Studies have shown that one can live without food for thirty days, but only three or five days without water, which is considered one of the five elements that make up nature. 80% or two thirds of the body, as well as the earth’s surface is made up of water. The muscles in the body are made up of 70-75% water. Water has many health benefits and inadequate intake results in dehydration, which has serious consequences.
Effects of Dehydration
Dehydration weakens the immune system. The work of the lymphatic system is to break down toxins and pass them on to the blood vessels. Insufficient water weakens the lymphatic system, and thus reduces immunity. Since the viscosity of blood depends on the amount of water, dehydration causes the blood to thicken, which is then unable to absorb oxygen from the lungs. Consequently, the heart is forced to work harder than normal and the blood vessels are pressurized, raising blood pressure and encouraging heart attacks and strokes. Finally, dehydration causes toxicity, digestive problems, kidney stones, slow metabolism, skin problems and chronic diseases.
Some Common Signs of Dehydration
- Pain in different organs, specially in the joints and lower back, due to accumulation of toxins
- Pain in the stomach after eating
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Lethargy
- Bad breath
- Weakness and wastage of muscles
- Skin problems
When Should One Drink Water?
The body loses two to three quarts/about 4 liters of water every day. If the percentage of water drops by two percent, bodily functions slow down. Less than two liters of water leads to dehydration. The less water one drinks, the lesser is the percentage of reserve body water. Following some simple guidelines will ensure that the lost water is replenished and dehydration does not occur.
- Thirst is the first sign of dehydration, so do not wait until thirsty to drink water. The sense of thirst also dulls with age.
- Dehydration can be brought on by fatigue or sweating. Water is especially important in summer, and while exercising. One should drink half a liter of water for every fifteen minutes of exercising.
- An indication that the water intake is inadequate is a yellowish tint in the urine. This means that due to lack of water, the kidneys have to work harder to dispel waste products.
- It is advisable to drink one or two glasses of water on waking up, and then at regular intervals. A bottle of water should be kept handy at all times.
- Water should be drunk an hour or two before and after a meal, and not during a meal, as it dilutes digestive juices and affects the secretion of saliva. Hot water half an hour before a meal acts as an appetizer.
How Much Water Should One Drink?
Dividing the body weight by two gives the quantity of water in ounces that one must drink. However, some medical conditions might require the intake of water to be restricted, in which case it is essential to consult a doctor.
At least eight to ten glasses of water are required, but according to the naturopathy system of traditional medicine, the body needs ten to fifteen glasses.
One should start drinking as much water as is comfortable, and gradually increase the quantity. Initially there might be a feeling of being bloated, but this discomfort decreases when the kidneys get used to flushing out the system.
Tea, coffee, aerated drinks or alcohol are not equivalent to pure water. They are poor substitutes because though they contain some water, they also contain substances that encourage dehydration. As a result, the body not only excretes the water in these liquids, but also some reserve water from the body. Moreover, excessive intake of aerated drinks and juices reduces the urge to drink plain water, even when these drinks are not available. Considering the serious consequences of dehydration, it is important to be aware of its signs, and ensure a sufficient intake of water to prevent it.
Tips: It is best to avoid very cold water; water at room temperature is ideal for the body.
Traditional practitioners of medicine advise against drinking water while standing up.
Important Note: Too much water at one time can be harmful to the kidneys and other systems.
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