N E W S L E T T E R F R O M Y O U R H E A L T H P R O F E S S I O N A L FALL 2 0 0 8
Hydration
by Bruce Heath, DnC.
What’s so healthy about water?
It has no nutrients—no vitamins, no fiber, no protein. But, without it there would be no life at all. And yet, as plentiful as water is in North America, at least half of its inhabitants are to some extent— dehydrated!
Even mild dehydration can cause problems within the body. Less than 10% dehydration can slow metabolism and cause memory loss. With many of these symptoms: headaches, dizziness, fainting, dry skin, constipation, nausea, muscle cramps, seizures, sleeplessness, sunken eyes and fatigue. It can also exasperate existing physical and mental conditions.
One of the greatest contributing factors in keeping the body functioning optimally and resistant to diseases is to keep the body well-hydrated. Drinking sufficient water also helps our body rid itself of toxins and metabolic wastes.
At the cellular level, when a cell is dehydrated, it’s outer membrane collapses and doesn’t allow oxygen and other nutrients to enter the cell and metabolize properly. In addition, the waste products, non-metabolized nutrients and any amount of by-products from any metabolism that does occur, will not be flushed out and will accumulate as toxins. A potentially dangerous condition— and very inefficient. And when cells are not operating efficiently, neither will the body.
Medical studies and PhD research have shown that adequate hydration influences many chronic conditions. It has decreased the pains of rheumatoid arthritis, lower back pain and colitis. It has lowered LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. And, it is a significant factor in the aging process.
Among the aging, hydration has been found to be one of the primary links to arthritis, gastro-intestinal problems and senile dementia. To complicate the issue, the elderly don’t always know when they are thirsty. As we get older, we get used to the feeling of being dehydrated and think that it’s normal to feel that way. In actuality, the portion of the brain that receives signals from the senses loses its acuity and as a result “thirst signals” are greatly diminished.
With every breath we take, water is lost. The expellant, which is primarily carbon dioxide, has an actual moisture content of 100% humidity. We also lose water in the act of urination and through the pores in our skin. But don’t think because you can’t see any signs of perspiration, you are not perspiring and don’t need water.
Your body will tell you if you are nearing dehydration. Excessive thirst. Urinating less then normal. Feeling unwell. Dizziness. Nausea. Dry mouth. All could be symptoms of other problems as well— but could also indicate not enough water. One set of almost infallible symptoms that you are getting enough water is known as the 3 C’s, your urine will be colorless, clear and copious!
The water content of the body, about 50-60% of body weight, is distributed between the intracellular and extracellular areas. Approximately two thirds of this water is within the cells, and the remaining third is divided between interstitial space and the plasma. This water moves freely across cell boundaries with changes in tonicity occurring in one area inducing the transfer of fluids. This action continues until a new steady state of osmotic equilibrium is established.
The major and most serious effects of fluid depletion are in the circulation and renal functions. As fluid volume is diminished, blood pressure falls, heart rate rises, and a decrease in renal perfusion. This leads to oliguria, with an adult urine output of less than 400 mL/day and azotemia, insufficient filtering of nitrogenous compounds by the kidneys. With a more severe volume depletion, circulatory shock, caused by insufficient blood flow that deprives vital tissues and organs of oxygen and nutrients, becomes an immediate threat to survival.