Have you read those instructions on your vitamin bottle that says take with a full glass of water?

Few people realize that an average sized person requires about three quarts of water daily. Water is important because it’s the main transport media of the body. It delivers nutrients to all the cells. Water is also necessary for digestion. Water helps to absorb, assimilate and eliminate. Some amazing facts about water are:

— Your body is about 60 percent water.
— Your muscles are about 75 percent water.
— Your brain is about 75 percent water.
— Your blood is about 82 percent water.
— Your bones are approximately 25 percent water.

You can visualize how much water the average person should drink by thinking of a one-gallon container of milk. Imagine it three-quarters full. That’s how much water their body needs every day. Yet most people don’t even drink one cup of water a day, let alone three quarts. You can determine how much water you need by dividing your body weight by 2. This gives you the amount of water you need in ounces. A two hundred pound man needs 100 ounces of water daily: 200 divided by 2 equals 100 ounces.

The good news is that you get about one quart from the food you eat provided you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The other two quarts need to be consumed daily. However, if your main food sources are starchy processed foods, cooked meats and fats, you will need to consume more because these foods contain very little water.

The Body’s Cry For Help

An adequate supply of water is critical. Every function of your body is related to the flow of blood carrying nutrients, hormones and other elements to your tissues. The nutrients go first to the vital organs: your brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs.

A shortage of water intake will cause loss of water volume in the cells. This affects the efficiency of delivery of nutrients and excretion of waste products. The result is a deficiency of nutrients in the cells and a build up of waste in those same cells.

When chronic dehydration occurs, the body cries out for help. The symptoms may be detected by a doctor who instead of treating the patient with water, writes out a prescription for the symptoms. You, the patient, rush out to the pharmacy. The medicine then turns off your “signal for help” and temporarily delays your body’s cry for water. This is short lived and the cycle is repeated. Then, another symptom appears and you get a pill for that. If this continues, over time, your kidneys may not function properly and you find yourself having to take these drugs.

Water — The Vital Connection

The essential connection between water and good health can be well illustrated by examining six common heath problems.

1. ARTHRITIS
Sooner or later almost everyone is affected by neck or back pain or by arthritis.

Neck or back pain can be caused by discs wearing out because of insufficient fluid within the disc. Our spine has discs between the vertebra made up of a fibrous material called anulus fibrosus. This is filled with a jelly-like substance called nucleus pulposus. This nucleus pulposus (the fluid inside the disc) supports as much as 75 percent of our upper body weight. The anulus fibrosus supports only 25% of our upper body weight. Thus, when our discs become dehydrated they are more likely to herniate and progress to degenerative disc disease or arthritis.

If you stay in a state of dehydration over a extended period of time, you’re headed for trouble. It’s kind of like driving on an almost flat tire. It will wear faster and eventually blow out.

The material between bones is a smooth material called cartilage. It provides a smooth surface that allows the joints to glide easily during movement. It’s very slick, about five times slicker than ice, and is 80 percent water. Well hydrated cartilage ensures minimal frictional forces and allows the joints to remain healthy. Dehydrated cartilage has increased frictional forces which results in more damage to the cartilage and leads to arthritis.

Drinking two quarts of water every day is preventative medicine to avoid arthritic conditions.

2. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
We previously discussed that the body rations water to ensure it is received first by the vital organs (brain, heart, kidneys, liver and lungs). When that occurs, water flow to other areas of the body may be constricted to pump blood to these vital organs first. This may eventually cause the arteries to become constricted, increasing your blood pressure.

This is similar to constricting a water hose. This actually increases the water pressure. Arteries behave in the same way. Simply by increasing your intake of water, you can help open up your arteries, preventing a rise in blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are given drugs to open up or dilate these vital conduits. Water may be the best and most overlooked treatment.

When high blood pressure is detected early enough, drinking two to three quarts of water a day reduce the pressure to normal.

If the disease progresses to the point of causing kidney damage, drinking two to three quarts of water a day may cause edema, which is swelling. It is very important to begin this process early to avoid dependency on drugs.

3. HIATAL HERNIAS
Some doctors have noticed that their women patients almost always develop a hiatal hernia between seven and nine months into their pregnancy. This happened because the growing baby caused the uterus to push against the stomach. When the women would lie down, stomach acid would run up, and they would experience heartburn, indigestion and hiatial hernia symptoms, After they delivered the baby, all the symptoms would usually disappear.

Many middle aged men and women look as though they are nine months pregnant because of excess weight they are carrying. Their stomachs are being pushed up through their diaphragm producing hiatal hernias. These are caused by the weight and increased pressure.

The two best treatments for this condition are meeting your daily water-intake needs and following a weight-loss program. It is important, however, to not drink water for three to four hous prior to bedtime because acid reflux disease is commonly associated with a hiatal hernia. Water taken to close to bedtime may reflux up and cause heartburn.

4. ULCERS
This seems to be a best kept secret. Few people realize that maintaining a proper body water level can greatly relieve ulcer disease.

A person not drinking the required two quarts of water daily is living in a water-deficit condition. Remember the body’s rationing program which delivers precious water to vital organs. When this rationing is going on, there may not be enough left to rehydrate the mucous layer (which is 98 percent water) in the stomach. This mucous layer protects us against stomach acid. The mucous also contains bicarbonate which neutralizes the stomach acid. When plenty of water is consumed, the mucous layer becomes much thicker and prevents the acid from burning the stomach lining.

It’s water, not expensive drugs, that provides lasting relief from ulcers. It has now been proven that most ulcers are caused by bacteria called Helicobacter pylori. Low gastric acid output encourages the growth of this bacteria. Most ulcer medications reduce or neutralize hydrochloric acid, thus encouraging the growth of the bacteria and setting up a vicious cycle.

5. ASTHMA
Can water help reduce the effects of asthma? Yes, it surely can. The bronchial tubes need water to provide moisture in order to prevent constriction.

Asthmatics usually have an elevated histamine level. Histamine is a neurotransmitter that triggers contraction of muscles in the bronchial tubes and symptoms of asthma. Animal studies have shown that as water intake increases, histamine production decreases. Water is also an excellent treatment for allergies since they are also usually associated with elevated histamine levels.

Elevated histamine causes itchy eyes, nasal draining and other allergic symptoms.

6. ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Remember, your brain is 75 – 80 percent water. Think about your brain and then think about a plum. Without water, a plum shrinks and becomes like a prune. In the brain, cells may become dehydrated due to lack of water intake. Without sufficient water, the brain may not obtain nourishment, and it may not properly eliminate waste materials. Many doctors believe long-term dehydration by contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. Do you see why you should never allow your brain to become dehydrated?

Here’s Where You Begin

Are you ready to start drinking two quarts of water every day?

— Your skin will look fresher.
— Your mind will function more clearly.
— It will aid in the elimination of waste.
— It will improve circulation.
— It will help prevent numerous degenerative diseases.

Intentionally drinking water day after day will eventually become a habit. In time, you will look at a cup of coffee, a soft drink or a cup of tea and ask for water instead. Your body yearns for pure clean water. So, do drink properly purified drinking water.

To ensure good health, invest in a high quality water purifier. Because good health starts with pure water!

Tom Nuckels
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/are-you-taking-enough-water-with-your-vitamins-95771.html

Most people want to look great but refuse to exert effort and make sacrifices in achieving their goals. They believe that wanting to go on a diet alone is enough to trim their bellies, but sad to say, they are quite mistaken. Such endeavors require patience and hard work, not to mention doing a great deal of lose stomach fat exercise.

However, if you invest your time and energy into something more productive and fruitful, all the hardships that you have experienced will melt away especially once you see the fruits of your labor – staring back at you in the mirror. You see, you could not achieve a great body by wishing and wanting alone. You have to do your part because you are the one who holds the key to improving yourself. But if you are determined and motivated to have those six-pack abs, doing lose stomach fat exercise will just be easy for you.

Listed below are some of the best ways to develop a perfectly flat stomach.
- If you can afford to sign up for a gym membership or join a fitness club, you may do so. Receiving help from the professionals could help you lose that stomach flab faster.
- Working with weights and irons regularly could speed up your metabolism. You should also develop your core muscles, which are located in the abdomen, hips, and lower back, to build that mouth-watering abs. Keep in mind, however, that you also need to tone the muscles in the other parts of your body and give your abdominal ones a rest to prevent injuries.
- If you love sports, then you should learn one because it improves blood circulation and helps your body burn fat faster.
- Aerobics and compound workouts are also considered types of “lose stomach fat” exercise. Experts said sculpting muscles in the abdomen alone would not speed up the removal of belly fats that is why it is highly recommended to take part in activities that requires full body movement. Such exercises also strengthen the heart and improve endurance.

Aside from doing lose stomach fat exercise, you should also limit your daily food consumption. Keep in mind that extra eating requires extra body workout; therefore, it would be difficult for you to burn all that fat after a round of binging at the fridge. You should also drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to keep you hydrated and to remove toxins from your body. Eat more fruits and vegetables and substitute junk foods with healthy snacks. Doing lose stomach fat exercise would be futile if you do not watch what you are putting in your mouth.

Improving the way you look does not mean you are vain or a narcissist. You are just taking better care of your body, which is a must to enjoy a happy and longer life. With a great dose of patience and a good mindset, you will surely achieve the body that you have been longing for.

No one has ever told you these burning secrets so learn them all from this link and be the first to know and try the most effective, safest and enjoyable Lose Stomach Fat Exercises. Make a difference. Start now and enjoy those fun workouts.

Ryan Moran
http://www.articlesbase.com/weight-loss-articles/transform-flab-to-abs-with-lose-stomach-fat-exercise-1187965.html

Again I dont want to do any exercises that would cause me to lose weight.

If you don’t want to lose weight but want to get a bigger butt go to gym. There you can do weight training with big weights and short sets. Sets of 8-10 and three times in a workout. This wont burn that much calories, and remember to eat enough, food with a lots of proteins like eggs. You might try some recovery drinks, which also have a good amount of proteins. But in the end, if you are exercising then you are consuming more energy and you need to eat more to keep your weight.

For the flat stomach just start to do basic sit-ups, take a target of 100 sit-ups a-day for starters. Do 3 x 30 sets or do as long sets as you can, just get that 100 sit-ups in workout session full. Getting a flat stomach you just need to do a lots of ab exercises.

If you suffer from a bloated stomach you will easily recognize these symptoms:

* painful stomach cramps

* excessive gas/wind

* heavily bloated abdomen

* tight, uncomfortable clothes.

Many people suffer from these symptoms and although a bloated stomach can sometimes be an indication of a more serious underlying medical condition, more often than not it is simply the result of the modern day diet. In recent years as our lives have become increasingly busy, more and more people are turning to the convenience of pre-packed, ready prepared foods. Plain and simple home cooking is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Unfortunately along with these foods come an array of additives. Consumed in small quantities most of these additives are completely harmless and will cause no symptoms whatsoever.

However over a period of time our bodies can become overloaded and that is when the problems begin. We need to therefore discover which additives in particular are responsible for a bloated stomach and reduce the buildup. This can be done quite easily by following an elimination diet such as The Flat Stomach Diet. You will discover that your symptoms could be significantly reduced or even eliminated completely by removing just one common everyday ingredient from your food. The Flat Stomach Diet is an easy to follow eating plan specially created to reduce bloating and the associated symptoms in as little as 3 – 5 days.

It consists of lists of foods to be avoided; foods that may be eaten freely and other common irritants known to be responsible for abdominal bloating. Easy to follow recipes are included along with charts to help record your progress.

If you would like to reprint this article you may do so provided the text remains unchanged and you include the “Author Bio” statement below:

Elizabeth Hartley
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/my-stomach-is-bloated-how-can-i-get-rid-of-a-bloated-stomach-282465.html

There is rarely more buzz in the fitness and exercise industry that for that which surrounds stomach movements. A simple web search reveals hundreds of different gimmicks, machines or gadgets that have flooded the market to satisfy the wants of people looking for flat stomach, or for the six pack abs that everybody wants.

My concern is that the majority of the stomach products advertised are based on a faulty theory, and so they are not often the best way to get the six pack stomach look. Let’s take a look at the myth, firstly if you want to see your six pack abs the highest priority for you if to lose the fat over the top of them. I you have been training for a while more than likely you will have some decent stomach muscles, they are simply covered up by the extra fat.

You will have better luck, getting your stomach flatter, by focusing more of your training time doing high intensity whole body and multi joint movements, instead of doing hundreds of reps of stomach movements. This type of training is best as bigger movements use more energy and create a better hormone effect leading to the burning of more fat over time.

Using movements that target the big muscles of the legs, chest and your back give your more benefit for the effort you put into your training metabolically, and lead to more stomach fat loss. Using a combination of these big movements with high intensity training using super sets, or circuit training increases your metabolism more and gives a better fat burning hormone response from your training.

This is the biggest reason most people don’t get the six pack stomach they want, the best way to get great abs is not what it seems!

When you have dealt with enough fat and want to start bringing out your abs, another mistake I see all the time is in not using enough resistance, while doing hundreds of crunches and other pointless stomach movements that don’t challenge your stomach muscles much at all. To properly develop your stomach muscles, you shouldn’t waste your time with movements where you can do more that about 20 repetitions, if you can do more than 20 repetitions there is not enough resistance for the movement to be effective for your stomach muscles. To train the abs better give your body enough resistance so that you can only do 6 to 15 repetitions and feel the difference.

When looking for higher resistance movements for the abs they usually involve curling the legs and your pelvic up to your core. Some great examples of these movements are knee raises (while moving your pelvis up) and hanging leg raises. I often find that even though someone can do 100 crunches they can rarely do 1 or 2 complete hanging leg raises with good form.

If you honestly do want firmer more defined abs, remember that the more important thing to do is to lose the belly fat. Then when you are doing your stomach movements use the higher intensity high resistance movements like the leg raises to work the abs in the best way possible.

Brett MacPherson
http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/the-true-life-of-stomach-exercises-410137.html

2. Any exercise is better than nothing. Pushups, small barbells, chin ups, swimming, pushing the chair uphill, etc. Look for the harder way to do things. Get your heartrate up for several minutes in a row several times a week- the more the better.

For some interesting workout ideas, search for ‘Kettleballs", "Shovelglove", and so on. Each of these will probably take you to other helpful links- like the water tube and more. You can also make a great home gym from bungee cord and other stuff laying around.

3. ‘Flat stomachs’ are partially a scam. The stomach of a healthy, fit, normal person is generally not flat, but we have become convinced that the stomachs of fitness models is the ‘norm’, when it is really a little bit of a freak of genetics. A ’6 pack’ is even less likely for most of us- we just don’t have the genes.

2. Any exercise is better than nothing. Pushups, small barbells, chin ups, swimming, pushing the chair uphill, etc. Look for the harder way to do things. Get your heartrate up for several minutes in a row several times a week- the more the better.

For some interesting workout ideas, search for ‘Kettleballs", "Shovelglove", and so on. Each of these will probably take you to other helpful links- like the water tube and more. You can also make a great home gym from bungee cord and other stuff laying around.

3. ‘Flat stomachs’ are partially a scam. The stomach of a healthy, fit, normal person is generally not flat, but we have become convinced that the stomachs of fitness models is the ‘norm’, when it is really a little bit of a freak of genetics. A ’6 pack’ is even less likely for most of us- we just don’t have the genes.

A physique is never complete and impressive without a lean, mean and strong mid section! Not only does a rock hard six-pack abs look damn fine, strong abdominals are vital in many sports and physical activities. In order to obtain fine abdominals, one have to undergo a healthy diet and laser targeted stomach exercises.

Sometimes it is hard to identify which are the effective stomach exercises that you should choose. Not to worry, here we have listed a couple of free easy stomach exercises to help you get you abdominal shield!

Best Stomach Exercise 1: Hanging Leg Raises

This is a powerful exercise for your abdominals. Hang from a bar with your legs hanging straight down. From there, raise your knees toward your rib cage. Do not swing or use momentum, just focus on squeezing your abs. You must keep your abdominals flexed. Use your abdominals to lift your legs up. To obtain maximum effectiveness, go slow and make your abs work harder. If you want to work your oblique, simply raise your knees to one side of your body.

Best Stomach Exercise 2: Side Bridge

Do not underestimate the side bridge. It may look simple but it can give you that burn you would not forget! Lie on your side with your legs straight out. Elevate yourself with one bent arm parallel to the floor. Hold that position for around 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side. Build up to at least 60 seconds on each side of your body.

Best Stomach Exercise 3: Decline Reverse Crunch

The only equipment needed for this exercise is a decline bench. First, hold the top at the end of the bench with both hands and lie on your back. Hold out your legs so that your legs are parallel to the floor. Keep your knees and feet together. Squeeze your abs slowly and draw your knees up towards your ribcage. Keep your abs constantly flexed. Then slowly lower your legs to original position. Do around 20-30 reps.

Best Stomach Exercise 4: Hanging Raise To The Side

This is a fantastic stomach exercise. It really works your oblique and lower abdominals. To execute this, hang from a bar with your legs and feet slightly together. The bar should be high enough so that your toes cannot touch the ground. Slowly raise your knees under control to one side as high as possible. Curl your spine during the process; it is not just about lifting the knees. You have to contract your abs hard at the peak of the movement and then lower your legs to the starting position as slowly as possible. Repeat on the other side. You can either do it all one side or alternate. Do not use momentum to help you in this abdominal exercise.

Best Stomach Exercise 5: Bicycle

The bicycle exercise is one of the best flat stomach exercises. It is named bicycle because of the way the exercise is performed. This is a stomach exercise that really targets the entire abdominal region and also the oblique.

Lie on your back; support your head with your fingers. Draw your knees in towards your chest and lift the shoulder blades off the floor without pulling your head. Like all abdominal exercises, keep your abs in constant tension at all times.

Straighten the left let out while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee. Now switch sides, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee. Do about 20 rotations for each set.

Best Stomach Exercise 6: Crunches On Exercise Ball

This is the stomach exercise where you will be laying on an unstable surface. Lie face up on the exercise ball with lower back on the top of the exercise ball. Support your head with your fingers lightly. Squeeze your abs and curl your torso up. Keep the ball stable throughout the motion. Do about 20 to 30 repetitions.

There you go, six easy stomach exercises for you to do in your fat loss program! Remember, if you want a flat stomach and define abs, you have to combine a healthy diet and cardio training too. Good luck and enjoy!

Chung Leong Yu
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/best-stomach-exercise-for-a-sixpack-85774.html

A physique is never complete and impressive without a lean, mean and strong mid section! Not only does a rock hard six-pack abs look damn fine, strong abdominals are vital in many sports and physical activities. In order to obtain fine abdominals, one have to undergo a healthy diet and laser targeted stomach exercises.

Sometimes it is hard to identify which are the effective stomach exercises that you should choose. Not to worry, here we have listed a couple of free easy stomach exercises to help you get you abdominal shield!

Best Stomach Exercise 1: Hanging Leg Raises

This is a powerful exercise for your abdominals. Hang from a bar with your legs hanging straight down. From there, raise your knees toward your rib cage. Do not swing or use momentum, just focus on squeezing your abs. You must keep your abdominals flexed. Use your abdominals to lift your legs up. To obtain maximum effectiveness, go slow and make your abs work harder. If you want to work your oblique, simply raise your knees to one side of your body.

Best Stomach Exercise 2: Side Bridge

Do not underestimate the side bridge. It may look simple but it can give you that burn you would not forget! Lie on your side with your legs straight out. Elevate yourself with one bent arm parallel to the floor. Hold that position for around 30 seconds and then repeat on the other side. Build up to at least 60 seconds on each side of your body.

Best Stomach Exercise 3: Decline Reverse Crunch

The only equipment needed for this exercise is a decline bench. First, hold the top at the end of the bench with both hands and lie on your back. Hold out your legs so that your legs are parallel to the floor. Keep your knees and feet together. Squeeze your abs slowly and draw your knees up towards your ribcage. Keep your abs constantly flexed. Then slowly lower your legs to original position. Do around 20-30 reps.

Best Stomach Exercise 4: Hanging Raise To The Side

This is a fantastic stomach exercise. It really works your oblique and lower abdominals. To execute this, hang from a bar with your legs and feet slightly together. The bar should be high enough so that your toes cannot touch the ground. Slowly raise your knees under control to one side as high as possible. Curl your spine during the process; it is not just about lifting the knees. You have to contract your abs hard at the peak of the movement and then lower your legs to the starting position as slowly as possible. Repeat on the other side. You can either do it all one side or alternate. Do not use momentum to help you in this abdominal exercise.

Best Stomach Exercise 5: Bicycle

The bicycle exercise is one of the best flat stomach exercises. It is named bicycle because of the way the exercise is performed. This is a stomach exercise that really targets the entire abdominal region and also the oblique.

Lie on your back; support your head with your fingers. Draw your knees in towards your chest and lift the shoulder blades off the floor without pulling your head. Like all abdominal exercises, keep your abs in constant tension at all times.

Straighten the left let out while simultaneously turning the upper body to the right, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee. Now switch sides, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee. Do about 20 rotations for each set.

Best Stomach Exercise 6: Crunches On Exercise Ball

This is the stomach exercise where you will be laying on an unstable surface. Lie face up on the exercise ball with lower back on the top of the exercise ball. Support your head with your fingers lightly. Squeeze your abs and curl your torso up. Keep the ball stable throughout the motion. Do about 20 to 30 repetitions.

There you go, six easy stomach exercises for you to do in your fat loss program! Remember, if you want a flat stomach and define abs, you have to combine a healthy diet and cardio training too. Good luck and enjoy!

Chung Leong Yu
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/best-stomach-exercise-for-a-sixpack-85774.html

Stomach exercises are great because the stomach is one troublesome spot that, when you begin to lose the weight , will appear much more toned and flatter as a result. If you want to tone your abs or get ripped, remember that stomach exercises are only part of the solution.

Exercises for the stomach like sit-ups can be done daily or at every workout session. Abdominal exercises are some of the most vital you can perform, not only because they target a portion of the body often missed by other traditional exercises, but because you can perform these exercises so frequently.

Strengthening exercises for the stomach, should always be followed by a full range of stretches designed to lengthen and tone the muscles. The best abdominal exercises are those that combine aerobic exercise with spot training, but it is a myth that abdominal exercises are all you need to have a flat stomach.

There are four abdominal muscles that form a multi-layered multi- directional girdle around the trunk or core of the body. When performing your stomach exercises concentrate on your obliques, the stomach muscles that run up the side of your stomach and around to your back. These are exercises usually involving a twisting crunch. In this way you’ll exercise your central abdominal or core area for ‘free’ as you go.

The stomach is always a problem area and unfortunately exercises for a particular area don’t result in weight loss from that specific area. For best results with stomach exercises, remember to eat a healthy diet and perform aerobic exercise 3 times a week as well as doing your in addition to abdominal exercises.

The abdominals are some of the most resilient muscles in the body, which makes abdominal exercises one of the few workouts that can be practiced daily without damaging the body. Because of the resilience of abs, a dedicated person can do stomach exercises daily, helping them see results far more quickly than is possible with many other areas of the body. Abdominal exercises, if practiced frequently, can provide rapid and easily seen results, which is greatly encouraging for you.

One of the best things about stomach exercises is that many, if not all of them, can be done at home. Equipment such as crunch machines, specialized crunch benches, and medicine balls can all enhance the abdominal exercises you do in your own home.

Don’t make the mistake of doing hundreds of repetitions of stomach exercises in the hope of getting a flat stomach. Only when your body fat has lowered sufficiently, can your abdominal muscles become tight and visible.

A recent study showed that the classic sit-up is not the best exercise for stronger, flatter stomachs. The best abdominal muscles in the world may be hidden by a stubborn layer of body fat. This is because we are all of different body types. Some of us store fat more readily in the hips, buttocks, and thighs, others store fat excess in the arms and upper back and still others store their fat in the stomach and waist area.

There is no way around it: if you want that trim, defined torso that is so desirable in todays world, you are going to have to do stomach exercises. This is where you need a routine consisting of exercise for lower abdominal muscles. Such a routine helps you define and sculpt the lower abdominals, giving you that chiselled look.

Sharron Nixon
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/smart-stomach-exercises-234830.html