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Water Facts You May Not Have Thought About
by Dr. David L. Wick, D.C.
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I have a very important friend I'd like to introduce you to, Water. You're probably thinking you already know much about it because we have all heard or read a whole lot, but there are several things that we might have missed about this important substance.
As you likely know, Earth's surface is said to be approximately 70% water, and the same is true of our bodies. Not only that, our brains are composed 85% of water.
Considering that water makes up so much of ourselves and our planet, we need to pay some serious attention to it. Anything that affects water also affects us. We also need to ask ourselves if we're consuming enough of this important fluid that composes so much of our being.
Dr. F. Batmanghelidj, the author of Your Body's Many Cries for Water, provides a deep look at the importance of water. As the title of his book implies, his research led to conclusion that many illnesses are our bodies' signs that we need more hydration.
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Among those conditions that may respond to better water consumption are arthritis, back pain, migraines, diabetes, high blood pressure and several others. Smarter consumption of water means better function of our bodies.
This isn't too surprising considering how much of our physical identity is made up of water.
What comes as a greater surprise to a number of people is the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto. His work, described in The Hidden Messages in Water, involving the crystal nature of water can show us several very important things about this vital substance.
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Water, when it crystalizes, is influenced by several different factors. Dr. Emoto's work includes visualization of those effects. His studies showed that water literally responds to words like "love" or "hate."
Words, thoughts, and feelings of love and blessing influence beautifully ornate water crystals. Meanwhile, hateful words of cursing have detrimental effects on water crystals.
Most interesting of all to me is that water responded to those words affixed to its containers. Imagine, the power of words over water! |
Naturally, it is important to ask ourselves, "If words have this much power over water, how much effect do they have on us?" Think about it, most of our physical makeup is water!
It is very important for us to remember that our health is dramatically influenced by a balance of structural, chemical/nutritional and mental/emotional/spiritual factors. These effects cannot be effectively divided from one another. All play important roles in our makeup and the expression—or lack—of health.
Our thoughts literally shape our identity. As I have heard, "The body follows the mind." Dr. Emoto's work helps to give some evidence of that truth from a unique perspective. Meanwhile, Dr. Batmanghelidj's work demonstrates some of the very important roles the nutritional nature of water plays in our health.
While exercising good mental health habits, we need to make sure our water consumption is adequate. This is done by drinking 1/2 of our body weight (pounds) in ounces. So, for instance, a 200-pound person would consume 100 ounces of water. If drinking from 12-ounce containers, that's only 8-9 glasses.
We also need to make sure that we have enough mineral intake to make our water drinking more effective. According to "Dr. B.," we may achieve this partly by taking a small amount of mineral-rich sea salt with our water. A little salt consumption also helps to prevent hyponatremia, a dangerous condition when too much water dilutes the body's sodium levels. Hyponatremia is rare but is most commonly seen after events of high exertion such as marathons or triathalons. That is part of the reason sodium is added to sports endurance drinks.
Some of us find water consumption rather difficult to remember. For those included in our group, these following tips may be helpful:
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Drink some water right away when you first get up each day. I usually like to keep some near my nightstand so I remember it. (Be careful if you're one of those prone to knock things around in the night!)
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Like investing, it's better to drink a little amount of water more often than it is to consume a large amount all at once. Keeping that in mind, you may wish to consume about 1 glass per hour.
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Water plays an important role in digestion of meals. It is wise to drink 1 glass 1/2 hour before eating a meal and another glass 2-2 1/2 hours after eating. Drinking large volumes of fluids at mealtimes can dilute digestive juices and impair digestion. But spacing adequate water consumption just before and just after prime digestive times will significantly improve digestion.
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Prepare for exercise by hydrating your body well before you begin and then sip on water as you exercise. This will help to replace water lost through perspiration and will keep your energy levels sustained for higher performance. I generally like to consume at least 16 ounces in the two hours before I exercise, and then I consume at least 4-8 ounces per 15 minutes while exercising. A small amount of carbohydrate (30-60 grams) are also important during intense exercise lasting more than 1 hour.
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Alcohol and caffeine-containing beverages do not count as water. Though dehydrating effects of those fluids may be less than once thought, they still have effects on your water levels. If you wish to consume those beverages, increase your water intake accordingly.
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Your thirst should be satisfied at all times. If you're thirsty, water consumption should be urgent priority.
Did you know that many people mistake thirst for hunger? That's right! Many of the body's urges for water can be misinterpreted as cravings for food. Simply feeding the body its needed water can greatly improve this condition without adding unneeded food into the diet.
Another interesting finding about water: Morning sickness in a pregnant mother is a signal of thirst in both the mother and developing fetus.
Clearly water is a vitally important substance. We need to pay attention to it and give our bodies the respect they deserve.
Dr. Batmanghelidj's website, watercure.com provides much more information on his research. Dr. Emoto's websites, masaru-emoto.net and hado.net are also insightful resources about his work.
I raise my water glass to you. "Here's to your health!"
©Copyright 2006 Dr. David L. Wick, D.C. All rights reserved.
This article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of any illness. Diagnosis and treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other licensed health care professional. Please use this article for informational purposes only. This information does not replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare provider.
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