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Water: The Universal Medicine
Summer is just around the corner, so it’s important to think about fluids, for your RV, your car and yourself. Make sure you have plenty of water along with everything else that’s necessary to keep things running smoothly—for you and your engine.
The human body is approximately 67 percent water by weight. It needs to stay well hydrated to operate efficiently. Our brain tissue is 90 percent water, so mental functions rely heavily on an ample water supply. It’s obvious water is a key ingredient that does more than quench our thirst. It also:
• Improves oxygen delivery to the cells.
• Transports nutrients.
• Enables cellular hydration.
• Moistens oxygen for easier breathing.
• Cushions and absorbs shocks to joints, bones and organs.
• Lubricates joints, cartilage, the eyes and spinal cord.
• Regulates body temperature.
• Increases mental sharpness.
• Removes wastes and flushes toxins.
• Maintains healthy urinary tract functions.
• Prevents tissues from sticking.
• Improves cell-to-cell communication.
• Improves circulation.
• Prevents constipation.
• Helps alleviate headaches.
• Maintains normal electrical properties of cells.
• Empowers the body’s natural healing process.
• Dilutes power hormones and cancer-causing toxins.
• Provides extra strength and density to teeth and bones.
• Provides a clean, healthy and vibrant complexion.
• Helps keep the skin soft.
• Helps with weight loss by regulating metabolism and emptying stored fat.
• Eases hunger pangs.
• Helps eliminate daytime fatigue.
People do better on tests when they are allowed to drink water during the procedure. In one clinical test, two groups were asked to perform certain mental and physical tasks. Those sipping water scored higher and were mentally more alert than those without.
For children, the benefits of drinking water are even more essential. Because their bodies are smaller than adults and they sweat less frequently, children suffer from dehydration more than grownups. For youngsters under the age of four, the need for water is critical. The younger a child is, the less margin for error you have, and the more difficult it is to rehydrate once dehydration begins.
As we age, our systems contain more body fat and less body water—that’s one of the main differences between older and younger individuals. So again, it’s essential for everyone, young and old, to drink plenty of water.
New research has also discovered an additional benefit from drinking water—protection from coronary heart disease. People with low intakes of water tend to be dehydrated, and this can affect the blood’s viscosity (thickness), hematocrit (volume of red blood cells) and fibrinogen (protein in blood necessary for clotting) levels—all of which can increase the risk of heart attack.
It’s important to drink water at regular intervals throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Six to eight glasses is a good rule of thumb, unless you’re on fluid restrictions. Milk, juice, mineral water, herbal teas and other caffeine-free liquids count as water intake. Fresh fruits and vegetables count, too. Just look at what you can squeeze out of a big orange or juicy peach. Diuretic beverages (alcoholic and caffeinated drinks such as coffee, soda pop and tea) don’t count, since they flush water out of the body.
For children and those folks who seem to have a difficult time drinking enough water, try this summer treat that’s tasty and counts towards your water intake: homemade fruit and berry cubes. Fill an ice tray or plastic Popsicle containers with water or freshly squeezed or store-bought juice. Drop in some fresh strawberries or other berries and freeze. Don’t add sugar. Kids love these for treats, and it’s fun to use them as ice cubes in a glass of water or juice. Sucking on a fruit or water Popsicle is also a great way for little ones to get rehydrated when ill. Sometimes they just can’t muster up the energy to drink a glass of water, but a Popsicle seems to do the trick.
Fortunately today we’re used to taking water bottles along when exercising, hiking, cycling, playing tennis and the many other activities we enjoy this time of year. It’s also important to keep that water handy when lounging in your favorite lawn chair or relaxing by the pool. We tend to forget that our bodies need hydration even when we’re just “vegging” out.
People always ask whether they should drink bottled water or tap water. That’s up to you. Just be sure it’s clean and safe, and you drink plenty everyday!
Happy Travels and Good Health!