Water Makes the Human Body Go Round

Water allows body to run smoothly and efficiently. A body that is dehydrated is like a car running on empty.

How much water do we need to drink each day? A good rule is to drink 8-12 glasses per day. If you are an athlete and sweat a lot, you may need more due to fluid loss.

Thirst is not always a good indicator of need for water. By time you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated. Try drinking a glass or two of water every morning. This rehydrates your body after a long period of sleep and wakes your body up.

How much water is too much water? Many endurance athletes experience a condition called hyponatremia, which occurs when large amounts of water are consumed, causing salt levels in blood to fall to dangerous levels. If electrolytes are not replaced, condition can be life threatening. Athletes should make sure to balance high intake of water with appropriate salt intake or decrease amount of water consumed.

Atherosclerosis -- The Silent Killer

Just what is atherosclerosis anyway? A very common question – what is atherosclerosis? Just fact that so many people ask this question is alarming in itself; however, consequences of this disease cause millions of deaths across world each year. The actual name atherosclerosis derives from Greek words athero, which means gruel or paste, and sclerosis meaning hardening or hardness. Atherosclerosis is result of deposits of fatty wax like materials, cholesterol, our body’s waste products, calcium and other substances. These deposits accumulate and build up along inside of our arteries. This build-up is commonly referred to as plaque. What causes atherosclerosis? One of frightening things about atherosclerosis is that it is an asymptomatic disease, meaning without any symptoms. Often first symptom may be a heart attack or stroke. It is a slow, long, complex disease that often starts in childhood years and progresses through years. In others, progress is much more rapid. Some scientists believe its onset is caused by damage to inner layer of artery. But how can inner layer of an artery become damaged? There are three proven ways in which inner most layer of an artery can become damaged high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood high blood pressure smoking With damage artery wall, fatty deposits, calcium, cholesterol and other substances accumulate over injured area. These deposits, together with other substances produced by body as a consequence, may become large enough to thicken innermost lining of artery. This in turn will reduce internal diameter of artery through which blood flows, thus causing a decrease and a reduction of oxygen supply.