In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled “Take Back Your Life”, we discussed what could be considered the four wheels of the human wellness vehicle. We discussed the importance of proper cell function, the necessity of having and maintaining a balanced endocrine system, and the role of vitamins and minerals, including certain trace minerals as they relate to wellness, and the value of antioxidants. When considering how many wheels we want on our car for the next road trip, we agree that it would be counterproductive to have less than four. The same is true, figuratively speaking, with regard to the human body. We need four wheels or elements to continually move toward our destination of wellness. We would, most likely, also agree that family car would do well to have a spare wheel and tire in the back to be properly prepared for our next sojourn. Our bodies likewise need a fifth wheel or fifth element to help out on our journey to optimal health. That element is water.
Water is essential for life. Plant and animal cells are dependent on water to conduct their life processes. Water, next to air, is the most important thing we put into our bodies. Water is a natural solvent that carries to and removes waste products from the cells of our bodies. The quality of water we consume therefore is a very important aspect of our journey toward wellness. Water that is properly filtered and enhanced can reduce lactic acid levels, increase the blood’s ability to absorb oxygen, and contribute to longer life spans and a higher quality of life. Most people overlook or underemphasize this single most important element of their health program. There are only 3 things that our bodies use and need that contribute to our state of good health. Those things are the air we breathe, the food and food supplements we eat, and the water we drink. The cleaner, purer, and higher the quality of each of these that we get on a daily basis, the better for our health and well being. No matter what the specific health or fitness goal, we cannot achieve the maximum benefit for any health program without drinking the right kind of water in the proper amount. All experts agree, that next to the air we breathe, water is the most important thing we will ever put into our bodies. Medical researchers report that there is virtually no function or reaction in the body that can take place without the presence of water. Approximately 75% of our body weight is water and water makes up over 80% of our brain and 90% of our blood. Water is the truly the oil of the human machine. Since water is an integral part of every thing the body does, there is enough evidence to indicate that insufficient hydration of the body can , in itself, lead to or exacerbate specific health conditions and illnesses.
It is a mistake to assume that just because we expect it, that all water coming out of a potable tap is good for you or is as good as it can get. All drinkable water is not the same quality nor has all tap water been purged of dangerous contaminants. Almost the same things are true of bottled water. Just because it looks crystal clear doesn’t mean that it is good water nor does it mean that it is good for you. Every thing from its container to the source and handling of bottled water must be considered suspect with regard to its quality. Tap water may contain trace to dangerous levels of nitrates, pesticides, heavy metals, radioactive compounds, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals and parasites coming from its local municipal water supply. Bottled water may contain contaminants leached from its container or other toxins not removed during the production process. The toxins and free radicals in these waters are made significantly more toxic to us by the addition of chlorine. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant used in virtually all public water supplies in this country. It is believed that individuals who drink and bath in chlorinated waters have a greater likelihood of getting cancer in their lifetimes. Contaminants in our drinking water, such as heavy metals, organics, nitrates, radioactive nuclides, trihalomethanes, etc., and free radicals like chlorine and chloramine, accelerate the aging process and can contribute to various diseases. The current thinking is that once contaminants have been removed, all water provides the body with the same benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth.
There are many benefits to be gained from drinking healthful water. Drinking adequate good water helps to body absorb and assimilate nutrients in the blood stream and internal organs. Proper hydration helps the body resist the formation of kidney stones, urinary infections, and constipation. Water also accelerates the excretion of toxins and wastes from the body. Sufficient clean water helps reduce the risk of developing certain cancers like colon, breast, bladder and kidney. Drinking water before meals helps with weight loss and weight control since it aids digestion and reduces cravings. Water lubricates joints and muscles, reduces inflammation, aids in the recovery of injuries and decreases the risk of certain types of physical injuries such as sprains and pulls. Water boosts mental performance. As little as 2% dehydration can lead to significant short term memory loss.
Water that contributes to wellness must be pure and enhanced. It must also contribute to a faster rate of hydration, contain negative ions, have higher solubility, contain specific beneficial trace elements like silica and be naturally antibacterial and antifungal, and should meet or exceed accepted water treatment standards. The way that nature enhances water – snow melting into a waterfall, gathering oxygen and negative ions as it rapidly plummets down the magnesium and silica rich mountainside, sliding over foliage that is filled with antioxidants, as it cascades into a pond below – is healthful water. Water like this, existing in the local environment of native populations contributes, it is believed, to life spans of well over 100 years. It is further thought that three factors contribute to this increased quality of life and longevity. The lower surface tension of the enhanced water, together with the elevated concentration of certain soluble minerals like silica and magnesium, along with the addition of naturally occurring reduced ions are believed to be the beneficial life prolonging elements of enhanced water.
Enhanced water increases hydration and assimilation rates, increases solubility, increases the stability of electrolytes, introduces specific and beneficial trace elements, and adds an antioxidant effect. In recent studies, enhanced water has been found to aid the body in fighting such conditions as arthritis, circulatory disorders, kidney disorders, and diabetes. Documented reports of similar effects on these and other health conditions responding to the benefits of enhanced water have demonstrated that improved health and performance can be gained from this kind of wellness intervention. Enhanced water’s apparent ability, it is believed, to stabilize and balance electrolytes, resist the deposition of minerals, accelerate detoxification of waste byproducts and free radical production, may improve normal body functions to such an extent at the cellular level, that the aging process is slowed.
On average, 70% of the water we drink is consumed away from home. The best way to make sure that you have plenty of pure and enhanced water on hand to drink is to have your own personal water filtration and enhancement system with you at all times. This would make it convenient for you to get the benefit of the reduction of contaminants including offensive tastes, orders, chlorine, silt, sand and sediments, industrial volatile organic compounds, as well as the addition of enhanced water minerals which your body can use to its advantage. Fortunately there is a technology that is able to bring this service into reality for all of us today. Take advantage of it! And remember to move your body, eat well, supplement wisely, drink plenty of pure, enhanced water, and Take Back Your Life!
