Water – The Most Vital Nutrient

The Human Body WILL NOT Function without WATER.
Our system is based first & foremost on an explanation of WHY certain basic issues are absolutely necessary if the body is to function well. Then we will explain & encourage you to make minimal and simple changes which will have positive effects on your well-being in a very short time.
Lack of sufficient water or liquid in the body is very common. Most people do not drink enough water. Without this basic nutrient, most functions of the body will be impaired.
Why is water so important?

- In simple terms, the Body will not function without water.
- Furthermore, the Body will not function as required, nor will it be able to put into place all the protections that are needed to lead a healthy life, if it does not receive the necessary amount of water on a daily basis.
- In general, obese and overweight people must consume 8 – 10 glasses of water per day as an essential part of their weight loss program. This means at least as much but generally more than someone who is not overweight.

How and when should water be consumed?

- A glass first thing in the morning to replace the water lost during the night.
- Try to discipline yourself to drink a glass every 1 ½ hours during the day.
- Tap temperature is the best.
- If you feel the need for more than one glass, take the second glass say 20 minutes after the first. Best is to try and not let the body get to this stage of dehydration.
- Drink each glass slowly rather than gulping it down without a break.

How can Water serve as the body's transportation system?

It is the medium and method by which other nutrients and essential elements are distributed throughout the body.
It delivers these nutrients and oxygen through the blood system to the cells, without which the body would cease to function.

Does Water remove waste and toxins?
Water also plays the important part of helping to remove waste and toxins from the body.

Does Water act as a lubricant and shock absorber?

- Water is also a lubricant and shock absorber.
- The presence of water in and around body tissues helps defend the body against shock.
- The brain, eyes and spinal cord are among the body's sensitive structures that depend on a protective water layer.
- Water also acts as a shock absorber and it enhances the function of nerve cells.
- It also protects sensitive compounds inside the cell from thousands of chemical reactions occurring nearby.
- Water is also the lubricant that helps in the smooth movement of our joints and allows their surfaces to slide and glide with minimal friction. Without water, movement of any joint becomes stiff, painful, and eventually impossible.

How does Water affect the Digestive System?

- Water is present in the mucous and salivary juices of our digestive systems.
- This is especially important for moving food through the digestive tract.
- Persons who experience reduced salivary output will soon realize that foods taste different and become harder to swallow.

What does Water have to do with Biochemical reactions?

- Water participates in the body's biochemical reactions.
- The digestion of protein and carbohydrates to usable and absorbable forms depends on water as part of the chemical reaction.

Is Chemical reaction dependant on Water?

- Over 99% of all chemical reactions depend on water.
- If we do not consume enough water, all the systems and organs within our bodies become clogged, operate inefficiently, and sometimes shut down all together.

Is there a connection between Water and Electrical potential?

- Water also helps to generate the electrical potential in our cells.
- Without electrical polarity, we could not live.
- Without water, our existence on this planet would cease.

Does Water effect or regulates body temperature?

- Water regulates body temperature.
- Our health and well-being are dependent on keeping body temperature within a very narrow range and water serves this function very well.
- This is because water itself changes temperature slowly and is able to help regulate body temperature by serving as a good heat storage material.
- This is important because the human body is made up of 60-75 percent water, with the brain up to 75%; and the muscles up to 70% water.

Does Water assist in Cooling the body?

- Evaporation of water from body surfaces also helps cool the body.
- Sweat loss that is barely noticeable occurs every day and night.
- Individuals may lose up to a pint of water each day in this manner.
- In hot, humid weather or during exercise, increased sweating and losses of water are more visible.

How does Water affect Breathing?

- We even need water to breathe.
- Our lungs must be moistened to facilitate the breathing process.
- Every day, we lose approximately one pint of water from our bodies just from exhaling.

Does Water help Muscle Toning and Function?

- Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by allowing muscles to exercise their natural ability of contracting and by preventing dehydration.
- Proper hydration is the key to a fit body.
- Water helps the sagging of skin following weight loss.
- Water can plump the skin and leave it clear, healthy, and resilient.
- When the water content of the muscle cells is reduced, the result is stiffness and pain.
- Because the muscles hold your bones in place, this stiffness can cause misalignment in your bone structure, such as the spine.
- When the bones of your spine are out of alignment, this can create various degrees of pain in many areas of the body.
- It also lowers the effectiveness of the nervous system, reducing your body’s ability to flow nutrients to the organs and properly heal itself.
- You can usually get some short-term relief from a massage or one of the many alternative types of treatments; however the chances are that the primary source of the problem will remain, being less than optimum hydration.

Is Water important for Weight (Fat) loss

- Water is an essential ingredient for weight (fat) loss.
- Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat.
- Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.
- For many, weight gain is created by fluid retention. Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention.
- When the body gets less water than it needs, it begins to hold on to every drop it has.
- Water is stored outside the cells and shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands.
- Taking water pills could offer only temporary relief.
- The body will replace the lost water at the first opportunity. Thus, the condition quickly returns.
- The overweight person needs more water than the slim person.
- Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Water is the key to fat metabolism. Thus it follows that the overweight person needs to consume more water.
- During any weight loss program, water must be supplied in larger amounts as the body has a lot of fat and toxin metabolism going on.
- As incredible as it seems, water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in improving health, losing weight and keeping it off.
- Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true “magic potion” for permanent weight loss.

Does Water help to Cleanse the body?

- Water helps cleanse your stomach and aid your digestion.
- In fact, I strongly recommend drinking room temperature water between meals as it helps flush your stomach clean after processing its last meal so that no small, trapped pieces of food remain in it.
- A clean stomach can relax, rest and stop producing acid.
- Drinking room temperature water between meals rinses the small intestine too.
- It loosens up the food particles, which helps them move faster to the next section of the digestive tract for further processing.
- Water in the small intestine is much needed to help carry essential nutrients through the intestinal walls to the bloodstream.
- By doing that, it aids absorption of nutrients, making you require less food – a definite benefit for weight reduction.
- Drinking room temperature water between meals also helps to flush out old food particles, helping beneficial intestinal bacteria to keep the inside of the intestines clean.
- Water also helps clean the large intestine (colon).
- By moving in and out of the large intestine through the intestinal wall, water is exchanged with the fluid outside the cells, controlling the volume of this fluid throughout the body.
- Water softens the waste so you do not have to strain to get it out.

Is there a benefit in Detoxification?

- We live in a toxic world.
- We are being bombarded with toxic materials from every corner.
- Pesticides (pest killers), insecticides (insect killers) and herbicides (plant killers) are all poisons that are sprayed on the produce you consume and are absorbed by them, rendering washing them, in most cases, ineffective.
- Chemicals in toiletries and cleaning supplies are also poisonous.
- We are exposed to environmental pollutants all the time in the home and office.
- Water is a major factor in any detoxification process.
- Detoxification is a series of chemical reactions that take place inside the cells of the liver in which the liver cells convert the toxic fat-soluble toxin to water-soluble.
- The end product of most detoxification reactions is a water-based substance that can then be urinated, exhaled, defecated, or sweated out of the body.
- All of these routes of elimination are water-based.

Is Liquid fasting effective?

- This is probably why water Liquid Fasting is one of the oldest remedies known to man and animal alike.
- Thus, environmental pollution or internal body pollution increases the need for water.
- This is a simple explanation of why water is natures most essential and effective detoxification substance.
- Elimination follows detoxification with the help of water.
- Water does that in many different ways including removing toxins through the lungs: when you breathe out, steamed water leaves the body carrying gaseous toxins.
- In the large intestine, it helps flush out solid waste.
- And through the kidneys and skin, it helps eliminate soluble toxins.
- If you do not drink enough room temperature water between meals, your food will move more slowly through the intestines, leading to constipation and toxic overload in the entire body, which will exhaust your liver.
- When your water intake is low, the body will compensate by lowering your urine and sweat output and drawing out water from the large intestine.
- In the large intestine, solid waste becomes more solid, causing the large intestines to become inflamed.
- Solid waste particles get impacted, trapping parasites, and bad bacteria in an ideal environment for their growth and production of more toxins. Not a pretty picture.
- With insufficient water intake, your kidneys cannot be flushed at their optimum rate, and they become overloaded with toxins and eventually lose their ability to function properly and clean your blood.
- When water intake is insufficient, you will sweat less, causing an even greater increase in the concentration of your body’s toxic load.
- Your body simply loses its toxin elimination mechanisms and goes toxic.
- When that happens, the body, if it is prepared to do that genetically, simply takes the toxic particles out of the bloodstream, wraps some fat around them, and stores them, stubbornly, under your skin.
- A very unsightly scene! And as a last resort, the body wraps some mucus around the toxic materials in the lungs and intestines in the hope that they’ll be coughed out or defecated out.
- If the body fails to do so, un-stored toxins overwhelm the system everywhere.

How does the amount of Water become Balanced in the body?

- Each day water losses are balanced with water intake.
- The body has a sophisticated system that works to maintain water balance.
- Few of us ever experience malfunctioning of this system.
- Thirst is a trigger that reminds us to take in more water.
- At the same time our kidneys regulate urinary output.

Factors predisposing to kidney stones include recent reduction in fluid intake, increased exercise with dehydration, medications that cause hyperuricemia (high uric acid) and a history of gout.

Treatment includes relief of pain, hydration and, if there is concurrent urinary infection, antibiotics.

How much Water does the Body require per day?

- Unlike many of the nutrients, there isn't a specific daily recommendation for water intake.
- Part of the reason is the variability in individuals related to the climate in which you live, physical activity, age, state of health and body size.
- Under typical circumstances adults may replenish up to eight cups of fluid each day.
- Typical water output is two quarts (2.5 liters) or more of water each day.
- Water losses in urine account for about three-fourths of daily losses. Remaining losses come from sweat, as tiny water droplets in the air as we exhale, and through feces.
- Infrequent urination or dark yellow urine may be an indication you could use more fluid intake each day. Every day, we lose approximately one pint (0.625 liters) of water

from our bodies just from exhaling. Similarly we can lose a cup of water whilst sleeping during the night. Here is the simple formula for determining the amount of water needed daily: Total body weight in pounds, divided by one half, equals the amount of water needed daily in ounces. For example, 100 pounds (say 45 kgs) divided by 2 = 50 pounds (23 kgs), therefore, consume 50 ounces (say 7 cups) of water per day. To this must be added extra water depending on the activity level.

What are the Water Sources?

- Water comes from a variety of sources.
- All beverages or fluids are a source of water.
- Even solid foods contain water.
- Lettuce, celery and other crisp vegetables are composed of 90 percent or more water.
- Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish or chicken may contain as much as half to two-thirds their weight in water.
- Even grain products, which don't seem watery at all, may be up to one-third water.

Which foods contain the least Water?

- Fats, such as butter or margarine, and sugar are among the foods that contain the least water.
- Some water, perhaps one to two cups per day, comes from inside our bodies as a by- product of energy metabolism. This amount is small but significant.
- It is important to be aware of fluid intake. Even though solid food is a source of water, additional water from drinking fluids is needed.
- Besides plain water, juices, milk or other beverages boost fluid intake slightly, but cannot replace the qualities and functions of water.
- You have a choice whether your fluid is simply water or an energy-rich extra calories/and or additional nutrients.

Are there any Special Needs and circumstances for Water intake?
Under special circumstances, fluid intake and output should be more carefully monitored. Examples of the special circumstances follow:


Infants, young children and the elderly

- Children have lower sweating capacity than adults.
- They tolerate high temperature less efficiently.
- Frequent vomiting and severe diarrhea in infants and young children quickly can lead to water dehydration.
- The Elderly may be at increased risk for dehydration because their thirst mechanism may not be as efficient as at younger ages.
- The influence of medications and the presence of disease are other factors that affect fluid intake and water balance.

Important: For both the young and the old, encourage water intake often.

Athletes

- Of all nutritional concerns for athletes, the most critical is adequate water intake.
- The athlete's immediate need for water is to control body temperature and to cool working muscles.
- Lack of water, above all other nutrients, has the ability to hinder performance and lead to serious complications.
- For example, fluid loss of two to three percent of body weight by sweating impairs performance.
- Fluid losses of seven to 10 percent of body weight result in heat stroke and death.
- Two to three percent fluid loss in a 150 pound (68 kg.) individual represents three (1.4 kg.) to four and a half pounds (2 kg.) of body weight or one and a half to two quarts lost water.
- Marathon runners and other long distance athletes may lose up to three quarts (or six pounds – 2.7 kg.) of sweat per hour.
- To prevent dehydration during exercise, athletes should drink fluids before, during and after activity. Even exercise in cold weather results in sweat production and requires adequate fluid replacement.
- Although electrolytes such as sodium also are lost through perspiration, the immediate need is for water alone. In most circumstances sodium and other electrolytes can be replaced after exercise. Seasonings (especially salt) on foods at regular meals usually will do the trick.
What are the Water needs during Sports Events?

- Cool water between 40-50°F is best.
- Plain water is best. Sugar and electrolytes in fluids may slow emptying from the stomach.
- Don't depend on thirst. Drink ahead of your thirst.
- Drink water before a sporting or activity event. Two cups of water about two hours before an event is about right. Follow this with one cup of water about 15 minutes before the event.
- Sip water during an event (1/3 to 3/4 cup every 10-20 minutes). The body cannot absorb more than about one cup every 20 minutes.
- Weigh before and after a sporting event or heavy workout. After the event, replace two cups water for every one pound (say 1/2 kg) lost.

Is Water balance in children involved in sports or physical activities a special concern?

- Children have lower sweating capacity and less tolerance for hot temperatures. They need frequent fluid intake in order to regulate body temperatures. A water bottle or ready water supply should be handy during all sports activities.
- Parents, coaches and others should remember that younger children also take longer than adults to adjust to warm weather following cool winter temperatures.
- It is especially important to watch fluid intakes during the adjustment time.

What should Outdoor workers beware of regarding Water intake?

- The combination of hot, humid temperature and physical activity places outdoor workers at special risk for water balance.
- Anyone who works or plays hard outside, especially in hot weather needs to keep water handy.
- Sipping throughout the work period is better than saving up for scheduled meals or breaks.
- Pay particular attention as you shift from cool weather to warm weather because it takes a few days for your body to adjust to the warmer temperatures.

What is the connection between Water and Other Elements?

- We often hear recommendations for increasing fiber intake in our daily diets.
- Adequate fiber intake is helpful for regulating bowel movements and, possibly, lowering serum cholesterol levels.
- Persons with low fiber intakes who wish to increase their use of fiber-rich foods should increase fluids as they increase fiber. If not, they can experience extreme discomfort and risk having an impacted bowel.

Water– The Magic Solution! Some interesting observations:
1. The Problem: Not recognizing heartburn as a sign of dehydration and treating it with antacids and pill medications could, in time, produce inflammation of the stomach and duodenum, hiatus hernia, ulceration, and eventually cancers in the gastrointestinal tract, including the liver and pancreas. Heartburn could be a signal of water shortage in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract. It is often a major thirst signal of the human body. The use of antacids or tablet medications in the treatment of this pain does not correct dehydration, and the body could continue to suffer as a result of its water shortage.

The Solution: Water could prevent and even cure heartburn.

2. The Problem: Not recognizing arthritis and low back pain as signs of dehydration in the joint cavities and treating them with pain-killers, manipulation, acupuncture, and eventually surgery could, in time, produce osteoarthritis when the cartilage cells in the joints have eventually all died. It may produce deformity of the spine. It may also produce crippling deformities of the limbs. And pain medications have their own life-threatening complications. Rheumatoid joint pain - arthritis - is a signal of water shortage in the painful joint. It can affect the young as well as the old. The use of pain-killers does not cure the problem, but exposes the person to further damage from pain medications. Intake of water and small amounts of salt will cure this problem.

The Solution: Water could prevent and cure arthritis.

3. The Problem: Suffering from lower back pain and alkalizing arthritis? Low back pain and ankalysing arthritis of the spine could be signs of water shortage in the spinal column and discs - the water cushions that support the weight of the body. These conditions could be initially treated with increased water intake.

The Solution: Water could prevent and cure back pain.

4. The Problem: Heart pain - angina may be a sign of water shortage in the heart/lung axis. It should be treated with increased water intake until the patient is free of pain and independent of medications. Medical supervision is prudent. However, increased water intake is angina's cure. The Solution: Water could prevent and cure angina.

5. The Problem: Migraine headaches (if not accompanied by the usual symptoms that accompany migraines) could be a sign of a water need by the brain and the eyes. It could totally clear up if dehydration is prevented from establishing in the body.

The Solution: Water could prevent and cure migraines.

6. The Problem: Not recognizing colitis pain as a sign of dehydration can cause persistent constipation, which may lead to further complicating illnesses later in life. Colitis pain could be a signal of water shortage in the large intestine. It is associated with constipation because the large intestine constricts to squeeze the last drop of water from the excrements - thus the lack of water lubrication.

The Solution: Water could prevent and cure colitis.

7. The Problem: It is wise to recognize that asthma could be an indicator of dehydration in the body of a growing child. Asthma, which affects millions of children every year, could be a complication of dehydration in the body. It may be caused by upsetting the body monitoring systems. In asthma, free passage of air is obstructed so that water does not leave the body in the form of vapor - the winter steam. Increased water intake may prevent asthma attacks.

The Solution: Water and salt could prevent and cure asthma.

8. The Problem: Not recognizing hypertension as one of the major indicators of dehydration in the human body, and treating it with diuretics that further dehydrate the body can, in time, cause blockage by cholesterol of the heart arteries and the arteries that go to the brain. It may cause heart attacks and small or massive strokes that paralyze. It can eventually cause kidney disease. It may also cause brain damage and neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. Hypertension is a state of adaptation of the body to a generalized drought, when there is not enough water to fill all the blood vessels that diffuse water into vital cells. As part of the mechanism of reverse osmosis, when water from the blood serum is filtered and injected into important cells through minute holes in their membranes, extra pressure is needed for the "injection process." Just as we inject I.V. "water" in hospitals, so the body injects water into tens of trillions of cells all at the same time. Water and some salt intake will bring blood pressure back to normal!

The Solution: Water could prevent and even cure high blood pressure.

9. The Problem: Not recognizing adult-onset diabetes as a possible complication of dehydration may, in time, cause massive damage to the blood vessels all over the body. Adult-onset diabetes is another adaptive state to severe dehydration of the human body. To have adequate water in circulation and for the brain's priority water needs, the release of insulin is inhibited to prevent insulin from pushing water into all body cells. In diabetes, only some cells get survival rations of water. Water and some salt could reverse adult-onset diabetes in its early stages.

The Solution: Water could prevent and cure early adult-onset diabetes.

10. The Problem: High cholesterol levels are an indicator of early drought management by the body. Cholesterol is a clay-like material that is poured in the gaps of some cell membranes to safeguard them against losing their vital water content to the osmotically more powerful blood circulating in their vicinity. Cholesterol, apart from being used to manufacture nerve cell membranes and hormones, is also used as a "shield" against water taxation of other vital cells that would normally exchange water through their cell membranes.

The Solution: Water lowers blood cholesterol.

11. The Problem: A few other water related issues are often caused by prolonged chronic dehydration. They may clear up once the body becomes well and regularly hydrated. In these conditions, muscle strengthening and aerobic exercises should be part of the treatment program.

The Solution: Water could assist in the treatment of depression, loss of libido, chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy.