10 Steps on Staying Healthy with Water

10 STEPS ON STAYING HEALTHY WITH WATER

1. Proper hydration with water is essential. Most of us need at least six
to eight 8-ounce glasses of good, clean drinking water daily. Coffee,
alcohol, and sodas or other sugary beverages do not count toward our
daily two quarts of liquids as they do not hydrate our tissues and often
have the opposite effect, causing dehydration. Water is the best choice
for proper hydration. However, herbal teas and fresh juices do count
because of their high water content; furthermore, fresh fruits and
vegetables in the diet do add to our water intake. Water is second in
importance to air, which we need by the minute. We can survive about a
week without water, whereas most of us can live as long as six weeks
without food. Water supports our immune system and flushes toxins from
the lymph system and body. Our bodies are about 70% water‹10 to 12
gallons! In fact, brain and muscle are about 75% water and blood is 85%
water content. Except for bone and fat tissue, most of our body is water.

2. Finding the right water balance for each of us is also important. This
is based on our body size, level of physical activity, exercise and
sweating, the local climate, and our diet. A diet that is dry and high in
proteins and fats creates a need for even more water to flush these foods
healthfully through our system. The average American drinks only 4.6
servings/cups of water a day, or 36 ounces. That¹s a bit shy, especially
when most of us do not consume our share of fresh fruits and veggies.
Water drinking should be a habit, something we do without having to think
about it. Only one third of Americans claim they drink eight glasses of
water a day; 28% have three or fewer servings, and nearly 10% say they
don't drink water at all. The most frequent reason given by Americans for
not drinking water is lack of time, as reported by 21% in a recent
survey. Like anything, preparation saves time and allows us to engage in
these healthier habits. Prioritize water hydration. And during hot
weather, drink 2 to 3 glasses more than usual. When we have a cold, or
for many illnesses and symptoms, like headaches and allergies, it is
helpful to hydrate the body fully with water and herbal teas. We can know
this by our urinary output, generally every couple hours during the day.

3. EXERCISE‹every month I tell you to move your body! Create a consistent
and sometimes challenging program. It¹s so important to your health. And
remember that when you exercise regularly and sweat, you need more fluid
replacement. Drink before (2 cups 1-2 hours before) and after your
workout (1-2 cups), and during exercise if it¹s appropriate. Drink cool
temperature water, and don¹t depend on thirst to tell you; drink anyway!
Take your walks, go on hikes, ride a bike, and work out with weights at
home or at a gym. Even try something new, like a yoga class. Stretch out
your body and stay flexible and youthful. Before and during exercise,
drink fluids and particularly water, to reduce body temperature, moderate
cardiovascular stress and improve performance. After a strenuous workout,
it's important to replace the fluids you've lost.

As Jack LaLanne says in his recent Share Guide (May/June 2002)
interview, "Exercise is king, Nutrition is queen. Put them together and
you have a healthy kingdom." (A less patriarchal word for what men and
women share could be a "sharedom" or "equi-dom," or make one up you like.)

4. Good, clean water is not a given. Most city waters, and even wells,
are suspect for contamination with microbes and chemicals. I believe it
is wise to invest in an appropriate filtration system since water is such
an important component of our body. The best is a Reverse Osmosis unit or
a Solid Carbon block type filter; what¹s most effective for your home use
depends on what your water concerns are and how much water you need. (See
references in the Safe Water Tips at the end of this newsletter.) Many
people also buy bottled water from natural springs, or water bottled
after filtration. If you use a consistent brand, check it out by calling
the company and asking for a report. You may also want to look into an
alkaline water unit. There is interesting research on drinking water that
is more alkaline or that contains added bicarbonates (and may include
calcium and magnesium salts), and on this water¹s balancing, healing
effects.

5. Dehydration is a very common problem that nearly every one of us
experiences at some time. Every cell in our body requires water to
function‹to bring in nourishment and carry away toxins. When these
functions aren't performed fully due to dehydration, a range of symptoms
can occur. At even 1% dehydration, most people get thirsty, which is the
body's warning sign. Dehydration can cause dry mouth, flushed skin,
fatigue, lightheadedness, headache, or impaired physical performance, as
well as lapses in concentration. Headache may be a sign of increased
toxicity. Other problems from more chronic dehydration include
constipation and poor digestive function, dry and itchy skin, a reduction
in urine output, and even an increased incidence of painful kidney
stones. Remember my favorite slogan, "Dilution is the solution to
pollution." So, drink your water!

6. Add some nutrients to your water and it may make it healthier and more
palatable for you. Some folks do not like to drink plain water; they just
have distaste for it. If so, try various bottled waters to see if there
is one you like. Add some lemon, lime, or a tea bag to give it some
flavoring. Water can also be flavored with some orange or apple juice, or
some nutrient powders like Emergen-C or another vitamin/mineral
combination available at your store. My family starts each day with
nutrient-rich water and juice. Warming drinks include herbal and green
teas, lemon water, chai, and vegetable broth. Starting the day with a cup
of hot water can awaken you and your digestion. Hot water sipped through
the day is a popular therapy for illness in Asia.

7. The best time to drink water is first thing in the morning--ideally
two or three glasses. I also encourage people to drink between meals
rather than too much while eating, as increased fluids dilute the
strength of our digestive juices and lower the efficiency of digestion
and assimilation. For those working to lose weight, drinking a couple
glasses of H2O about 30 minutes before meals will hydrate the tissues,
calm the appetite and likely lower the amount of food consumed. Water is
also so important to healthy skin and good circulation, to staying young
and healthy. To summarize, the ideal times to drink water are:
o First thing in the morning, when you wake up
o Mid-morning
o Mid-afternoon

8. Water and weight loss is an important topic, so here¹s a bit more.
Focus mainly on vegetables and other wholesome foods and away from
processed and sweetened high-calorie foods and snacks. Definitely switch
from the caloric, sugary sodas and other drinks to pure Water. And drink
several glasses when arising and 30 minutes before planned meals. Make
this a priority, and make it fun and tasty. Review Tips number 6 and 7
above for further ideas, plus number 3 for your exercise motivation.
Carry water with you so you have it available. Have a couple fruits
daily, plus make and consume homemade vegetable soups.

9. Kids need water too. Children don¹t handle heat and dehydration as
well as adults, and the younger they are, the greater the concern.
Diarrhea and subsequent dehydration and malnourishment may be the number
one cause of death in kids throughout the world. Elders need water too.
They are also sensitive to dehydration and the effects of hot weather.
Heating and cooling of the body can be accomplished with warm or cool
foods and beverages. This is a natural inclination, yet it may need to be
developed in this world where kids (and all of us) are exposed to
relentless advertising. Drinking warm/hot water and teas is a good habit
for those living in the colder climates. Adding splashes of juice is
helpful in getting kids to drink water instead of sugary beverages. Also,
adding a nutrient powder, many of which are nicely flavored, provides a
good start to a child¹s day, or as replenishment after a busy or active
time. For children who are overweight or who are fixated on sodas and
sugary drinks, it will be a great lifetime health benefit to switch them
to water and lighter drinks, such as juice and carbonated water
combinations. Be a good example by drinking your water too!

10. Other General Ideas on Water. o Water your flowers and plants. o Use
aromatherapy and flowered sprays to mist the air and your body, and like
plants, you can hydrate yourself. o With airplane travel it¹s easy to
experience dehydration, so drink your water and avoid salted foods and
alcohol beverages. o Many medications, such as diuretics, can cause
dryness, while others can cause water retention and bloating. Learn about
any medicines you take, even the natural ones. Mainly, when we take meds
or eat too much junk, we usually need to drink lots of water. o The
containers from which we drink water are also important. I prefer glass
or the harder and more stable poly-carbonate plastic rather than
polyethylene material which emits plastic into the water more readily.
Particularly avoid all plastic containers for lemon water or the Master
Cleanser, because the acids in the lemon even leach more toxins. o Bathe
your body regularly. Soak in water for the relaxation and healing it
generates. Regular sweating, as in saunas, physical work, sweat lodges,
hiking, or eating chili peppers may help us to live long and
healthfully! Swimming is a great recreation and exercise. Find a lake,
river, or the ocean and have some great swim fun this summer.

Stay Healthy.
Blessings in Love and Life,
Dr. Elson

Argisle Tip: Freeze plastic bottles of water in your freezer for future
use and to keep your fridge cool if electricity goes out. Plus, you have
drinking water as it melts. You can also use them behind your neck to
cool you down or to keep your picnic cooler cold for your day on the
river, at the lake, or at the beach. Play, get wet with the hose, and get
water between your toes. It takes water to grow a rose...

Water, Water by Bethany Argisle and Elson Haas
Flow, trickle, float.
Sail on a boat
Expand, freeze and thaw, wash your veggies when raw
Emotional expression comes through well-watered organs,
like the kidneys and bladder.
Let it flow, let it grow
Oh, eyes when dry do not cry,
Brains that are dry strain in pain
Drinking alcohol, eating breads and sugars dehydrate.
Make a dip-in-water date.
Add lemon and herbs to water, and drink plenty
You are a moist cellular being
There is dew, there are reservoirs, the entire world of water
is a reflection of Earth¹s two thirds content
All creatures live in or near water and depend upon it
Water is lifeÅ
Water your plants, wash your pants, bathe your body
We all require water to thrive and survive. Be Wet and Be ALIVE!

SAFE WATER TIPS (for Travel and Suspicious Water) Excerpted from The
Staying Healthy Shopper's Guide by Elson Haas, MD. (Celestial Arts Press,
1999).

1. Avoid drinking tap water as your main source of drinking water,
especially water with chlorine and fluoride.
2. Drink either bottled water or filtered water, depending on your
family's needs and budget.
3. Consider having your regular drinking water professionally assessed,
particularly if you have a well. Sources: National Testing Lab at 800-458-
3330 and www.ntllabs.com and Suburban Water Testing at 800-433-6595 and
www.H2Otest.com.
4. If you want to use a filtration system and you're puzzled about which
one to use, choose the reverse osmosis with a post-carbon filter. You may
also want to make sure you get enough minerals in your diet or as a
supplement.
5. If you must drink tap water, avoid the first morning's water and boil
it for 10-20 minutes.
6. Avoid using tap water in baby formulas and young children's foods.
Never use hot tap water, which can contain even more lead and bacteria.
7. If you shower regularly with chlorinated water, invest in an
inexpensive dechlorinator and filter attachment for the shower.
8. When traveling, be extra careful about contaminated water. When
camping, boil your water for 15 to 20 minutes, use iodine tablets, or an
appropriate travel filtration system with a very fine filter.
9. Read up on drinking water issues in books such as Your Bodies Many
Cries for Water by Batmanghelidj, Healing Waters by the Keegans and The
Healing Energies of Water by Charlie Ayrie.

AND REMEMBER: It¹s still a great time to do a cleansing/detox program if
it¹s right for you. Check out the Master Cleanser and other cleanses as
well as the how-tos of cleansing in several of my books, including The
Detox Diet, Staying Healthy with the Seasons, or The False Fat Diet. If
you have any health conditions, you may wish to go more carefully,
utilizing professional guidance with someone who is experienced in
detoxification practices.

About the submitter:
Submitted by Elson M. Haas, MD, who can be reached at:
http://www.elsonhaas.com