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Detoxing with mineral water
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| We all know that water is an essential element in our lives. For this reason it is important to drink plenty of it, so as to purify our bodies and stay in shape. But we should bear in mind the fact that, although they might all seem the same, in actual fact each mineral water has a different composition, with varying amounts of the types and quantities of minerals present. Learning about these characteristics in detail allows us to choose the water best suited to our bodies or the activity we carry out. |
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Water is a real source of life, an essential element of our diet. We need only think that our bodies are primarily composed of water: blood is 75% water, the brain 85% whilst bones hold 20%. Furthermore, the body can go for longer without food than it can without water. Indeed whilst we can last a long time without food because the body uses our nutritional reserves of lipids (fats) and glucids (sugars), our body is not able to store water. Thus a resting person in normal temperature conditions can survive a maximum of five days without drinking water.
To calculate how much water we should drink, it is useful to know that each day we eliminate about 2.5 litres of water through sweat, urine and breathing. Given that an average diet gives about one litre of water a day, in order to compensate the daily losses of water we should drink at least one and a half litres. This is a good habit to get into as water consents the transfer of nutrients and the breaking down of waste, thus purifying the organism. Moreover, it regulates the body temperature, favours the digestive process and provides minerals. Just one tip: even when it is very hot, it is best to drink it cool though never very cold or freezing.
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STILL OR SPARKLING, EACH TO HIS OWN MINERAL WATER |
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By definition, mineral water is bacterially pure water with a mineral content that is always above one gram per litre. The label on the bottle is a sure guide to help us choose the right type of mineral water.
In the first place, mineral waters are classified according to the fixed residue, namely the quantity of minerals deposited in a recipient after one litre of water has been made to evaporate at 180°C. Those that are "minimally mineralised", with a fixed residue lower than 50 milligrams per litre, are suitable for newborns and daily consumption. The most widespread type though is the "low mineral content" or "slightly mineralised" type, with a fixed residue between 50 and 500 mg/l: excellent for a diuretic or purifying action, it is possible to drink even up to one and a half litres of this water, which is poor in minerals, each day.
If the fixed residue is between 500 and 1500 mg/l, the water is classified amongst those with an "average mineral" content. In this case, in normal conditions it is better to drink it alternating with low mineral content water. Its wealth of calcium, fluoride and magnesium make this water perfect for those who practice sports: it is suitable for cases of temporary mineral deficits, for example during very intensive training periods or where very difficult sports such as cycling, cross-country skiing and canoeing are concerned. Finally, if the fixed residue exceeds 1500 mg/l then the water is rich in minerals and should only be consumed for therapeutic purposes.
In any case, it is always a good idea to drink plenty of water. It has very few side effects: those who suffer from gastritis and ulcers should avoid fizzy water whilst those who suffer from hypertension should choose mineral waters with a low sodium concentration.
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We all know that water does you good, and drinking plenty of it is the best and cheapest way to detox. In order to get used to drinking more, it is a good idea to get into the habit of always keeping a bottle to hand both at work and at the gym or even in you bag when going for a walk.
Positive effects will be visible just a few weeks after starting the water cure. Your skin will be more luminous and will look healthier as it will mirror the body's general well-being. Drinking lots does in fact help digestion, above all if we choose water that is rich in bicarbonates, which stimulate the gastric juices and encourage elimination of wastes. Furthermore, water is the base element of collagen, the substance that serves as a kind of "support structure" for the skin. If, on the other hand, we drink water rich in selenium and copper, hair will improve in appearance thanks to the antioxidant effect of both these elements.
Yet the myth that drinking lots of water causes weight loss should be dispelled: this is absolutely untrue, although we should remember that water does not contain any calories so it is definitely not fattening. What is true though is that it is almost impossible to lose weight without drinking lots of water. As was mentioned before, this is because water favours the elimination of waste.
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