Water Wisdom

Every time I finish a new lecture for school, I get more excited about this new path in my life and look forward to the opportunity to help others understand how together we can cure ourselves from many common ailments with proper nutrition and overall wellness! Most recently we discussed the topic of water and referenced a book written by Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, M.D. titled "Your Body's Many Cries for Water/ You are not sick, you are thirsty! Don't treat thirst with medications."

According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, "The human body is composed of 25 percent solid matter and 75 percent water. Brian tissue is 85 percent water. When we starve body cells of water, they start to complain - and set up many adverse reactions."

Water Cure.com lists some effects of mild dehydration as the following: decreased coordination, fatigue, dry skin, decreased urine output, dry mucous membranes in the mouth and nose, blood pressure changes and impairment of judgment. Stress, headache, back pain, allergies, asthma, high blood pressure and many degenerative health problems are the result of UCD (Unintentional Chronic Dehydration).

Let's keep our bodies hydrated and happy by following these simple steps:

* Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning - we are most dehydrated when we wake up and the water will get your blood flowing.

* Do not wait till you are thirsty to drink water. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Continually drink water throughout your day. I personally keep a water bottle with me at all times.

* Limit your intake of soda, tea and coffee. These drinks dehydrate your body.

* Drink water before and after you eat to help the digestive process. (Also a tip for those who are trying to lose weight - Drinking 2 glasses of water before you eat will help you to eat less)

* Increase water intake before, during, and after exercise. Also, increase water in warmer climates.

Water is essential to our health and should be a priority in our quest to be as healthy as we can be. I encourage everyone to make it a goal this week to increase your water intake. Start slow by replacing your current beverage of choice with water for just one meal a day. You can do this!