How to Drink for Longevity

Drink for life and longevity.

Many people fail to realize how much drinking habits can affect health and an overall sense of well-being. Food intake is often regulated at the start of any health regimen before liquids are. Careful consideration of liquid intake is important when trying to increase your longevity. In adjunct with a healthful eating plan, what you drink can greatly increase stamina and good health.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Vegetable juices
• Milk

Instructions

1. 

   Water is the best liquid you can drink.

   Drink the recommended amount of water daily. The general recommendation has been six to eight eight-ounce glasses of water per day, but the true recommendation varies with weight, sex, age and activity level. For example: The greater your activity, the more water you require. Do not underestimate the value of water; it is essential for survival. You need it for your body to cool itself off, to run your digestive system and to keep blood running through your veins. Water is the No. 1 drink for longevity.

2. 

   Vegetable juices provide vitamins and minerals you body needs.

   Drink vegetable juice. Vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals, decreasing the risk of cancer and tissue damage. Essential vitamins and minerals provided by vegetable juice can also help keep your body healthy and boost your immune system.

3. 

   Milk is a must-have drink for longevity.

   Drink milk. Milk contains calcium, which is an essential vitamin. Because the body needs calcium to keep bones strong and to regulate the functions of nerves, muscles and your heart, it is important that you have an adequate supply. When calcium is not available, it is depleted from your bones to support other vital bodily functions. Depleted bones lead to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become porous and can break easily. When you drink for longevity, don't forget what affects your bones.

Tips & Warnings

• For those who are lactose intolerant, there are products on the market to replace the enzyme used to break down lactose that you can take when ingesting dairy products. There are also calcium supplements, as well as other alternative foods with calcium.

• Avoid drinks advertised to promote longevity that are caffeine-based. Caffeine might make you feel good and are alert, but it is also a diuretic.

• It is recommended that those older than 2 drink skim, 1 percent or 2 percent fat milk because whole milk has a high fat concentration.

References

• Better Health Channel: Water -A Vital Nutrient
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: Calcium and Vitamin D Important at Every Age
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Nutrition for Everyone
• Medline Plus: Trusted Health Information for You: Calcium in Diet
• National Cancer Institute: Antioxidants and Cancer Prevention: Fact Sheet
• NCBI: Pubmed.gov: Caffeine ingestion and fluid balance: a review

Resources

• UAB Medicine:Energy Drinks: healthful or harmful