sickness. And how they can be prevented.
Lifescript.com published "12 ways to Protect your joints" and here's a summary of their suggestions:
1. "Lighten your load" - extra weight causes extra stress to our joints and we become more prone to fractures and injury. A lot of sickness can be avoided when healthy weight is maintained. Shedding off those extra pounds can do wonders for our health.
2. "Get Moving" - a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of osteoarthritis. We need to be physically active to have stronger muscles and to lubricate our joints. Do some housework. Park a little further away. Go around the block. Take those stairs. Dance if you must. (Or you can). Anything that will get us moving-away from sickness and toward robust health.
3. "Strengthen your Core" - great abs is not only sexy. It has a lot of health benefits. Firm abs is equivalent to a firm core. It gives us stability and better control which mean less pressure on our joints. A firm core is one sure way of staying in good health.
4. Try Tai Chi - This is a form of Chinese Martial arts that requires slow circular and streching movements. The slow, repetitive movements make us more flexible and strong which, in turn, causes less stress on our joints. Search youtube for some simple tai chi moves if you're not up to spending for a CD. On the other hand, wouldn't you rather invest on your health rather than spend on medicine and hospital bills because of sickness.
5. Run Smart - our joints will certainly get more pounding if we prefer running to walking. But it can be done without getting yourself injured. Check out this link for some safe running tips.
6. Load up on fish - Lifescript suggests "at least two servings a week – 3.5 ounces cooked or 3/4 cup canned." 3.5 ounces is almost 100 grams. That's not much considering the health benefits. The Omega-3 fatty acids in fish helps in cartilage formation and reduces the risk of joint inflammation. I'm lucky I love fish.
7. Do not slouch - this is my biggest problem. I'm a sloucher. A big one. The chiropractor who treated me confirmed this. As I have slouched all my life, my neck bones and spinal chord are now misaligned. This causes my perennial headeaches, back pain, hip and knee pains. So, if you want to stay away from sickness and be healthy, be conscious of your posture. Slouching "strains our ligaments" while erect posture allows for "even distibution of our weight". Needless to say, when you stand and sit erect, there will be less pressure on the joints.
8. Minimize the use of stilletos - occasional high heels won't do much harm. But frequent use of shoes with very high heels puts a lot of pressure on knees and hips. In my younger days, I was a stilleto person. My health was put to risk and I have long ago switched to the comfortable flats. You don't need to hurt yourself to be stylish.
9. Go easy on the handbags - those heavy loads are hazardous to your health-to your "joints and wrists. I know that for a fact. Raid your handbags and carry only the essentials. If you must bring a heavy load, go for the backpack.
10. "Don't be a weekend warrior" - What's a weekend warrior? Someone who does no exercise on weekdays and tries to compensate on weekends. According to Lifescript, this is damaging to our health and suggests 30-minute exercises on non-weekends.
11. Avoid Processed Foods - Lifescript calls the fats in processed foods destructive. Do I need to say more? For obvious health reasons, the best way is to go natural.
12. Stop when you Have Joint Pain - Pain and swelling is a sign of too much stress. If you want to have healthy joints, give it some rest.
These are all very sensible reminders. If you're reading this, you'reprobably at that age where you're starting to feel the pressure on your joints. I hope we can influence the younger generation to take heed. Health is not like school exams and reports where we can cram and still, by sheer luck, pass. Avoiding sickness requires folowing the law of the harvest. You cannot harvest what you have not planted.
via Lifescript -
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Hot Dogs Equal Cigarettes, Says Doctor's Group
First Posted: 7/28/11 10:19 AM ET Updated: 7/28/11 09:42 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/hot-dogs-cigarettes_n_911431.html
A provocative new billboard outside the Indianapolis Speedway—home of the Indy 500—claims that hot dogs are just as bad as cigarettes when it comes to health effects. The Physician's Committee For Responsible Medicine, the group sponsoring the billboard, cites as justification for the billboard a study linking once-a-day hot dog consumption to a 22% increase in colorectal cancer.
Northern Virginia magazine noted that the group is closely affiliated with alternative medicine and veganism, casting doubt on its reputability. But it's hard to imagine the statement "you shouldn't eat a hot dog every day of your life" is all that controversial.
MY THOUGHTS
If this is true, then it goes the same for all foods loaded with preservatives. But it can't be as bad as cigarettes.
First Posted: 7/28/11 10:19 AM ET Updated: 7/28/11 09:42 PM ET
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/hot-dogs-cigarettes_n_911431.html
A provocative new billboard outside the Indianapolis Speedway—home of the Indy 500—claims that hot dogs are just as bad as cigarettes when it comes to health effects. The Physician's Committee For Responsible Medicine, the group sponsoring the billboard, cites as justification for the billboard a study linking once-a-day hot dog consumption to a 22% increase in colorectal cancer.
Northern Virginia magazine noted that the group is closely affiliated with alternative medicine and veganism, casting doubt on its reputability. But it's hard to imagine the statement "you shouldn't eat a hot dog every day of your life" is all that controversial.
MY THOUGHTS
If this is true, then it goes the same for all foods loaded with preservatives. But it can't be as bad as cigarettes.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
CAN YOU DRINK TOO MUCH WATER?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO DRINK TOO MUCH WATER?
From the article 'Can You Drink Too Much Water?'
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide
Question: Can You Drink Too Much Water?
Answer: You've probably heard that it's important to 'drink plenty of fluids' or simply 'drink lots of water'. There are excellent reasons for drinking water, but have you ever wondered if it's possible to drink too much water. Here's what you need to know:
Can You Really Drink Too Much Water?
In a word, yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body, hyponatremia. Water intoxication is most commonly seen in infants under six months of age and sometimes in athletes. A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much. Athletes can also suffer from water intoxication. Athletes sweat heavily, losing both water and electrolytes. Water intoxication and hyponatremia result when a dehydrated person drinks too much water without the accompanying electrolytes.
It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!
The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.
MY THOUGHTS
Oh, well! Drink on. Most people can't even take in the recommended 8 glasses.
From the article 'Can You Drink Too Much Water?'
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., About.com Guide
Question: Can You Drink Too Much Water?
Answer: You've probably heard that it's important to 'drink plenty of fluids' or simply 'drink lots of water'. There are excellent reasons for drinking water, but have you ever wondered if it's possible to drink too much water. Here's what you need to know:
Can You Really Drink Too Much Water?
In a word, yes. Drinking too much water can lead to a condition known as water intoxication and to a related problem resulting from the dilution of sodium in the body, hyponatremia. Water intoxication is most commonly seen in infants under six months of age and sometimes in athletes. A baby can get water intoxication as a result of drinking several bottles of water a day or from drinking infant formula that has been diluted too much. Athletes can also suffer from water intoxication. Athletes sweat heavily, losing both water and electrolytes. Water intoxication and hyponatremia result when a dehydrated person drinks too much water without the accompanying electrolytes.
It's Not How Much You Drink, It's How Fast You Drink It!
The kidneys of a healthy adult can process fifteen liters of water a day! You are unlikely to suffer from water intoxication, even if you drink a lot of water, as long as you drink over time as opposed to intaking an enormous volume at one time. As a general guideline, most adults need about three quarts of fluid each day. Much of that water comes from food, so 8-12 eight ounce glasses a day is a common recommended intake. You may need more water if the weather is very warm or very dry, if you are exercising, or if you are taking certain medications. The bottom line is this: it's possible to drink too much water, but unless you are running a marathon or an infant, water intoxication is a very uncommon condition.
MY THOUGHTS
Oh, well! Drink on. Most people can't even take in the recommended 8 glasses.
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