lifestyle

Water: The Importance of Staying Hydrated

mehealth & fitnesslifestylehealth-wellness

Hydration—With hot summer days are upon us, I thought it might be good to talk about the importance of staying hydrated. One of the books that were recommended in my Master’s Program was a book called: “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” by Dr. F. Batmanghelidj. This book is so fascinating for many reasons, but the Dr. makes recommendations on how to naturally prevent and reverse such conditions as: asthma and allergies, eliminate pains such as heartburn, back pain, arthritis, colitis pain and migraine headaches. I would really recommend you read this book when you have a moment!

Reasons to Drink More Water

Dr. F. Batmanghelidj is an expert on the role of chronic dehydration in disease. He states that “The most important life-giving substance in the body, and the one that the body desperately depends on, is water. The body is comprised of approximately 75% water and is found both outside and inside the cells, and is the basis for all bodily fluids: blood, lymph, saliva, digestive juices, urine, and perspiration. [1] Because water is the regulator of all of the body’s functions, it is equated with life.  Water is the main source of energy transport for every cell in the body, conducting electrical and magnetic energy that supplies the power to live. [1]

One of the ways staying hydrated can help one with allergies is because the sinuses drain better when they are well hydrated and their mucous membrane is more resistant to infection. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, most people unknowingly suffer from chronic dehydration. This can wreck havoc on your health because it contributes to a toxic overload in the body, which can lead to a hyperactive immune system and cause or contribute to a variety of diseases. [1]

When to Drink Water

Now we know most probably need to drink more water – myself included! The Dr. states that the best time to drink water is one 8-ounce glass 30 minutes before taking food (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and a similar amount 2 1/2 hours after each meal. This is the very minimum amount of water your body needs. He also recommends two more glasses of water taken around the heaviest meal or before going to bed. After a few days of drinking six to ten (yes ten!) 8-ounce glasses of water he suggests you start to add good, quality sea salt to your diet – especially if you suffer from muscle cramps at night, a sign of salt-deficiency. The reason for this he states is because “the body is under a constant drive to retain salt and keep water inside the system” and “increased water intake alone causes the body to lose salt.” Also, make sure to drink some orange juice or bananas for their potassium content. The standard recommendation for children is between 6-8 glasses (1.5 – 2 liters) of water a day.

Enjoy your water-filled summer! Always speak to your Health Practitioner about starting a new health plan.

What ways do you incorporate more water in your days? How do you make sure your body stays hydrated?

[1]. Goldberg, Burton. Alternative Medicine – The Definitive Guide. Second Edition. Celestial Arts.

 

Melissa Northway just finished her Masters in Human Nutrition Program at The University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. She also writes children’s picture books. Her storybook app Penelope the Purple Pirate was chosen as a Top 10 Must-Have eBook by lilsugar of Popsugar.com.  If you have any questions or comments – feel free to contact her at [email protected].  You can read more about Melissa and Penelope at: www.melissanorthway.com.

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