The Importance of Water

     Our body's water supply is involved in nearly every physical process from digestion to circulation to thinking.  Drinking enough on a daily basis could probably eliminate or reduce bowel and bladder problems, anxiety, headaches, muscle pain, colitis, hot flashes, and many other disorders.

     In a Tufts University study on arthritis it was found that consumption of adequate water dramatically decreased pain and joint stiffness.  Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, a debiliating disorder, can be helped by drinking between eight and ten glasses of water a day, due to the detoxification effect water has on tissues.
 

      Water is also responsible for assisting in the metabolism of fat, which is one reason dieters are always told to drink lots of water.  In addition, consuming enough water can slow down the aging process as well as reduce the risk of developing kidney stones, arteriosclerosis, glaucoma, cataracts, and hypoglycemia.

     When the body's water content drops there is a corresponding drop in blood volume.  This lowering of water in the blood triggers the hypothalmus to send out a message demanding water, which causes a slight rise in concentration of sodium in the blood.  This translates to a feeling of thirst.  Usually only enough water to slake thirst is consumed.  This isn't always enough and can lead to a chronic state of dehydration.  As we get older our sense of thirst lessens so too the amount of water we hold in reserve.  Always drink more than than what you feel you need or crave as your body will function much better.

     Drinking enough water not only helps the body run efficiently it also helps flush the system of toxins.  What detoxification program have you heard about that doesn't promote the consumption of lots of water?  Without the presence of water to flush toxins from the system, these damaging substances may remain in the body and either get stored or continue to circulate, causing damage as they go.  Damage that can lead to degenerative conditions that impair quality of life.

    So what is the right amount of water to drink?  It differs for each person, but usually eight to ten eight ounce glasses a day is enough.  If you are an athlete drink more.  If you have a challenge drinking enough water work out some strategies to force you to drink more.  Have a one litre bottle you take with you to school or work.  Keep it with you and take drinks from it all day.  Avoid drinking your water at meals, instead drink between meals.

Comment:

     As for the right kind of water, we use a reverse osmosis, under counter unit.  It removes particulates like lead and other heavy metals, chlorine, some bacteria, viruses and parasites as well as nitrates.  It wasn't overly expensive and produces great tasting water.  I love not having to carry those heavy bottles of water from the grocery store!