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Water is by far the
most important resource in the world, yet it garners the respect of
so few. How often do you find yourself standing with the fridge door
open looking for something to drink – completely ignoring your jug
of filtered water that sits before your eyes?
The truth is, water
should always be the beverage of choice. While the human body can go
about 3 weeks without food, it cannot survive for more than 3 days
without water.
Water is essential to
every bodily function. No other liquid can sustain your body like
water, and the body needs a certain amount of water to function well.
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About 80% of the human
brain is water, blood contains 83% water, the lungs 79% and muscles
76%. All in all, the human body is comprised of about 75% water.
Every function in the body is dependent on a steady supply and flow
of water.
Water transports such
things as hormones, chemicals and nutrients which are vital to
efficient organ function. Without water we would not be able to
digest or absorb minerals or nutrients and our kidneys would fail
from toxic overload.
Water is, in fact, a
sort of miracle elixir – but have you ever thought of it that way?
Here are just a few
of the amazing things that water can do for your health:
keep skin vibrant
and supple
escort toxins from
the body
support healthy
metabolism
improve energy
remove body heat
lubricate joints
improve mental and
physical performance
support digestion
But hold on… we are
just getting started. Water, yes, simple, plain old water, the same
water that you might bypass for something more glamourous… not only
sustains life but holds within it the capacity to heal. Here are
sixteen illnesses that water can help prevent and reverse. We hope
that after reading this article you will be convinced that water
should ALWAYS be your first beverage of choice.
Arthritis
It is estimated that
over 52 million adults in the United States have some form of
arthritis – which literally means “joint inflammation”. The
pain and discomfort of this condition varies from a minor
inconvenience to a full-blown disability. Millions of dollars are
spent on anti-inflammatory and pain medications that often have harsh
side effects.
Persons suffering from
arthritis are often subjected to a life sentence to these harsh
drugs, but there may be a better way. The most important thing that
someone with arthritis can do is to make sure that their joints are
lubricated, and water can do this. Water not only lubricates but also
pads joints and reduces the friction that causes pain.
A suction-like motion
pulls water from bone marrow to the joint cavity; this helps joints
glide easily. If there is not enough water available it causes
friction and eventually pain. If you are severely dehydrated, dry
cartilage can die and peel off from the contact surface of the bones.
Gout
Gout, being a form of
arthritis, is also markedly improved if not completed kept at bay
with a proper consumption of water. Water helps to remove uric acid
and other toxins from joints that build-up causing swelling and pain.
Osteoporosis
This painful condition
is characterized by low bone mass and a structural breaking down of
bone tissue. Over 10 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis and
over 34 million have low bone mass – a precursor to this disease.
Although there are certain risk factors that are out of our control,
such as race and gender, there is much that we can control – such
as how much water we consume. Water not only helps prevent this
condition but it can also help sufferers cope.
Heart Disease
Often called the silent
killer, taking the lives of almost 2,200 people daily – yes, we
said daily. Heart disease is rampant and we seem to be able to do
little to control it. However, it appears as though there is a strong
relationship between water and coronary health. One study
demonstrated that drinking 5 or more glasses of water per day can cut
the risk of dying from a heart attack by 50%. Study leaders say that
drinking water is as important as exercising, not smoking and diet in
preventing heart disease.
Constipation
Constipation is an
annoying and often painful condition that millions of Americans
suffer from. If you have less than 3 stools per week you are
constipated. If you have less than one stool a week, you are severely
constipated.
The cause of
constipation can be traced back to any number of things, including
poor diet, medication, poor bowel habits, dehydration, hormonal
disorders and laxative abuse. For many people, the discomfort of
constipation becomes so great that they reach for over-the-counter
medications for relief. Unfortunately, many of these medications only
mask the symptoms and can make the problem worse.
It is important to
consume a diet that contains healthy fats, fibers, vitamins and
minerals, but it is equally important to consume adequate amounts of
water. Not only does water help rid the body of toxins but it also
supports healthy digestion. When you are hydrated, less water will be
taken from the colon – leaving stools softer and easier to pass.
Hypertension
Many people have high
blood pressure and don’t even know it. Of course such things as
dropping a few pounds, adopting a healthy diet and exercising can all
help keep blood pressure in its normal ranges – but did you know
how important it is to drink water as well?
When you don’t
consume enough water the body actually hangs on to sodium to preserve
fluids. Dehydration forces the shutdown of capillary beds and puts a
tremendous pressure on both capillaries and arteries which elevates
blood pressure. So, staying well-hydrated is a very important part of
keeping hypertension at bay.
Fever
Starve a fever – feed
a cold, is a common saying we hear a lot. What about hydrate a fever
instead? Having a fever actually means that the body is fighting off
an illness or an infection and is a good sign that things aren’t
quite right. Having a fever leads to dehydration because the body
will drain water from cells. Fever causes fluid loss and it is
paramount that you replace these fluids – water is the best choice.
Dehydration can make symptoms worse and cause additional discomfort.
Skin Issues
You may not think about
your skin as an organ but in fact, it is the body’s largest organ
and is comprised of cells that are made up of water. Just like any
other organ, skin needs water to be healthy. Many skin conditions
such as overly dry, flaky or blotchy skin may be the result of
dehydration. Without adequate water, skin can age prematurely and
develop a greater number of wrinkles.
Sleep Disturbances
One in three persons
suffer from some kind of sleep disturbance, more commonly known as
insomnia. Characterized by a persistent problem falling asleep or
staying asleep, insomnia can interfere with your work and social life
and also contribute to serious health conditions.
An alarming number of
people turn to both prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills
to ease their suffering. However, these pills are dangerous and can
be highly addictive. Like so many other conditions, an adequate water
intake is essential to reducing overall inflammation which can
interfere with a good night’s sleep. When combined with a healthy
diet, stress management and exercise, it is possible to develop a
healthy sleeping routine without the use of medication.
Yeast Infection
Yeast infections,
caused by a fungus, are annoying and can be very painful. Almost 75%
of women will be impacted by one of these infections in their
lifetime – some more than others. Although many people turn to
garlic and yogurt to combat these infections, one of the best tools
is actually pure and simple water.
The more water you
drink, the more you flush out excess sugars that can cause yeast
infections. If you are prone to yeast infections, adding plenty of
water to a healthy diet along with managing stress can prove to be
one of the most effective tools for keeping infections at bay.
Colds
According to the
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in Bethesda,
MD., Americans suffer over one billion colds each year. Oh the
dreaded cold; runny nose, sore throat, lack of energy and the host of
other uncomfortable symptoms that go with it drag so many people
down.
Over-the-counter drugs
only seem to keep symptoms at bay – and some, don’t do this very
well. The truth be known, once you get a cold virus there is very
little you can do but ride it out as comfortably as possible.
However, you can do
things to keep a cold from turning your life upside down in the first
place – including washing hands and eating a healthy diet. While
you may do these things, it is easy to forget that one of the best
ways to keep yourself healthy is to replace lost fluids with water.
Water helps to flush out toxins and also helps the body to produce
mucus. When fighting off a cold, the body needs more water than usual
and can easily get dehydrated.
Blood Sugar
According to French
researchers, drinking four or more 8 ounce glasses of water per day
can prevent the development of high blood sugar – a condition known
as prediabetes. One in three Americans have this dangerous precursor
to diabetes.
Researchers state that
a hormone called vasopressin (an antidiuretic hormone) helps to
balance water retention. When we become dehydrated, the levels of
this hormone increase which causes the kidneys to conserve water.
Studies indicate that there are vasopressin receptors in the liver –
which produces glucose in the body and that higher levels of
vasopressin may cause a rise in blood sugar.
Bladder Infection
Although the bladder
passes fluids from the body – it needs water to do its job. The
elastic muscle fibers of the bladder allow it to expand and store up
to 750 ml of fluid. Pressure on the bladder walls trigger the need to
urinate. Bladder infections are the result of bacteria entering the
urine, which in turn creates the same urge to urinate as a full
bladder. Consuming 6-8 glasses of water each day can help keep the
bladder healthy and free from bacteria.
Kidney Stones
A proper supply of
water helps to keep the kidneys functioning properly. Kidneys, along
with the liver and urinary tract, are responsible for ridding the
body of toxic materials. If the kidneys stop doing its job for just
two days, metabolic toxins would accumulate and cause poisoning. When
bacteria and proteins build up, stones (crystals) form – these are
very painful and can be difficult to pass. Studies indicate that
dehydration can increase the chance of stones to develop.
Asthma and Seasonal
Allergies
According to studies, a
lack of water vapor in the lungs can cause airways to constrict and
produce mucus – this can bring on an asthma attack. For this reason
it is vital that persons suffering with asthma drink plenty of water
each day. At least ten 8 ounce glasses are recommended.
If you suffer from
seasonal allergies, it is also highly important to stay hydrated.
Drinking water helps the body flush out irritants, thins mucus and
helps with sinus drainage.
What kind of water
should I drink?
There are some people
who drink enough water but are not consuming the right water. Perhaps
you are under the assumption that your tap water is safe because the
government says it is safe? In fact, your tap water might contain up
to 80 so called “regulated” contaminants and many unregulated
toxins.
Perhaps you purchase
bottled water in an attempt to stay safe, however, there is a major
problem with deceptive labelling in the bottled water industry.
Don’t be fooled by
marketing campaigns that state that the water is from a spring or
pristine pool. Bottled water is just water and a very, very big
business. Each year, over $75 billion dollars are spent on bottled
water.
Bottled water in the
United States falls under the authority of the FDA. Since over 70% of
bottled water never crosses a state line for sale, it is exempt from
the scrutiny of the FDA.
Tests done on bottled
water have turned up traces of carcinogenic compounds,
pharmaceuticals, fluoride, and arsenic to name a few. Bottled water
is not a good value and creates mounds and mounds of trash that ends
up in our oceans and landfills, no matter how much we recycle.
Toxins
in Drinking Water
Fluoride
Known as an extremely
dangerous toxin, fluoride is added to water sources including
municipal water as well as bottled water. Adding fluoride to water
has been banned in other countries but remains a common practice in
many American cities; although some have rejected this practice since
as early as 1990.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a heavy,
toxic metal that is classified by the International Academy for
Research on Cancer as a Category l carcinogen. This means that it is
a known cancer causing metal. The Environmental Protection Agency set
the acceptable standard for arsenic at 10 parts per billion in tap
water. Many states exceed this standard.
Chlorine
Inhaling chlorine is
dangerous to health and ingesting it is even more so. Chlorine is
added to water to kill certain bacteria. Once chlorine enters the
body, it joins with other compounds to form Trihalomethanes which
trigger free radical damage. In a recent study, chlorine was added to
the water supply of rats who developed tumors in their intestines,
liver and kidneys.
The United States
Council of Environmental Quality, states that people who consume
water with chlorine have an over 90% higher risk of developing cancer
than those who don’t. Even after the results of this and other
similar studies have been presented before the government, chlorine
continues to be added to water.
Options
So, after reading this
you may be thinking, what should I drink if I cannot drink tap or
bottled water? Here are a few options; as with anything, be sure that
these options are suitable for your needs and do your research before
making a purchase. Some systems are better than others at removing
harmful contaminants. Arrange to have your tap water tested so that
you know what it is you need to filter out.
There are a few options
to consider when it comes to improving the quality of your drinking
water. A whole house water filtration system may set you back a few
bucks, but it is worth it in the long run. A good system will filter
multiple impurities including chlorine from your entire water supply
and requires only minor maintenance like changing the filter.
Pitcher filtration
systems that go in the refrigerator are inexpensive, but they often
fall short of removing all water contaminants. Reverse osmosis
systems, either countertop, under the counter or whole house types
can be costly and actually strip water of just about everything,
including healthy trace minerals. Do not use a reverse osmosis filter
system unless you are going to supplement your diet with trace
minerals.
How much water
should I drink?
If your urine has low
odor and is pale colored, you are most likely on track. Some health
practitioners say to aim for at least ten glasses a day, while others
recommend half of your body weight in ounces.
Of course, if you are
working out or spending time outdoors in the heat, it is essential
that you replace water lost due to perspiration. You can also pull
the skin on the top of your hand to see if it bounces back. If it
stays up for a while, grab a glass or two of water, your tank is
probably low.
So, it is clear, the
next time you really want something to drink – push the soda,
fruity juice concoctions, energy drinks, etc. aside and satisfy
yourself with pure and natural water – your body will thank you!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.astinternational.com/yourbodyiswater.html
http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/arthritis_related_stats.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11978586
http://www.cbass.com/Water.htm
http://www.uwhealth.org/madison-plastic-surgery/the-benefits-of-drinking-water-for-your-skin/26334
https://thorne.com/practitioners/resources/articles/insomnia
http://www.diabetesselfmanagement.com/blog/drink-more-water
http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/early/2011/10/06/dc11-0652.abstract
http://www.cdc.gov/features/diabetesfactsheet
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14681718
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