Health tip of the Month:
Hydration and your Health

by Paul Jensen

Adequate hydration is essential for optimal functioning of the human body's many systems, and for the prevention of disease. The body is composed of about 75% water and the brain is approximately 85% water (1). Such high percentages give you an idea of how vital water is to your body. A mere 10-20% loss of our body's water would be fatal (3)! Chronic dehydration has been linked to many problems and disease processes in the body. It has been suggested that heartburn, rheumatoid pain, back pain, anginal pain, headaches and leg pain while walking are all potential symptoms of dehydration, and are often alleviated by proper hydration (1). Water is also critical for optimal digestion, elimination, detoxification, and the ability to perform physical work. If the body is not adequately hydrated, our ability to regulate our body temperature is disrupted, which leads to early onset of fatigue, loss of motor control and increased chance of injury.

Unfortunately, fruit juices, soda beverages, alcohol, tea, and a large number of chemical concoctions are being heavily marketed as healthy thirst quenchers in place of water. Most of these drinks, in reality, can dehydrate the body and decrease performance. Dehydration occurs because many sodas, sport drinks, and juices are loaded with sugar. When these drinks are consumed, the body takes water from your muscles (where most of the water is in your body) to break down the sugar in your stomach-thus dehydrating the muscles (2).

The brain, which accounts for only one-fiftieth of one's body weight, receives 20% of the available blood-flow circulating in the body (1). This is significant because, as one's level of hydration in the central nervous system drops even 1%, there is a noticeable loss of brain function (1). It has been suggested that drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of clean water per day, with a pinch of unprocessed sea salt per liter/quart from a reputable company (watch for high mercury content), is optimal to maintain proper hydration (1,3). The salt helps you retain the water and stay hydrated. I have had great success with my clients and myself by following this tip. The noticeable improvements I have observed include increased energy levels, decreased hunger pangs, and improvement in complexion.

References

1. F. Batmanghelidj, Your Body's Many Cries for Water: You're Not Sick, You Are Thristy! (Vienna, VA: Global Health Solutions, 1992, 1995, 1997).

2. Flatten Your Abs Forever Lecture: Secrets of Abdominal Training by Paul Chek , video (C.H.E.K Institute Production, 2001).

3. William Wolcott and Trish Fahey, The Metabolic Typing Diet (New York: Doubleday, 2000).

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