Water: An Essential Nutrient

Water is one of our most needed and precious resources. We can’t live without it. Our bodies are made of about 70% water. It is involved in nearly every bodily function.

Quality water is beneficial for virtually all disorders known to humankind. Water flushes out our every day toxins. Without adequate water, we would poison ourselves with our own metabolic wastes. Water carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and is involved in the regulation of body temperature through perspiration.

Humans lose about 10 cups of water per day just living. We lose more if we are active. We can refill about 2 cups of water a day through fruits and vegetables. We still need to drink about 8 more cups per day to keep from being dehydrated. Studies have shown that we can be dehydrated and not feel thirsty.

A study done in 2002 which included 20,000 men and women part of the Adventist Health Study showed participants who consumed more than 5 glasses of water a day had a lower risk of heart attack then those who drank fewer than 2 glasses a day. This is due to blood being thicker in the ones who drank less water which leads to constricted blood vessels.

A 1.5% drop in the body’s water volume alters mood, energy levels and cognitive ability.

Water lubricates our joints, forms saliva for eating, cushions the brain, spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. It flushes body wastes and helps maintain blood pressure. It makes minerals and nutrients available and prevents kidney damage. We can’t live without enough water.

The Wellness Forum (Pam Popper)