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"Water: A Vital Component"

By Erin Morgart

Water is the major component in both foods and the human body. You are composed of about 60% water. Your need for other nutrients, in terms of weight, is much less than your need for water. A person can survive up to 50 days without food but only a few days without water.

Water is distributed all over the body, among lean and other tissues and in urine and other body fluids. WAter is used in the digestion and absorption of food and is the factor in which most of the chemical reactions take place within the body. Some water-based fluids like blood transport substances around the body; other fluids serve as lubricants. Furthermore, water helps regulate body temperature, a most vital consideration when exercising.

Water is contained in almost all foods, especially in liquids, fruits and vegetables. While these foods and fluids provide 80-90% of a person's daily water intake, what happens when an avid exerciser STILL needs to replenish their water intake? Indeed, severe dehydration can occur when an exerciser does not balance their physical needs between water consumed and water lost. Likewise, severe dehydration can cause weakness and even death. Fitness and nutrition play vital roles in one's optimal health, but water must be recognized as another vital ingredient in maintaining vital health.

In fact, all fluids, including those containing caffeine, can count toward your total daily fluid intake. Water and other beverages make up about 80% of your fluid intake, while the remainder comes from foods.

About the Author:

Erin J. Morgart is the CEO/Owner of BellaFiguravita LLC and a Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor, holding classes for a local military base in Boot Camp, Spinning, Kickboxing and Muscle Pump. Erin currently holds a BA in Psychology and Graduate Studies in Clinical Counseling. She also is an Adjunct Professor and Home-school Co-op Teacher instructing students in Anatomy and Nutrition. Erin holds numerous certifications including ACE and Scirion. She is a member of IHRSA and the Medical Fitness Association (MFA). Currently residing in Virginia Beach, VA, Erin and her Navy Captain spouse and two children will be relocating to Honolulu, Hawaii in July 2007. Her website is www.erinmorgart.com.