Water and Flu?

A study recently published by a British researcher did indeed find that people who drink eight glasses of water a day have less chance of getting the flu, a stuffy nose or sore throat.

The study also found that people who drink only three glasses of water a day were five times more likely to get a dry nose or sore throat, increasing their susceptibility to bacteria.

David Lewis, the researcher who conducted the study, said the key is to keep the mucous membranes in the nose moist. "This acts like a sticky fly-paper to trap things like dust, dirt, and bacteria and prevent them from getting into the lungs," Lewis said. He also noted that dehydrated membranes are half as effective.

In addition, the study noted that drinking more water was linked to fewer respiratory infections, headaches, skin problems and constipation. Only one in six of the respondents in the study said they drank eight glasses of water a day.

So, drink up to your health!