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Water: the Ultimate Health Food
Like most people, I have tended to think of ultimate health as a complicated, often expensive aspiration. Perhaps it is our Western tendency to intellectualize and complicate things that has driven us down the wrong road. We somehow think our goals need to be HARD and relatively unattainable in order to be valid. But as I have pursued this goal over the years, I have found the exact opposite to be true. It’s truly the simpler, basic ideas that serve as the true foundation for wellness. And nothing proves this out better than the fact that water is the most essential nutrient required by our bodies.
Most of us already know that water composes 65-75% of our bodies. What we don’t seem to grasp is how important that is. Water maintains system equilibrium, lubricates tissues, flushes wastes and toxins, hydrates skin, regulates body temperature, acts as a shock absorber for joints, bones and muscles, adds needed minerals, and transports nutrients, minerals, vitamins, proteins and sugars for assimilation. The fact is, you can be eating all the right foods, but if you are not getting enough quality water, it just doesn’t matter!
Despite the fact that water is readily available in this country, dehydration is as common here as it is in dry regions of the world (again, it’s just TOO simple for us). Dehydration does not mean one is dying of thirst or even thirsty. Dehydration comes LONG before these other symptoms occur. When you are feeling thirsty, you have let it go too far. According to many experts, dehydration is the main cause for many of our physical complaints and illnesses:
•Stiff, swollen joints
•Stiff, aching back
•Heartburn
•Migraines
•High blood pressure
•Ulcer pain
•Overweight
•High blood sugar
•High cholesterol
It is imperative that our bodies are replenished with at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water per day. How can we expect to let these miraculous machines work at their highest potential unless they are consistently refueled with clean, high quality water? No metabolic function necessary for rejuvenation, immune support and other vital life-sustaining processes can occur without it. It is a SIMPLE fact.
Good quality water cannot be replaced by other liquids such as coffee, tea, sodas, milk, or undiluted fruit juices and obviously (I hope) alcohol. Not only can these liquids not replace water, they are often involved in the creation of dehydration. Begin by doubling the amount of water you are currently drinking. At first, you will urinate more and it may seem somewhat of a hassle. But, believe me, your body will quickly respond and adjust and thank you for the change. Over time, you will be able to increase your intake and you will find it a great pleasure. You will not only notice that you are feeling better, you will also probably notice weight loss. When you allow your body to properly flush and cleanse, extra weight will automatically begin to come off.
So, don’t let the "no pain, no gain" mantra fool you. Good health is as simple as common sense. Think About It. Cheers!!
Suggested reading: Your Body’s Many Cries For Water by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. www.watercure.com
