1. Proper hydration with water is essential. Most of us need at least
six to eight 8-ounce glasses of good, clean drinking water daily.
Coffee, alcohol, and sodas or other sugary beverages do not count
toward our daily two quarts of liquids as they do not hydrate our
tissues and often have the opposite effect, causing dehydration.
Water is the best choice for proper hydration. However, herbal teas
and fresh juices do count because of their high water content;
furthermore, fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet do add to our
water intake. Water is second in importance to air, which we need by
the minute. We can survive about a week without water, whereas most
of us can live as long as six weeks without food. Water supports our
immune system and flushes toxins from the lymph system and body. Our
bodies are about 70% water‹10 to 12 gallons! In fact, brain and
muscle are about 75% water and blood is 85% water content. Except for
bone and fat tissue, most of our body is water.
2. Finding the right water balance for each of us is also important.
This is based on our body size, level of physical activity, exercise
and sweating, the local climate, and our diet. A diet that is dry and
high in proteins and fats creates a need for even more water to flush
these foods healthfully through our system. The average American
drinks only 4.6 servings/cups of water a day, or 36 ounces. That¹s a
bit shy, especially when most of us do not consume our share of fresh
fruits and veggies.
Water drinking should be a habit, something we do without having to
think about it. Only one third of Americans claim they drink eight
glasses of water a day; 28% have three or fewer servings, and nearly
10% say they don't drink water at all. The most frequent reason given
by Americans for not drinking water is lack of time, as reported by
21% in a recent survey. Like anything, preparation saves time and
allows us to engage in these healthier habits. Prioritize water
hydration. And during hot weather, drink 2 to 3 glasses more than
usual. When we have a cold, or for many illnesses and symptoms, like
headaches and allergies, it is
helpful to hydrate the body fully with water and herbal teas. We can
know this by our urinary output, generally every couple hours during
the day.
3. EXERCISE - every month I tell you to move your body! Create a
consistent and sometimes challenging program. It¹s so important to
your health.
And remember that when you exercise regularly and sweat, you need
more fluid replacement. Drink before (2 cups 1-2 hours before) and
after your workout (1-2 cups), and during exercise if it¹s
appropriate. Drink cool temperature water, and don¹t depend on thirst
to tell you; drink anyway!
Take your walks, go on hikes, ride a bike, and work out with weights
at home or at a gym. Even try something new, like a yoga class.
Stretch out your body and stay flexible and youthful. Before and
during exercise, drink fluids and particularly water, to reduce body
temperature, moderate cardiovascular stress and improve performance.
After a strenuous workout, it's important to replace the fluids
you've lost.
As Jack LaLanne [Vegetarian]says in his Share Guide (May/June 2002)
interview, "Exercise is king, Nutrition is queen. Put them together
and you have a healthy kingdom." (A less patriarchal word for what
men and women share could be a "sharedom" or "equi-dom," or make one
up you like.)
4. Good, clean water is not a given. Most city waters, and even
wells, are suspect for contamination with microbes and chemicals. I
believe it is wise to invest in an appropriate filtration system
since water is such an important component of our body. The best is a
Reverse Osmosis unit or a Solid Carbon block type filter; what¹s most
effective for your home use depends on what your water concerns are
and how much water you need.
Many people also buy bottled water from natural springs, or water
bottled after filtration. If you use a consistent brand, check it out
by calling the company and asking for a report. You may also want to
look into an alkaline water unit. There is interesting research on
drinking water that is more alkaline or that contains added
bicarbonates (and may include calcium and magnesium salts), and on
this water¹s balancing, healing effects.
5. Dehydration is a very common problem that nearly every one of us
experiences at some time. Every cell in our body requires water to
function‹to bring in nourishment and carry away toxins. When these
functions aren't performed fully due to dehydration, a range of
symptoms can occur. At even 1% dehydration, most people get thirsty,
which is the body's warning sign. Dehydration can cause dry mouth,
flushed skin, fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, or impaired
physical performance, as well as lapses in concentration. Headache
may be a sign of increased toxicity. Other problems from more chronic
dehydration include constipation and poor digestive function, dry and
itchy skin, a reduction
in urine output, and even an increased incidence of painful kidney
stones. Remember my favorite slogan, "Dilution is the solution to
pollution." So, drink your water!
6. Add some nutrients to your water and it may make it healthier and
more palatable for you. Some folks do not like to drink plain water;
they just have distaste for it. If so, try various bottled waters to
see if there is one you like. Add some lemon, lime, or a tea bag to
give it some flavoring. Water can also be flavored with some orange
or apple juice, or some nutrient powders like Emergen-C or another
vitamin/mineral combination available at your store. My family starts
each day with nutrient-rich water and juice. Warming drinks include
herbal and green teas, lemon water, chai, and vegetable broth.
Starting the day with a cup of hot water can awaken you and your
digestion. Hot water sipped
through the day is a popular therapy for illness in Asia.
7. The best time to drink water is first thing in the morning
--ideally two or three glasses. I also encourage people to drink
between meals rather than too much while eating, as increased fluids
dilute the strength of our digestive juices and lower the efficiency
of digestion and assimilation. For those working to lose weight,
drinking a couple glasses of H2O about 30 minutes before meals will
hydrate the tissues, calm the appetite and likely lower the amount of
food consumed. Water is also so important to healthy skin and good
circulation, to staying
young and healthy. To summarize, the ideal times to drink water are:
o First thing in the morning, when you wake up
o Mid-morning
o Mid-afternoon
8. Water and weight loss is an important topic, so here¹s a bit more.
Focus mainly on vegetables and other wholesome foods and away from
processed and sweetened high-calorie foods and snacks. Definitely
switch from the caloric, sugary sodas and other drinks to pure Water.
And drink several glasses when arising and 30 minutes before planned
meals. Make this a priority, and make it fun and tasty. Review Tips
number 6 and 7 above for further ideas, plus number 3 for your
exercise motivation.
Carry water with you so you have it available. Have a couple fruits
daily, plus make and consume homemade vegetable soups.
9. Kids need water too. Children don¹t handle heat and dehydration as
well as adults, and the younger they are, the greater the concern.
Diarrhea and subsequent dehydration and malnourishment may be the
number one cause of death in kids throughout the world. Elders need
water too.
They are also sensitive to dehydration and the effects of hot
weather.
Heating and cooling of the body can be accomplished with warm or cool
foods and beverages. This is a natural inclination, yet it may need
to be developed in this world where kids (and all of us) are exposed
to relentless advertising. Drinking warm/hot water and teas is a good
habit for those living in the colder climates. Adding splashes of
juice is helpful in getting kids to drink water instead of sugary
beverages.
Also, adding a nutrient powder, many of which are nicely flavored,
provides a good start to a child¹s day, or as replenishment after a
busy or active time. For children who are overweight or who are
fixated on sodas and sugary drinks, it will be a great lifetime
health benefit to switch them to water and lighter drinks, such as
juice and carbonated water combinations. Be a good example by
drinking your water too!
10. Other General Ideas on Water.
o Water your flowers and plants.
o Use aromatherapy and flowered sprays to mist the air and your body,
and like plants, you can hydrate yourself.
o With airplane travel it¹s easy to experience dehydration, so drink
your water and avoid salted foods and alcohol beverages.
o Many medications, such as diuretics, can cause dryness, while
others can cause water retention and bloating. Learn about any
medicines you take, even the natural ones. Mainly, when we take
meds or eat too much junk, we usually need to drink lots of water.
o The containers from which we drink water are also important. I
prefer glass or the harder and more stable poly-carbonate plastic
rather than polyethylene material which emits plastic into the water
more readily.
Particularly avoid all plastic containers for lemon water or the
Master Cleanser, because the acids in the lemon even leach more
toxins.
o Bathe your body regularly. Soak in water for the relaxation and
healing it generates. Regular sweating, as in saunas, physical work,
sweat lodges, hiking, or eating chili peppers may help us to live
long and healthfully! Swimming is a great recreation and exercise.
Find a lake, river, or the ocean and have some great swim fun this
summer.
Stay Healthy.
Blessings in Love and Life,
Dr. Elson
Argisle Tip: Freeze plastic bottles of water in your freezer for
future use and to keep your fridge cool if electricity goes out.
Plus, you have drinking water as it melts. You can also use them
behind your neck to cool you down or to keep your picnic cooler cold
for your day on the river, at the lake, or at the beach. Play, get
wet with the hose, and get water between your toes. It takes water to
grow a rose...
Water, Water by Bethany Argisle and Elson Haas
Flow, trickle, float.
Sail on a boat
Expand, freeze and thaw, wash your veggies when raw
Emotional expression comes through well-watered organs,
like the kidneys and bladder.
Let it flow, let it grow
Oh, eyes when dry do not cry,
Brains that are dry strain in pain
Drinking alcohol, eating breads and sugars dehydrate.
Make a dip-in-water date.
Add lemon and herbs to water, and drink plenty
You are a moist cellular being
There is dew, there are reservoirs, the entire world of water
is a reflection of Earth¹s two thirds content
All creatures live in or near water and depend upon it
Water is lifeŠ
Water your plants, wash your pants, bathe your body
We all require water to thrive and survive. Be Wet and Be ALIVE!
SAFE WATER TIPS (for Travel and Suspicious Water) Excerpted from The
Staying Healthy Shopper's Guide by Elson Haas, MD. (Celestial Arts
Press, 1999).
1. Avoid drinking tap water as your main source of drinking water,
especially water with chlorine and fluoride.
2. Drink either bottled water or filtered water, depending on your
family's needs and budget.
3. Consider having your regular drinking water professionally
assessed, particularly if you have a well. Sources: National Testing
Lab at 800-458-3330 and
www.ntllabs.com and Suburban Water Testing at
800-433-6595 and
http://www.H2Otest.com4. If you want to use a filtration system and you're puzzled about
which one to use, choose the reverse osmosis with a post-carbon
filter. You may also want to make sure you get enough minerals in
your diet or as a supplement.
5. If you must drink tap water, avoid the first morning's water and
boil it for 10-20 minutes.
6. Avoid using tap water in baby formulas and young children's foods.
Never use hot tap water, which can contain even more lead and
bacteria.
7. If you shower regularly with chlorinated water, invest in an
inexpensive dechlorinator and filter attachment for the shower.
8. When traveling, be extra careful about contaminated water. When
camping, boil your water for 15 to 20 minutes, use iodine tablets, or
an appropriate travel filtration system with a very fine filter.
9. Read up on drinking water issues in books such as Your Bodies Many
Cries for Water by Batmanghelidj, Healing Waters by the Keegans and
The Healing Energies of Water by Charlie Ayrie.
AND REMEMBER: It's still a great time to do a
cleansing/detox programif it's right for you.
Check out the Master Cleanser
and other cleanses as well as the how-tos of cleansing in several of my books,
including
The Detox Diet,
Staying Healthy with the Seasons,
or The
False Fat Diet.
If you have any health conditions, you may wish to go
more carefully, utilizing professional guidance with someone who is
experienced in detoxification practices.
About the submitter:
Submitted by Elson M. Haas, MD, who can be reached at:
Info@e... or visited on the web at http://www.elsonhaas.com
