Without water, waste products would build up in the body and sicken us. Water is also necessary for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism and to carry nutrients and oxygen to the cells via blood. Water cools the body through perspiration and even lubricates joints. In addition, lungs must be moist to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. So if you don't drink enough water, you can impair your health in many ways. According to the Mayo Clinic, a basic guideline to prevent dehydration and keep the body cleansed is 8 ounces of water eight times a day.
Hydration for Proper Organ Function
Water Aid, an international nonprofit organization, states that benefits of drinking water include providing necessary hydration to keep all the internal organs functioning optimally. For example, if a person is dehydrated, the cells in the heart can contract and this can prevent the normal electrical impulses from occurring. Water Aid recommends drinking at least five cups a day to prevent disrupting the proper functioning of the heart. Another example of how organs need water is the kidneys, which need water to remove uric acid and urea; otherwise kidney stones could develop.
Drink a Minimum of Six Glasses Daily
Elson Haas, M.D., author of The New Detox Diet, recommends drinking at least six to eight glasses of water in addition to other beverages consumed. Dr. Hass has led juice fasting groups for people interested in losing weight and he encourages them to drink this much water even though they are already consuming fresh vegetable and fruit juices throughout the fast.
Include Herbal Teas
To cleanse all the internal organs, Carrie L’Esperance, author of the New Seasonal Detox Diet, recommends drinking different kinds of herbal teas. For example, to specifically cleanse the colon, she recommends buckthorn, senna and cascara sagrada teas. To cleanse the liver, she recommends drinking freshly juiced organic apples with lemon juice.
Every one can safely drink water every day to cleanse the body. Consult your health professional to determine if drinking herbal teas are appropriate for you.
Other Factors
The Mayo Clinic says that how much water you need depends on factors including how physically active you are and the climate you live in. Drink more if you exercise a lot or the weather is hot. In addition, anyone above average size should drink at least another 8 ounces in addition to the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses a day.
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