of functions results in specific signs and symptoms. Water is necessary for all
chemical reactions in the body and to maintain normal health. Just as water
helps a seed grow into a tree, it also helps our body grow from birth to adulthood.
The flow of water inside and outside the cells generates energy. This energy is
stored in the body along with other chemical sources.
The energy generated by the water in the cells helps transmit impulses in the
nerves. It helps in the formation of a glue-like material that generates the solid
substances in the walls of the cells to be "stuck" to each other. It transports the
chemical substances produced by the brain that carry its messages to different
parts of the body. Just as there are lanes on a main road for different types of
vehicles, chemical substances of the brain are transported in the "water lanes"
along the length of the nerves. Water content in the body influences the
functions of the various proteins and enzymes that are dissolved in it.
Water helps maintain the moisture of the lining of the internal organs of the
body. It maintains normal volume and consistency of fluids such as blood
and lymph. It regulates body temperature. It removes "poisons" or "toxins"
from the body through urine, sweat and breathing. Water is essential for
regulating the normal structure and functions of the skin. The body loses
about four liters of water every day. It is therefore necessary to replenish this
volume by drinking at least the equivalent amount of water every day.
Inadequate intake of water can lead to dehydration.
The quantity of water required for the body functions depends on several factors
such as age, climate, season, physical activity, type of food consumed, amount
of condiments and spices used for cooking, the water content in the food, salt
intake, etc. Normally, our daily diet provides about two-thirds of the body's
requirement of water. Some health practitioners suggest that you drink about
eight to ten glasses of water every day to meet the remaining one-third of the
body's requirement. You also need to drink a lot of water when you are tired and
or are sweating profusely. One should avoid drinking water while eating food, as
digestion of the food is likely to be adversely affected. Water also dilutes the
digestive juices in the stomach, thus leading to indigestion. It is desirable that you
drink water on an empty stomach or three hours after food or one and half-hours
before food.
You need to "eat liquids and drink solids". This means that you need to take
water sip by sip, and "chew" it in the mouth in order to mix it with the saliva.
Avoid regular use of straws for drinking water and or fluids. It is better to drink
pure water to which no minerals are added. However, water from natural sources
may contain minerals that can be beneficial to the body in specific conditions due
to their reaction and affinity towards the mineral content in the food.
Cold water from natural sources is fit for drinking because of six main reasons: