top of page
of the other well-known preventive measures which include not smoking, lowering cholesterol levels, increasing exercise and maintaining an ideal weight. Indeed, the benefits of drinking plain water surpasses that of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol and taking aspirin with none of the adverse side effects (social and physiological). Drinking more plain water, they note, is a simple lifestyle change that anyone can do, and has the potential to save tens of thousands of lives each year with minimal cost.




How Much?

      How much water is recommended? The study showed that men who drank 3 to 4 glasses of water daily had a 40 percent reduction in risk of coronary heart disease, while women who drank the same number had a 43 percent risk reduction after taking into account other risk factors. Men who drank 5 or more glasses a day

showed a 62 percent reduction in risk, while females who drank the same amount of water had a 39 percent reduction, after accounting for other risk factors.

     It is recommended that we begin the day with a glass or two of water. When we wake up in the morning our bodies are most dehydrated. Coffee and even orange juice can cause at least a temporary increase in blood viscosity at a time when the blood is most viscose. Combat this by beginning each day with water, and continuing throughout the day, but not at mealtime. For men, 6 to 12 eight-ounce glasses are recommended daily, while 4 to 9 eight-ounce glasses are suggested for women. (The study was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 155, no.9).

F. Batmanghelidj, MD.,(Dr. B.), writing in Your Body's Many Cries for Water, cites this information:

   * Brain tissue is 85 percent water and receives 18-20 percent of blood circulation. Where there is a water shortage, the brain rations it to each organ in the body. Water is used constantly for every brain activity, including the processing of information and the transmission

of messages through the nerve endings.

   * The digestive system (mouth, stomach, intestine, liver, kidneys,

etc.) requires large amounts of water. Every organ in the body (heart, lungs, glands, skin, etc.) requires adequate water in order to function effectively. Every cell in the body needs water for cell structure and metabolism, including the generation of hydroelectric energy. We need proper hydration. A good daily intake of water helps to prevent disease.

    * Chronic pain, including headaches and muscle pains, are usually a strong signal of thirst. Pain is often relieved quickly with a good drink of water. Dyspeptic pain is a sign of dehydration and is a most important signal in the human body. This pain includes gastritis, duodenitis and heartburn. Water corrects the problem. With water alone he has successfully treated over 3,000 persons with dyspeptic pain.

   * Arthritis sufferers are finding blessed relief simply by increasing their water intake. Dr. B. notes that water acts as a lubricating agent to the joints in the hips, knees, wrists, fingers, toes, elbows and shoulders, and when they're dehydrated, pain sets in. "In well-hydrated cartilage (the smooth, rubbery, blue-white substance that covers the ends of the bones), the friction damage is minimal. In a dehydrated cartilage,

bottom of page