Staying Healthy in the Fast Lane

staying healthy in the fast lane

Water

Water is critical to human health. The majority of our bodies
are water. To function properly the body requires several liters of
water per day to avoid dehydration. This amount varies depending
on the level of activity, temperature, humidity, and other factors.
Many health experts recommend six to eight glasses of water daily
as the minimum to maintain proper hydration, but the scientific
backing for this recommendation is questionable. Recommenda-
tions by the Food and Nutrition Board are (including food sources)
2.7 liters of water (91 ounces, or almost three quarts) for women
and 3.7 liters (125 ounces, or almost one gallon) for men daily.^13
Periodically, even if it is for only one day, just drink water as
your only fluid. See if you feel anything different that day or the
next day. Sometimes the best way to really get a feel for whether
something is good for you or not is to go on it completely, then off
of it. Water is no exception. If you fill containers at work and at
home and then put them in the refrigerator, you may be more likely
to drink them than by filling up on demand.

Teas

All teas (green, white, black, Oolong) have polyphenolic antiox-
idant plant compounds in them called catechins, which belong to
the flavonoid family. Green teas have received most of the notoriety
and have been studied with positive effects on different chronic
diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, and
may even enhance fat loss. If you add a creamer or milk to the tea,
however, you may be negating some of the effectiveness of these
catechins.^14 Tea (black, green, or white) consumption in general
may be beneficial to enhancing antioxidant protection.^15 Two to
three cups of green tea has been shown to increase antioxidant
capacity in a dose-dependent manner in humans.^16