Water: The Essential Nutrient
We can go without food for weeks, but without water we die of dehydration in a few days. Over two-thirds of our body is water, yet most of us do not clearly understand the importance of drinking plain water.

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body and is necessary for: the digestion of food, for the transport of food to the tissues, for the elimination of body wastes, for the circulation of body fluids (like blood and lymph), for a lubricant in the joints and internal organs—keeping them moist permitting the passage of substances between the cells and blood vessels—and for the regulation of body temperature. Water is part of the blood system holding dissolved minerals, like calcium and magnesium in solution, making them available to body tissues where they are required for proper health.

Most of us have heard or read about these many functions of water, yet ironically most of us are suffering from dehydration. We have been led to believe that only when we experience a “dry mouth” must we be lacking adequate water. This medical misunderstanding has resulted in pervasive, chronic dehydration with subsequent health problems.

A recent book, “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water,” by Feereydoon Batmanghelidj, a medical doctor, thoroughly explains the forgotten physiological importance of plain water and the body’s many signals of dehydration.

When plain water is plentiful, blood viscosity, joint cartilage, blood capillaries, digestion, the ATP energy system and the spinal column, all work in an efficient, easy manner. However, when water consumption is limited, the body robs some areas to protect different tissues and organs, which results in pain, tissue damage, and variety of common health problems.

Some of the problems treated and alleviated with adequate water intake are: asthma, allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, headaches, migraines, low back pain, tissue damage, and a variety of common health problems.

As people age, they lose their thirst sensation and become gradually, chronically dehydrated. All too frequently we tend to confuse thirst with hunger and instead of drinking water we eat, leading to weight gain.

Also, peak performance is dependent on water, the essential nutrient. One example I read about several years ago illustrates this. Two European mountain climbing teams were competing. One team was in far better physical condition than the other team, but was unable to win. After a while the frustrated, defeated team started to carefully study the other team’s every move. The only thing that they found was that after so many minutes of climbing each team member drank water. Copying this water drinking habit now resulted in victory. No longer were they lacking the sustained energy needed. Optimum water consumption was the key.

The physiological effects of drinking water are not the same as drinking beverages that contain water like: juices, sodas, coffee, and tea. In fact, some of these liquids, coffee and tea, contain dehydrating agents (caffeine and theophylline) which stimulate the central nervous system while at the same time creating a strong diuretic action on the kidneys.

Your body needs a minimum of six to eight, eight ounce glasses of water each day. Remember, alcohol, juice, sodas, coffee, and tea do not count as water. Dr. Batmanghelidj recommends one glass a half hour before each meal and a similar amount two and a half hours after each meal with an extra glass taken before the heaviest meal or before going to bed. As an experiment, record the number of glasses of water you drink over a normal three-day period. You will be amazed. Most of us think we are drinking far more water than we actually do. In fact three to four glasses at most are what people usually find, far short of the six to eight. Try it for yourself and see.

Thirst should be satisfied at all times with water. The more we pay attention to the body’s constant need for water the healthier we will be. Having a “dry mouth” is the last outward sign of extreme dehydration, which can easily be avoided by following the above advice. Also, many medications actually dehydrate the body, leading to more severe problems.

Keep in mind, the human body is roughly composed of 25% solid matter and 75% water.

Water—plain, properly filtered water—is an overlooked and essential nutrient and may be your missing ingredient to a healthier, more vibrant, and longer life.