Water Is Essential For Life
A Column by Dr. Gregory Peterson
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
-Benjamin Franklin
Every function of the body is dependent in some way upon water. Hormones, nutrients, brain and neurotransmitters all need water for the manufacture, transportation and utilization of nutrients in every cell, organ and system. Without food, most of us would perish in approximately 50 days if we have adequate water. Without water, we might make it 10 days or so; that’s about it. Only our need for air outranks water.
Our bodies need a continuous supply of pure water to maintain the delicate balance which sustains life. By weight our body is about 72% water, another 8% is a combination of chemical compounds and the remaining 20% is bone and solid tissue. Our blood is approximately 90% water along with our brain which consists of 85% water. Water is vitally important to our well-being. Since our bodies are primarily water, it only makes sense that the quality of the water we consume will have a very dramatic impact on our overall state of health. Every healing and life giving process that happens in our body happens through water!
What Roles Does Water Play In Body Functions?
1. Solvent - In chemistry water is known as the universal solvent; in the body it serves the same role. It provides the basis for all the body’s chemical processes.
2. Transport - Water circulates throughout the body as blood, lymph, cerebral spinal fluid, etc. In these fluids nutrients like oxygen, vitamins, and minerals flow to the cells while waste products like metabolites, CO2 are carried away in water-based fluids.
3. Regulates temperature and pH - When body temperature rises due to exercise or other exertion, water is lost; as sweat this serves as a coolant to the body. Water also helps the body maintain delicate pH balances. The blood absolutely needs to be maintained at a pH between 7.3 and 7.4.
4. Provides volume and mass - Water helps to give cells shape by providing the fluid for extracellular fluids (the fluid between cells) and intracellular fluids (fluid within the cell). The intracellular fluid accounts for approximately 40% of the total body weight.
5. Body lubricant - Water acts as a lubricant in a number of different ways. For example in a joint it forms synovial fluid; in the lungs it helps with breathing by forming surfactant.
Water And The Human Body.
In 1994, a medical doctor named Dr. Batmanghelidj wrote a very thought-provoking book, Your Body’s Many Cries for Water. In it he makes the claim that most of modern present-day diseases are the end result of dehydration, or inadequate water intake. He goes on to provide dozens of case studies to support his contention quite convincingly. If you have not read the book I encourage you to do so. It will change the way you look at your water consumption.
Many of today’s ailments and illnesses can be prevented and possibly even cured with an increased intake of healthy water. According to Dr. Batmanghelidj arthritis, asthma, back pain, fatigue, headaches, hypertension, morning sickness, and ulcers will all benefit and in many cases be prevented by regulating the body’s natural fluid levels. Recently there has been a dramatic swing in medical theory and a long overdue realization about “healing”. The best way to prevent, treat and in many cases cure illness is to give our body the right tools and let it go to work. With the proper intake of healthy water and the right minerals and nutrients, our body can overcome almost anything.
How much water do I need?
How much water one should drink is open to a vast difference of opinion. There really is no iron-clad formula. For example a 5 foot 2 inch female working indoors is certainly going to have a different requirement than a 6 foot 3 inch male doing construction. A basic rule of thumb: Drink pure water whenever thirsty!
The Institute of Medicine released an erroneous report a couple of years ago that stated as long as the substance contained water, it counted as water intake. However, once the chemical structure is altered such as in coffee, tea, juice or pop, the water loses its ability to be used in its vital roles. Thus coffee, tea, juice, and certainly soda pop do not count as a beneficial intake to maintain fluid balances. Is it any wonder so many of your friends or family might be suffering from very preventable illnesses?
As a general guideline, drink two eight-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, and a glass of water about a half an hour before lunch and supper. Drink an additional couple of glasses between meals and a glass before bed. It is advisable to increase the amounts drank during periods of exertion, stress, or when air temperatures are warmer and drier. Pay attention to your body signals and you will become more aware of your need.
A Harris Interactive poll published in October 2005 found that Americans rank water pollution as the number one environmental concern facing the country, topping global warming, ozone depletion, and air pollution. And yet we find a deep chasm between what people care about and what those in position to improve the situation are willing to act upon.
In the next issue, I will take a look at the nature and extent of water pollution in general and our drinking water in particular. I will provide information on municipal tap water as well as private well drinking water. I think you will be shocked and concerned with what you learn.
Once we have an understanding and then daily actions begin to work in harmony with your body’s natural instincts, you will begin to create an optimum internal environment.
Dr. Gregory Peterson, DC, DABCI, FIAMA, FIACA, CCST
Founded the Center for Natural Medicine in Winona, MN.
