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Water By Sarah Tewhey No one underestimates the importance of water as one of the most important and essential nutrients for the body. Deficiencies of other nutrients can take weeks or even years to produce severe complications, however a human can survive only a few days without water. We all know by now that water makes up a significant portion of the body. Water along with minerals are responsible for keeping the fluids of the body distributed properly and for maintaining the very delicate state of fluid homeostasis that our bodies rely upon for proper functioning. Water helps to transport nutrients and rids the body of wastes. The solvent that allows many minerals, vitamins, sugars and other molecules to dissolve and be absorbed is water. As a lubricant it keeps our spinal column and joints protected from harm. Water keeps blood volume stable, helps to maintain molecular structure and helps to regulate body temperature through sweat. Without water our bodies simply wouldn't work. (Noss Whitney 367) Depending on physical activity, diet and environment an adult needs anywhere from two to three liters of water a day. Most of the water we need comes from food. Beverages including milk and most fruits and vegetables are over 70% water. Pastas, legumes and chicken contain about 60% water. Even foods such as breads are 30% water. The only foods containing no water at all are the oils. Whenever eating or drinking we are taking in a significant amount of water. (Noss Whitney 368) Unless you're lucky enough to have a well, the water coming from your tap is mostly likely what is know as surface water. Surface water comes from places such as lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Industrial run-off, pesticides, bacteria, parasites and other pollutants very easily contaminate surface water. In an effort to clean the water communities will add a host of chemicals including chlorine. Chlorine destroys vitamin E in the body and has been linked in only small quantities to certain cancers. While the addition of chlorine does kill bacteria it has no effect on small parasites such as giardia that can be life threatening to individuals with compromised immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS. (Balch 36) Another additive to public drinking water is sodium fluoride, which has been reported to help the formation of strong bones and teeth. Depending on which sources of information you choose fluoridation of water does seem to be decreasing tooth decay. The questionable ethics involved in giving a blanket nutritional supplement to all individuals regardless of their age, diet or personal histories and without their consent is however a valid debate. (Canton) There is some speculation that fluoride may cause damage to the thyroid causing weight gain and may also create turmoil in the immune system. (Pitchford 124) Drinking plain water provides a sense of well being that foods and other fluids can sometimes not provide. Pollution and poor quality plague the water supply in most major cities. With a third of all community water now failing the guidelines stated by the Environmental Protection Agency, (Balch 36) it is up to individuals to educate themselves on options for safe drinking water. Our lives depend on it. Balch, Phyllis, and Balch, James. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. 3rd ed. New York: Avery, 2000. Canton, New York, stops fluoridation-spurred by college faculty, staff and students. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, June 2003 p25. Noss-Whitney, Eleanor, and Rady Rolfes, Sharon. Understanding Nutrition. 8th ed. Blemont, California, Wadsworth Publishing Company, 1999. Pitchfod, Paul. Healing with Whole Foods. 3rd ed. Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 2002. copyright 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------ Sarah Tewhey is a student and teacher of Yoga, Ayurveda and the healing arts. She completed two years of study with Dr. Vasant Lad at The Ayurvedic Institute and a B.S. at Lesley University in Mind/Body Studies with a specialization in the female healing process and its relationship to modern medicine. Sarah is currently a student in the Masters program at Southwest Acupuncture College in Albuquerque. Sarah can be contacted at: sarah@ayurlight.com |
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