Water Cure

 

What if I told you that 2 Glasses of Water first thing in the morning can help keep the doctor away and shed those excess pounds you have been trying so hard to work off? Whether you buy it or not, it’s simple enough to give a try. Last week I picked up a fascinating book called “Your Body’s Many Cries for WATER- you’re not sick, you’re thirsty” by Dr. Batmanghelidj. In this book he thoroughly explains the linkages between dehydration and many of the chronic diseases we currently face. We already know that 80% of our bodies are made up of water it plays an integral role in balancing hormonal responses, maintaining chemical equilibrium and keeping things fluid. Dr. B explains that when the human body goes into dehydration it initiates a drought system that conserves water which causes certain symptoms to appear that are characterized as disease and treated with medication. The brain acts as the ruler of this whole process, it MUST stay hydrated at all times therefore, in a state of dehydration, and the body will pull water from other sources (organs, tissues, etc.) to hydrate the brain. This results in hormonal and chemical imbalances which then can trigger the body into behaving like it is in a disease state resulting in symptoms of respiratory conditions, arthritis, diabetes and more. As you can see it can quickly turn into a vicious cycle. Our bodies are extremely intelligent and well equipped to survive and even better, thrive, if they receive adequate nutrients.

Many people avoid drinking water in fear of gaining “water weight” the result is dehydration which actually leads to decreased fat metabolism and results in weight gain. Adequate hydration is a prerequisite to weight loss. The body needs to feel comfortable enough to let go of the extra calories.

Dehydration can also hinder optimal performance of the brain and body preventing you from seeing the results of your hardcore workouts and wellness activities. So next time you try to quench your thirst with a soda or coffee or are taking a pill to manage disease, think about drinking another glass or two of water.

Some signs and symptoms of dehydration: (Information below from www.watercure.com)

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE DEHYDRATED?

If you are thirsty, it means your cells are already dehydrated. A dry mouth should be regarded as the last outward sign of dehydration. That’s because thirst does not develop until body fluids are depleted well below levels required for optimal functioning.

Monitor your urine to make sure you are not dehydrated:

• A hydrated body produces clear, colorless urine.
• A somewhat dehydrated body produces yellow urine.
• A severely dehydrated body produces orange or dark-colored urine.

The effects of even mild dehydration include 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).

 

HOW MUCH WATER DO YOU NEED TO DRINK? WHEN TO DRINK?

To better determine how much water you need each day, divide your body weight in half. The answer is the approximate number of water ounces you should drink daily. You should drink half of your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 200 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces water (3.13 quarts, 2.98 liters or about 10-12 cups of water a day). If you weigh closer to 100 pounds you will need only about 50 ounces of water or about four 12-ounce glasses daily.

 

Remember: water has zero calories, is low-carb, and has zero grams of fat, so drink up!

 

 

Nutritionize!
Ritu Riyat