A continuous supply of water is needed for all living things. Man can live up to six weeks without food, but only several days without water. In fact, approximately 70% of our body weight is from water. Water is needed by every cell in the body, in every chemical interchange, in each activity carried on by the cells in the body, and is critical for optimum health. There has been so much said about the importance of water that it seems that more should not have to be said. Nevertheless, 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.
A common generalization is that we need to drink at least 6-8 glasses (8 ounces each) of water per day. A better indication of need is obtained by dividing your weight by 2 to yield the number of ounces of water you should drink daily. However, thirst is not an accurate indicator of need. We require at least 1/3 more water than our thirst indicates. It is an emergency feature designed to prevent us from becoming severely dehydrated. So by the time we feel thirsty we are already at least two or more glasses low on water. Also, the thirst signal shuts off before you have had the amount you really need.
Developing a habit of drinking water by establishing a daily routine can help us to keep the body sufficiently hydrated. For example: two glasses upon rising in the morning, two glasses throughout the rest of the morning and two to four glasses throughout the afternoon and early evening. You should avoid drinking 30 minutes before a meal and for 1-2 hours after a meal. Drinking just before, during, or right after a meal dilutes the digestive juices and slows and interferes with digestion.
Scanty and highly-colored urine is evidence that the tissues are in need of water. Urine should be clear and almost colorless. Dryness of the skin often testifies to the same need.
Water is critical for every organ in every system of the body
Brain and nervous system—A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, brain fog, and fatigue. Water is also critical not only in the manufacture of our “brain chemicals” but also in the movement of these chemicals and in the movement of messages between nerve cells within the brain and body. A 20% loss of body water usually means death, although that figure is smaller for infants, toddlers, and the elderly.
Respiratory system—Adequate water is very important in the movement of air in and out of the lungs and for the removal of dust and pollens. Adequate water helps the tiny lung sacs remain open and helps lubricate the entire breathing surface.
Waste removal organs—The skin, liver, kidney, colon, and lungs all require adequate water to properly remove the wastes and toxins from our body. Without water to aid these waste-removal organs, the body would become a cesspool and death would result.
Cardiovascular system—This entire system is dependent on adequate water. Water is involved in making blood cells, transport of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and for the transport of wastes to the organs of removal for detoxification of the body. It is vital in the proper functioning of each cell that makes up the muscles and tissues necessary for the pumping and transport of all things necessary for life.
Digestive system—Water is needed to make saliva which helps to properly break down the food we chew. It is critical in the manufacture and transport of all of the enzymes that help digest food in the stomach and intestines.
Musculoskeletal—Water is crucial in the movement, repair, manufacture of new cells, and detoxification of our muscles and bones. It aids in strong coordinated functioning of this system and is critical in the lubrication of our joints. Without adequate water, muscles feel weak and fatigued and joints ache with movement.
Endocrine System—The human body can function well and smoothly with its endocrine system making the hormones that control body functions. These hormones are responsible for growth and development, utilization of glucose for energy, healthy weight, good metabolism of food, sexual development, pregnancy and sexual functioning, and for mood and proper sleep. Without water these hormones can’t be made and transported properly.
Chronic dehydration exacerbates, or is a contributing factor in, many serious diseases and annoying discomforts. This includes, but is not limited to, kidney stones, asthma, renal dysfunction, endocrine system and adrenal fatigue, cardiovascular problems, arthritis, ulcers, pancreatitis, digestive difficulties, gall stones, migraines, constipation, and joint and lower back pain.
Not only is water necessary internally, but it can also play a vital role when used externally. Therapeutic use of hot or cold water, steam, and ice has been known for centuries to effectively aid the health of the body. Showering and bathing remove the toxins from our skin. Without this, they would just be reabsorbed into the body, creating added stress on the organs and even causing illness. Water can also be used externally for many other things.
Hot and cold can be alternated to improve circulation and our ability to fight infection.
A hot foot bath can relieve many headaches.
It can be used to help relieve inflammation and infection at a specific point of injury or illness.
The congestion and discomfort from sinus infections and colds can be eased or relieved by hot and cold compresses to the problem areas.
It is effective in bringing down an elevated fever.
It can stimulate you and wake you up first thing in the morning.
It can calm you when anxious.
Water is without a doubt necessary for our health, even our very life. Is it any wonder that Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” John 7:37
Sources: Plain Talk about Drinking Water-Answers to 101 Important Questions about the Water You Drink by Dr. James M. Symons; Don’t Drink the Water, by Lono Kahuna Kupua A’; Intuitive Eating, Humbart “Smokey” Santillo, N.D., Ph.D.; Herbal Home Health Care, Dr. John R. Christopher; Healthy Healing, Linda G. Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.