SIMPLY H2O BY KIM JENNINGS

Greeting and Salutations! I have ton of friends in the medical field and in the Army. Health is a big thing especially when it comes to hair, skin and nails. Kim is her last year of school to become a nutritionist. So, I asked her to start using her knowledge for her natural beauties! Check out what she has to say......

So you went out and spent tons on money on hair products or skin creams to help boost the dullness of your hair and body. You used them for 6 weeks, without changing your diet, and have yet to notice any changes. Well guess what, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you won’t see a change. No matter how much time and money you spend on hair and skin products, if you aren’t nourishing your body with the proper amount of nutrients you can kiss the glowing skin and shiny hair goodbye. True health always begins from the inside and a proper diet is essential. The most important nutrient that many people often lack is water! Making up approximately 70% of the average adult body water not only hydrates but it also cleanses, nourishes, transports other nutrients, and protects our joints and organs; in other words it is a necessity in any diet. A mere 5-10% deficit of water intake can cause sickness, 20% will lead to death.

So how much water should you drink a day? There is no easy answer to this question and study after study has shown various recommendations over the years. No single formula fits each individual person because the amount of water you need depends on a variety of factors, ranging from how active you are, to where you live, to your current health status. The Institute of Medicine listed the adequate intake (AI) of water per day for men and women to be 13 and 9 cups, respectively. Keep in mind also that the foods we eat each day contribute approximately 20% of the total water intake. This isn’t to say that a Big Mac will suffice for one glass of water, NO!!! But certain fruits and vegetables could contribute a significant amount. This is why many suggest that 8 – 8 oz. glasses of water a day is sufficient for proper hydration. However, I have found that the best rule of thumb when it comes to water intake is to drink enough so I am rarely thirsty throughout the day. If you reach the point where you are thirsty your body is already dehydrated. Another way to check your fluid intake is by the color and amount of your urine. The average person should produce about 6 cups of colorless or light yellow urine a day. If you are concerned about your fluid intake make sure you follow up with your doctor or a registered dietitian.

So want shiny hair and glowing skin that is healthy and radiant? Start by making sure you are nourishing your body with an adequate amount of water.

Happy Drinking!!!