Florida Agenda

By ANDY KRESS

You are not drinking enough water, plain and simple. How do we know? Because it takes 100 ounces of fresh water to adequately hydrate the human body. For years, nutritionists and researchers have advised us to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. And even that dose seems extraordinary to most people. More recent research, however, has revealed that 64 ounces isn’t even close to the real needs of the average human body for adequate hydration.

Other than oxygen, water is the single most essential element in your daily diet. It’s easy to understand why, when you realize that about 60 percent of the human body is made up of the stuff. The brain has even more—70 percent! The most obvious source of water loss from the body is through urination and sweating. Less obvious, but no less important, are the two quarts of water you expel through breathing.

The air you breathe out is 100% humidity! So drink up. The human body requires water to facilitate nearly all its functions. Still, humans seem to be the most reluctant species on the planet to drink enough of this cleansing liquid. Even if we include the copious amounts of coffee, tea, soda, and juices consumed on a daily basis, the total water intake of any single individual is still likely to be low.

Fast fact: A new study done at the University of Connecticut demonstrates that up to five cups of coffee, or an equivalent amount of non-sugared soda counts toward your daily intake without any negative diuretic effects from the caffeine consumed. Drinking water, even the minimum amount, can help aide in the prevention of disease, and alleviate some of the physical side effects many people experience throughout their day.

Thirst is not a symptom of moderate dehydration. By the time you actually feel thirsty, you are severely dehydrated and need an immediate input of liquids. The most common side effect of dehydration is hunger. That’s right. The stomach makes little distinction between too little food and too little water. Normally, all of us get plenty of food. It’s the lack of water that is creating our hunger sensation, as well as chronic fatigue, dry skin, lightheadedess , and dry mouth. Have these symptoms? It’s a sure-fire sign that you are not drinking enough water throughout the day, and need to bump up your intake.

Lack of adequate water increases the damage to our body’s cells, thus c back pain. Improper water intake also affects the lymph system, which serves as the body’s main way of detoxification, removing impurities, bacteria and dead cells. Drinking adequate water is the best way to keep the immune system at its optimal, as well. Good water does not only come from a glass or bottle. Eating well-washed fresh fruits and vegetables is an excellent alternative source of water, full of important vitamins and minerals, as well.

Oh, and before we forget to mention it, alcohol does not count toward liquid consumption. For each drink or beer you consume at the bar, the body requires an additional eight ounces of water to counter alcohol’s diuretic effect. Ideally, drink one glass of water between orders at the bar just to keep from losing fluids while having fun. Plus, after a night on the town, drink a glass of water with some sugar and a dash of salt. You’ll wake up without your usual hangover. Water to the rescue once again!

“Oral” Hygiene

By SAM KNEW, MSW

You may know that water can keep you hydrated, clear up your skin, manage your weight – but who knew it can also help prevent the spread of diseases? It’s true, especially by replacing alcoholic beverages (like girl’s night-out martinis) and even some household hygiene products w ith

it. Liquids containing alcohol, such as mixed cocktails, wines and beers can break down the protective membrane in your mouth that can actually help prevent germs, diseases and infections from entering your blood stream orally. In addition, alcohol can also agitate and/or re-open previous cuts and sores in the mouth, again allowing germs and toxins into your body.

So what are we worried about here, a renegade airborne toxin finding its way into your body through your mouth? Not quite. But it is more likely to occur during, and yes, even after acts of oral sex. That protective membrane (a.k.a. oral mucosa), or in less nerdy terms, the slimy lining of your mouth, is one of your bodies built-in defenses. But it’s not just what your drinking that compromises it.

It might surprise you to know how many individuals instinctually rinse with mouthwash after performing oral sex. But be aware that most mouthwashes have an alcohol level of 6.6 percent to 26.9 percent … that could be almost four times as much as a bottle of beer or a glass of wine.

I’m sure by now you know what the alternative should be. But for those of you that need it spelled out: H2O. That’s right, good ‘ole fashioned water – from the tap or from the bottle, your choice. Water, unlike alcohol, will not dry out your protective oral barrier. However, there are other threats to your mouth’s natural built in defense system. Flossing can create openings along the gum line. The same is true of brushing. The professionals can’t seem to agree on how long exactly one should avoid these activities. However, the general span is anywhere between 30 minutes to four hours before and after sexual activity.

The risk of contracting HIV/AIDS through oral sex is low, yet not low enough to be ignored or compounded with additional risky behaviors. It should also be noted that diseases such as herpes, gonorrhea, hepatitis B and syphilis have an equal or greater risk of being contracted orally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a case study in Chicago linking 13.7 percent of syphilis cases being contracted orally. The CDC also reported that if you are infected with another STD you are “three to five times more likely to pass HIV to someone else than if you don’t have another STD.”

However, we also shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea of airborn toxins as mentioned previously. There are other less serious viral infections that enter our body orally. From the common cold to influenza and other respiratory viruses, most tend to first enter our blood stream through the mouth. Although this transmission may be as unintentional as inhaling the particles of an infected person’s sneeze or cough or placing a contaminated hand to your mouth, the threat affects 5 percent to 20 percent of Americans each year. Additionally, 200,000 individuals are hospitalized every year with flu related complications. As a preventative, the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water often – so, once again, H2O to the rescue.