Recently, I saw this bulletin board “Rethink Your Drink” at a local High School. I was amazed by the amount of sugar contained in so many different types of beverages. Consumers have no idea how much sugar is contained in those sugar-laden beverages.
The bulletin board posted an empty container of a drink and the number of teaspoons of sugar in a plastic bag next to it. Look at the number of teaspoons of sugar contained in each bottle:
- A & W Root Beer–19
- Gold Peak Extra Sweet Tea–17
- Monster–14
- Starbucks Frappuccino–12
- Minute Maid Apple Juice–12
- Coca-Cola–10
- Gatorade Frost–9
- Alo Crisp Fuji Apple Pear–9
- Vitamin Water–8
- Honest Tea Organic Honey Green–5
- Izze Fusions Raspberry Melon–4
- Bai Antioxidant Infusion Watermelon–1/4
- Water–0
It is confusing when a beverage’s title contains “Vitamin Water,” “Organic Honey Green Tea,” “Antioxidant Infusion,” “Apple Juice,” yet the drink is loaded with sugar. We are tricked into believing the beverage is good for us, yet it is actually harmful. High sugar consumption leads to food addiction and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Manufacturers want you to purchase more of their products; they are concerned about their bottom line, not your health.
Some people think drinking tea, juice, soda, or other sugar-laden beverages will fulfill their thirst, but they don’t. Instead, the beverages give us sugar, artificial flavors, and colors, and other additives we can’t even pronounce. In fact, caffeinated beverages are a diuretic, which causes a person to urinate more frequently and lose fluid. The human body is comprised of 75 percent water, and we can’t survive for more than a few days without it. Most people do not nourish and cleanse their bodies with an adequate amount of water on a daily basis.
It is essential for the human body to stay hydrated. Our bodies desperately need water to flush out the toxins and prevent dehydration. When we appease our thirst with sugar-sweetened beverages they fog up our minds and lead to health problems. Instead, we should drink the fluid God gave us—water. You will have more energy when you consume an adequate amount of water. If you need help to decreasing your sugar intake, read How to Eat a Low-Sugar Diet.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Your body loses water through urination and perspiration, so it needs to be replaced. How much water does an individual need to ingest? Water requirements depend upon your size. Various sources recommend: “Drink half your weight in ounces every day.” Using this formula, a 130-pound person should drink eight glasses of water. (130/2 = 65 ounces; 65/8 ounces (1 cup) = 8 glasses.)
Consequences of Dehydration
If you do not consume an adequate amount of water, your body suffers the consequences. Some common symptoms of dehydration include constipation, fatigue, dry skin and mouth, bladder and kidney problems, and high blood pressure since the blood is thicker. Our blood is 90 percent water. So next time you are thirsty, reach for the crystal clear glass of water. Your body will thank you for it and so will your mind.
Tips to Increase Your Water Consumption
Consider these additional tips to improve your water intake each day:
- Drink an average of eight glasses of water every day or the recommended amount for your weight. Other than coffee or tea, water should be the only beverage consumed. Do not count coffee and tea toward the number of glasses of water.
- Avoid sugar-sweetened beverages—like soda, fruit juice, and Gatorade.
- If you do not like the flavor of water, squeeze a slice of lemon and a few drops of liquid stevia into a glass of water. It is like drinking fresh lemonade.
This summer enjoy a renewed sense of energy and clarity of mind by adequately hydrating the body. We only have one body, take care of it.
~ Pin for Later ~
