Water and Beauty Care

I've always consumed a lot of water.  It may be an acquired taste or simply a habit, but I drink at least 64oz of water a day.

It started years ago when I had some abdominal issues and the doctors suggested "more water."  I have a variety of ways to get my water in, but I'm diligent in drinking it every day.

What I call "spa" water has cucumber slices in it.  It's refreshing and adds a bit of veggie to the water taste.  I first had "spa" water at my local spa and I was hooked.  Another additive is lemon juice.  You can use fresh squeezed or the lemon juice you can buy in the plastic lemon containers found in the fresh vegetable isle. 

It's important to mention, since this is a beauty blog, that water is amazing for your skin.  Your face and the rest of the skin covering your body.  It's nourishing and helps regenerate new and healthy cells.  I've always wondered by people who live in humid climates have the most amazing skin, and I can't help but believe this has to do with the nourishing of the skin.

Here are 15 reasons to drink more water.  Not only does it do the body good with helping to flush toxins, it helps nourish the skin and keep it hydrated.  Bottoms up!!

1.  Conventional wisdom tells us that drinking more water will have a positive impact on skin, providing a younger-looking, radiant complexion. However, definitive research on any positive effects water consumption has on the skin is scarce. Experts at University of Wisconsin Hospitals do note that the skin is an organ, and, as with other organs, its cells are predominantly made up of water. When these cells do not get adequate amounts of water, skin is likely to become dry, flaky and be more prone to wrinkles. Though drinking recommended amounts of water may not be a magic cure for skin, it certainly will not cause harm.

2.  Drinking water may also have particular benefits for those looking to shed a few pounds. Not only does guzzling the zero-calorie beverage help you feel full faster, but a study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism" indicated that drinking cold water may increase your calorie expenditure for the next hour. Replacing calorie-laden juices and soft drinks with water may also reduce your overall calorie consumption for the day.

3. The adage about drinking eight glasses per day is not entirely accurate, but it is an easy way to remember to drink more water. In actuality, the Institutes of Medicine recommend that men drink about 3 liters per day -- roughly 13 cups -- and women drink 2.2 liters -- approximately 9 cups. However, all types of fluid can be included in those totals, such as milk and juice. Your fluid needs may increase due to a variety of factors, including physical activity, a warm environment, illness, pregnancy or breastfeeding. Generally, if you drink enough that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is colorless or pale yellow, you are adequately hydrated.

4.   A recent Gallup poll suggested that nearly one-half of Americans are concerned about pollution of drinking water. Bottled water may seem a good solution, though the habit can get costly and generate large amounts of waste. The Environmental Protection Agency regulates public water systems to ensure safety, though it does not have the authority to regulate private wells, which is the main water source for 15 percent of the U.S. population. If you are concerned about the safety of tap water in your home, consider purchasing a filter. Look for the "NSF" certification on the label, which indicates the filter has been tested at an independent lab for effectiveness.
**information gathered from www.healthyeating.com

Nourishing your skin both inside and out is very important.  It's why we use moisturizer and why we take vitamins.  It helps us process and retain the healthy aspects of our food.

Drink up!!