An Issue of Hydration
Many experts claim that we, as a society, are chronically dehydrated. This notion seems strange here in Canada, where we boast the world’s largest supply of fresh water. Dehydration is not considered a significant issue here. However, each year thousands of people, primarily children and the elderly, require emergency treatment or hospitalization due to dehydration.
Little that could be considered hard empirical evidence exists in relation to chronic dehydration. It is difficult to judge its long-term effects at a cellular level. We know that water is integral to all bodily functions. We understand its significance in transporting nutrients to and waste away from our cells, its role in regulating body temperature, and its functions as catalyst for innumerable chemical reactions. We do not, however, have a real grasp of the stress endured by the body when basic requirements for water are not met, on an on-going basis, over the course of years.
Dehydration occurs when our bodies use more water than we take in. Many alternative healthcare practitioners claim that this simple deficit is at the heart of a host of common ailments that range from arthritis to heart disease and even cancer.
While evidence for these claims may be anecdotal, it is important to remember that each of us is individual and that, even under identical conditions and stresses, no two bodies will react in exactly the same way. Most smokers, for instance, do not develop lung cancer. But this does not negate the fact that smoking is the number one contributing factor in this disease.
Our current issue of Water 411 examines the importance of maintaining hydration from several perspectives. Pure water is truly our “life blood” and it is important to maintain the delicate balance that is our internal sea. So grab a glass of cold refreshing water, download Issue III of our newsletter and stay healthy and hydrated over the summer months ahead.
As always, if you have any comments, questions or stories that you would like to share, either leave a comment on this blog or send us an email at info@water411.ca.
Sincerely,
Elena Valentino
Editor Water 411.
Hydration / dehydration: Water for health and performance.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: Why you should drink more water.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics: Hydration: getting enough water
Welcome to Orthomolecular Medicine Online
The Side Road: Water and Weight Loss
Hydration/Dehydration: Ten Tips For Maintaining Proper Hydration