The Vital Role of Water in Health

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Water is fundamental to life itself. The human body is composed of approximately 75% water, with the brain containing up to 80% water. Every function of the body depends on water, making it indispensable for health and vitality. All living organisms, from the smallest cells to the largest animals, require water to survive and thrive.

The Body's Daily Water Loss and Replacement Needs

Our bodies constantly lose water through various means: approximately 1.5 quarts from the kidneys, 0.2 quarts from the lungs, 0.3 quarts from the colon, and 0.5 quarts from the skin. This daily loss totals around 2.5 quarts, which must be replaced to maintain optimal health. A good rule of thumb is to drink one quart of water for every 50 pounds of body weight. Fruits and vegetables contribute to our hydration, but it’s essential to drink pure water to meet our body’s needs. Pure water is crucial for internal cleansing, much like we wouldn’t use soda or juice to wash our bodies externally. Clean water helps flush out toxins and supports all bodily functions.

Dehydration and Organ Health

• The Stomach

  • The stomach is the first organ to suffer from dehydration. A dehydrated stomach lining becomes thin and lacks adequate sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid. This condition can lead to ulcers and other gastrointestinal issues. Stomach acid, naturally antibacterial and antifungal, cannot work effectively if the lining is compromised. The bacteria H. pylori, responsible for ulcers, thrives in a weakened stomach environment.

• The Pancreas

  • The pancreas requires significant water to produce hormones like insulin and glucagon. It also plays a crucial role in digestion by producing digestive enzymes and bicarbonate-rich fluids, which help neutralize stomach acid and break down food in the small intestine. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the pancreas generates approximately 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of digestive juices daily. These fluids, composed mainly of water, are essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption, highlighting the importance of staying well-hydrated to support pancreatic function.

• The Colon

  • The colon, or large intestine, is responsible for absorbing water from the remaining indigestible food matter, a crucial step in maintaining the body's fluid balance. As the digested material moves through the colon, water is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, transforming the liquid mixture into a more solid stool. Proper hydration is essential to support this process; without adequate water intake, the colon absorbs too much water from the waste, leading to hard, dry stools and constipation. Thus, staying well-hydrated is vital for overall digestive health and the efficient elimination of waste.

• The Lungs

  • Water is crucial for the proper functioning of the lungs, aiding in maintaining the moist lining and facilitating efficient gas exchange. According to the EPA, adequate hydration helps keep the respiratory tract moist, which is essential for trapping dust, bacteria, and other pollutants. A study published in Thorax in 2018 found that dehydration can worsen respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by thickening mucus, making it harder to expel. It can also lessen the elasticity of your lung tissues making breathing more difficult. The 2006 report from the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology highlights that water is vital for maintaining the thin fluid lining in the lungs, which supports efficient oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. Mayo Clinic also stresses the importance of staying hydrated to help prevent respiratory infections and support overall lung health. Therefore, drinking enough water is essential for maintaining healthy lung function and preventing respiratory issues.

• The Eyes

  • Water is vital for maintaining eye function and health, playing several crucial roles. Adequate hydration supports tear production, which keeps the eyes moist, helps flush out dust and toxins, and prevents irritation. Proper hydration also helps regulate intraocular pressure, reducing the risk of glaucoma. Water is essential for delivering nutrients to the eyes, maintaining the health of tissues and cells, and ensuring clear vision. Dehydration can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, and even more severe issues like double vision due to the lack of sufficient tear production and nutrient delivery. Additionally, staying well-hydrated can prevent puffiness and swelling around the eyes. Overall, drinking enough water is key to sustaining optimal eye health and function.

Dr. Batmanghelidj’s Research on Water

Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, while imprisoned in Iran, discovered the profound impact of water on health. With limited resources, he provided inmates with water every 15 minutes to treat various ailments. Remarkably, their health improved, highlighting the essential role of water in the body. Upon release from prison he wrote the book "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" where he emphasizes the vital role of water in maintaining health and preventing diseases. The book argues that many common ailments, including asthma, allergies, hypertension, and arthritis, are linked to chronic dehydration and that these conditions signal the body's need for more water. He advocates for regular water intake, even before feeling thirsty, and challenges the conventional reliance on medication, suggesting that adequate hydration can alleviate many symptoms. He provides scientific evidence and practical advice, promoting water as a primary means of health maintenance and restoration.

Effective Hydration and Cellular Absorption

Many people find that when they increase their water intake, they begin making constant trips to the bathroom. While this can mean that the body is undergoing a much needed cleanse, it can also indicate poor cellular absorption. Leg swelling and abdominal bloating, also symptoms of this, are often due to inadequate mineral concentration in the body.

Dr. Jacques de Langre’s research on sea salt revealed the importance of a balanced internal ocean. Sea water contains 92 minerals, with a natural balance of sodium and chloride, unlike table salt, which often contains only sodium, chloride, and harmful additives like aluminum. Fish cannot survive in such an artificial mixture, illustrating the inadequacy of common table salt.

• The Benefits of Mineral-Rich Salts
  

  • Celtic Salt - Celtic salt, hand-harvested in Brittany, France, contains 82 minerals, including magnesium, which keeps the salt moist and retains essential nutrients like iodine. This type of salt, when consumed with water, enhances cellular hydration and energy production. It helps restore fluid balance, contrasting sharply with table salt, which can contribute to high blood pressure. Celtic salt supports the sodium-potassium pump, crucial for maintaining cellular balance.
    

  • Redmond Real Salt - Redmond Real Salt is another excellent option, containing over 60 trace minerals. Mined in Utah, USA, it is free from additives and pollutants, providing a natural and pure source of essential minerals. Like Celtic salt, Redmond Real Salt supports hydration and nutrient absorption, contributing to overall health.

  • Himalayan Salt - Himalayan salt, mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan, contains 84 trace minerals. Its distinctive pink color comes from iron oxide. This salt is renowned for its purity and mineral content, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enhance their hydration and mineral intake.

• Sodium’s Role in Nutrient Absorption
  

  • Sodium is vital for transporting glucose into the bloodstream from the small intestine. Without adequate sodium, this process is compromised, affecting overall energy levels and nutrient absorption.

• Recognizing Dehydration

  • Signs of dehydration include thirst after eating, negative thought patterns, headaches, confusion, dizziness, and constipation. It’s important to drink water in small, regular increments rather than large amounts at once, which can cause the body to flush out the water without absorbing it.

Conclusion

Water is essential for life, impacting everything from digestive health to cellular function. By understanding and respecting our body's need for pure water and balanced minerals, we can maintain optimal health and well-being. Proper hydration supports every aspect of our health, emphasizing the foundational role of water in the eight laws of health.