We can go without food for
months but not more than 2-3 days without water. With hundreds of medical
data, the impact of water on human health is proven, yet majority of the
population remains unaware and uneducated about the subject. Most take too
little water that they are in Chronic Unintentional dehydration (CUD). Similar
to our planet Earth, 75% of human body is water. Water is crucial for life and
survival. Sign of life in any planet is water.
In his sensational book
titled ‘Your body’s many cries for water’ (1992) Dr Fereydoon Batamanghelidj goes to the extent of stating
that “you are not sick, but thirsty”. As a physician who was a political
prisoner for 3 years, he treated 3000 fellow prisoners with peptic ulcers with
drinking water, dedicated his life to explore the role of water metabolism in
human body. He suggested that the body indicates water shortage by pain (back
pain, rheumatoid pain, migraine etc) He has emphasized the medical significance
of water in the treatment and prevention of multiple sclerosis, high BP,
depression, peptic ulcers, cravings, premature ageing, weight gain, asthma and
allergies.
Many health challenges can
be corrected by enough water intake and hence “don’t treat thirst with
medication”. Adequate water intake helps clensing by regular flushing out of
toxins from the body. Water maintains high energy, ensures strong immune system
and keeps the skin vibrant.
How much?
How much water you need to
consume depends on body size, age, physical activity, climate and overall
health. As a thumb rule we can say that you need 8-10 glasses of water
(2lit/day), but what I would suggest is to start listening to your body. Dry
mouth is not always the first indication of dehydration. So don’t wait until
you feel thirsty. CUD is indicated by tightness, contracted feel, headaches,
tensed feel, cravings and sweating. On the other hand sufficient hydration is
indicated by light, airy and expanded energy feel of the water system. Your
body also has a HYDROSTAT (similar to the thermostat). Chronically Dehydrated
people have a low hydrostat. Hence when you initially increase your water intake, you may produce
more urine/output but don’t worry,
slowly the body will tune your hydrostat to a more healthy level,
retaining more water.
What to drink?
From the different options we
have like well water, tap water, bottled, mineral and filtered water, the best
bet is boiled filtered water. Bottled water has seen a surge in popularity
recently but we need to consider the plastic bottle’s impact on the
environment. Soda, tea, coffee, alcohol and energy drinks contain dehydrating
agents and thus produces the opposite of the desired result. Toxicity with
chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, cadmium etc need to be considered while selecting
the water source.
- Start a day with 2 glasses of water. You may add
a squeeze of lemon, cucumber, mint, herbs, pineapple or honey.
- Keep hydrated by regularly sipping from morning
to night. Your body cells need to be always bloated with water. Avoid
water intake ½ hours before and after meals
- Carry a good quality water bottle while you travel
and work.
- Include more green tea, juices of fruits and
vegetables, soups in your daily diet. Water present in vegetables and
fruit juices have a higher electronic charge
Many times, myself and my clients
have experimented this mega nutrient named water. The single and simplest
change in the daily routine that one can make is to STAY HYDRATED and it can bring in profound improvements in your health.
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