http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/water/nu00283Check out this link on how much water you should drink. You really shouldn't drink at mealtime.
I got this calculation from
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/water.htmExample Calculation:
Pounds of body weight = 150lb
Water requirement from above (75% of body weight for an active person) =112.5 oz
Add for dryness of climate+16oz
Add for strenous exercise+ 16oz
Total per day 144.5 oz.
Divide by the number of hours you're awake to find your hourly water requirement: 144.5 ч 16 = 9 oz.
Therefore, a 150-pound active person who works out should drink 9 oz. of water for each hour awake.
This is only an estimate. "Actual mileage may vary."
Water is the only liquid your body needs to operate. There is a good book called "Your bodies many cries for Water." It's a good read and talks about the diseases caused over your lifetime of chronic dehydration. This book opened my eyes up about how important water is to your body.
I am a massage therapist and know what happens to the muscles when you don't drink water. Not soda or tea, but water.
True you can make your sick from drinking too much water.
Research shows that although increased fluid intake does not necessarily help relieve constipation, many people report some relief from their constipation if they drink fluids such as water and juice and avoid dehydration. Liquids add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should try to drink liquids every day. However, liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee and cola drinks will worsen one’s symptoms by causing dehydration. Alcohol is another beverage that causes dehydration. It is important to drink fluids that hydrate the body, especially when consuming caffeine containing drinks or alcoholic beverages.
Other causes of constipation
* not enough fiber in the diet
* lack of physical activity (especially in the elderly)
* medications
* milk
* irritable bowel syndrome
* changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
* abuse of laxatives
* ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
* dehydration
* specific diseases or conditions, such as stroke (most common)
* problems with the colon and rectum
* problems with intestinal function (chronic idiopathic constipation)
I am using one capful a day of the Miralax, I use approx. 3 heaping teaspoons a day of Metamucil Clear. I am drinking 60-80 ozs of water each day, I weigh 230 lbs. I take a Lower Bowel Stimulant that is an herbal blend from Nature's Sunshine. I am now eating once a day Activa yogurt with probiotics, I eat a banana and try to eat at least one cup of raw vegetables a day.
To heal the fissure I used the following: stopped using TP and used the non scented baby wipes - wiping gently after BM's, I used A&D ointment. My fissure has healed and the spasms have stopped. My dr prescribed Analpram, but I haven't used as of yet. As soon as I started the Metamucil Clear, the BM's became soft and happened first thing in the morning.
I have stopped drinking a glass of milk in the AM with my herbal supplements and vitamins that I take, I now drink organic chocolate soy milk. And the rest of the day I drink water. I do indulge in 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning and maybe a 3-4 beers during a week.
All I know is if I drink my water, I have 2-3 soft BM's per day, I am losing some weight too, as I am not as hungry.
This is what has worked for me. I know if I don't drink enough water eat enough fiber that I will be right back to the painful fissure.