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.
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.
