Tips on Water Consumption
Next to oxygen, water is the most important substance for our bodies. Brain cells are 85% water and other cells are 75%. The body is 25% solid matter and 75% water. "Every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the flow of water." We know what happens to plants and animals without water. Water is essential for the human body as well. It has a water regulation system that will ration water out giving to the most important parts of the body first.
The following tips are compiled from the book, "The Body's Many Cries for Water" by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. He has done extensive research on water and healing the body of chronic problems with increased water consumption.
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Many health problems are a consequence of dehydration
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These problems are the body's way of signaling that it is thirsty.
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Although a dry mouth is the only widely accepted indication of thirst, other earlier signals include: dyspepsia (heartburn), colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain, migraines and hangovers, asthma and allergies, low back pain, chronic fatigue, depression, angina, constipation.
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Pain is the primary signal. A dry mouth is a late signal.
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Medications, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, antacids, pain medications like asprin, are used to kill the signal of dehydration but do not correct it.
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Histamine regulates water in the body. Increase in it signals a need for water.
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The body gets energy from food or water. Osmosis of water through the cell membrane generates "hydroelectricity" for energy. When the body becomes low in energy it signals for both food and water. We often choose food when water would satisfy.
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Dehydration is a common problem. We are dehydrated for two reasons: loss of the sensation of thirst, and drinking the wrong drinks. The body will stop asking for water if it gets no response. It will hold on to water because of the 'drought.' It will not let go until it is certain that the supply is adequate over time.
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Coffee, tea, alcohol, soda do not satisfy the need for water and actually dehydrate.
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Thirst should be satisfied at all times.
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Drink a minimal of 6-8 eight-ounce glasses a day of water (not juice). Drink one glass one half hour before each meal, one glass two and one half hours after each meal. A glass before bed and an extra one before your biggest meal.
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Add a glass for every glass of alcohol, coffee, tea or soda.
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Gradually increase your number of glasses. Be sure urination is increasing as you increase water consumption.
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Do not try to correct dehydration by over consuming. Drink 6-8 glasses faithfully each day and gradually you will correct the problem.
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It is important to consume daily about 1/4 teaspoon of unrefined salt (e.g. Celtic Sea Salt) for five glasses of water. Put 1/4 teaspoon in one quart of water per day.
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Excess urination at night often indicates dehydration. Excess thirst often indicates a lack of salt.
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Exercise is an essential component.