Water: The Foundation of a Healthy Body
The human body is a machine designed to run on water and minerals. The body is about 72% water and water is vitally important for every important bodily function. The bottom line is that without water, your body doesn't work, and the quality of the water you consume can have a dramatic impact on your health.
A Crucial Element to Good Health
The human body has tremendous healing abilities and water is a major component. With proper nourishment and hydration, the body instinctively strives to be young and healthy, working to repair and rebuild bone, regenerate and replace tissue, and attack hostile organisms. In each of these miraculous processes there is one common factor – water.
How Hydration Affects Your Brain and Mental Health
The brain consists of over 75% water and controls nearly every one of the body's processes by sending and receiving electrical signals through the nervous system. [1] Tiny messengers called “transporter proteins” travel at the speed of light to carry life giving messages to every cell and organ. Like any communication network, the purity of the carrier affects the speed and clarity of the signal. If the fluid, mostly water, inside of nerves is laced with traces of chemicals or toxic metals, the result is a delayed and distorted signal. Many experts believe signal distortion is linked to nervous system disorders like ADD, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's, and mood imbalance. [2]
How Hydration Affects Energy Levels
Water consumption directly affects energy levels. Just a 5% drop in body fluids can cause a 30% reduction in energy; the concern is not uncommon. By some estimates, two-thirds of the population suffers from some degree of chronic hydration. Rather than drink more water, many people turn to stimulants like caffeine and sugar to artificially boost their energy, quickly leading to a downward spiral. Caffeine and sugar are diuretics and cause your body to lose water, resulting in a further loss of energy and a dependency on artificial energy.
Water for Detoxing
The body’s detoxification system is a major component to good health and relies heavily on adequate hydration. Filtering and flushing out toxins is very water intensive. It's just another one of the reasons that staying hydrated has a tremendous impact on health.
How Much Water Do We Need?
We’ve all heard that eight glasses of water each day is an absolute minimum for the body to maintain basic functions. Every time you exhale, blink an eye, or make a movement, water is used. Even the beating of your heart requires water. Keep in mind that eight glasses is the minimum and one half your body weight in ounces is a better measuring stick (for example, if you weigh 180 pounds, drink 90 ounces of water per day).
How to Make Dr. Group, DC's Toxin-Free "Super Water"
A lot of public drinking water systems have contaminants you're better off avoiding; drinking purified or distilled water is key. To add a boost to your water, or if you're drinking distilled water and want to add back some of the minerals lost during the distillation process, try the following recipe.
- One gallon distilled or purified water, preferably stored or purchased in a glass container.
- Add two to three tablespoons of raw, organic apple cider vinegar. If the taste is too strong, reduce to one tablespoon.
- Optional: Add the juice of one half organic lemon and 1-2 ounces organic aloe vera per gallon of water.
References (2)
- The Water Information Program. Water Facts. The Water Information Program.
- Shaun K. Riebl, MS, RD, PhD and Brenda M. Davy, PhD, RD, FACSM. The Hydration Equation: Update on Water Balance and Cognitive Performance. ACSMs Health Fit J. 2013 November/December; 17(6): 21-28. doi: 10.1249/FIT.0b013e3182a9570f.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
