Water

We all know we should drink water. Its good for you. Beverages made from water like coffee, tea, and soda are not the same. The molecular make-up of water is changed when other ingredients are added to it. We all know this.

But the other day I heard some very interesting information about the affects of not drinking enough water, so I did a little research and was amazed.

We all know that drinking an insufficient amount of water can easily lead to dehydration, but did you know that dehydration can adversely affect your body in hundreds of ways? Dehydration can lead to or aggravate:

• Depression
• Loss of sex drive
• Tiredness
• Sleepiness
• Fatigue
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Adult-onset diabetes
• Migraines
• Back pain
• Heartburn
• Arthritis

All of these things can be brought on or worsened by dehydration. And the simple 'cure' to dehydration is drinking more water. That's not to say that all of these symptoms are only a result of dehydration. Simply drinking water will not make all arthritis go away, but it will likely reduce the severity.

Feeling a little tired and blue? Have a big glass of water!

I guess I always thought of people fainting or passing out when they get dehydrated, but there are different levels of dehydration. One can be dehydrated without "falling out".

So the next time you sit down for a meal at a restaurant, order yourself a glass of water instead of a soda. It will help you combat dehydration, and save you a few bucks. And the next time you reach into the fridge for a beer, have a glass of water instead.

Crush du Jour: Jesse Archer