We are all becoming more conscious and aware of what we put into our bodies both with respect to food and liquids. Water has been a staple choice for hydration for man since time immemorial. In the last century water has become somewhat of a cool commodity with Evian being the first to bottle pure water – and they said it wouldn’t sell! There is a lot to know and understand about hydration and why it is so important to our overall health. No two liquids are created equal and when it comes to hydrating our bodies for better health and nutrition, there are a few things you should know.
Our bodies need for water occurs well before we feel thirsty. Actually, feeling thirsty is the body’s last desperate attempt to get your attention that you need hydrating. Chronic and consistent dehydration weakens our resistance to disease (which can actually be passed onto subsequent generations), and eventually lead to a diagnosis of a medical condition with a usual prescription of drugs and worsens the condition of dehydration. Basically, many illnesses are due to the lack of hydration and this is the root cause of chronic illness today.
The body requires water in order to function properly.
All metabolic functions depend upon an adequate supply of water both within and without the cells. When there is insufficient water intake, the body responds by severely rationing water so that the brain is supplied but other less critical organs or tissues are cut back. The key here is the quality of the water. The water needs to be alive biophysically, and not dead matter, in order for the body to use it efficiently.
The best form of pure water is artesian spring water, as it is free of germs and bacteria due to its crystalline structure. Water needs time to mature and form a crystalline structure in order to retain their information content, which Artesian wells do. It is a living, natural, unaltered, mature spring water that is low in minerals and that biophysically has the characteristics of high life-energy. The highest quality of pure artesian spring water that can be found today is Fiji Water.
Beware of other companies that purport to bottle fresh spring water
Some studies have shown, through random testing of bottled water, that there can be contamination and the water was not bottled from "source" waters which originated from a spring.
If you cannot afford artesian spring water, then water that has been filtered through reverse osmosis is best as this process effectively restricts bacteria and disease causing pathogens. At the very least, the reverse osmosis process has removed all chemicals and pollutants from the water and you are not ingesting anything toxic into your body. You can purchase bottled reverse osmosis water at your local supermarket or have a reverse osmosis filter installed in your home.
In terms of quantity of water to drink in a day, a good rule of thumb to follow is a minimum of 1.5 litres per day or 1/2 ounce of water per pound of body weight.
You should only count water as your form of hydration and not any other form of liquid. Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, sodas, sweetened juices and pasteurized milk, are all artificial versions of water which have a diuretic effect and result in an outflow of water. In other words, when we drink these substances, our body does not get a chance to hydrate but is forced to expel them out instead.
Drinking water throughout the day is known to decrease headaches and help keep energy levels stable. Many people swear by drinking a full glass of water before meals helps them keep their weight down. Slightly cool or room temperature is best and never drink water that has been sitting in a plastic bottle exposed to the sun, as the toxins in the plastic could have leached into the water. You can avoid this entirely by replacing your plastic water bottle with an eco-friendly, reusable stainless steel water bottle. Klean Kanteen offers reusable, lightweight, and risk free durable, ultra light stainless steel water bottles, canteens, and “sippy” cups. It helps to keep your water cool and clean tasting the whole day.
Your body actually LOVES water and needs it. So start your day every day with a fresh, clean glass of water and your body will love you for it.
Posted on February 12, 2008, 2:21 pm
While I totally agree with you on the importance of water I would say that we should be happy with most of the tap water available in North America. Fiji water might be slightly better for you but isn't an option for most North American's because of it's cost. I feel the sameway about organic produce. For me I am totally happy drinking good old tap water.
