Preventing Dehydration
The
Impact of Dehydration
1.
Fatigue, Energy Loss:
Dehydration
of the tissues causes enzymatic activity to slow down.
2.
Premature Aging:
The
body of a newborn child is composed of 80 percent liquid, but this percentage
declines to no more than 70 percent in an adult and continues to decline with
age.
3.
Excess Weight and Obesity:
We
may overeat because we crave foods rich in water. Thirst is often confused with
hunger.
4.
High and Low Blood Pressure:
The
body’s blood volume is not enough to completely fill the entire set of
arteries, veins, and capillaries.
5.
Cholesterol:
When
dehydration causes too much liquid to be drained from inside the cells, the
body tries to stop this loss by producing more cholesterol.
6.
Constipation:
When
chewed food enters the colon, it contains too much liquid to allow stools to
form properly, and the wall of the colon reduces it. In chronic dehydration,
the colon takes too much water to give to other parts of the body.
7.
Digestive Disorders:
In
chronic dehydration, the secretion of digestive juices is less.
8.
Gastritis, Stomach Ulcers:
To
protect its mucous membranes from being destroyed by the acidic digestive fluid
it produces, the stomach secretes a layer of mucus.
9.
Respiratory Troubles:
The
mucous membranes of the respiratory region are slightly moist to protect the
respiratory tract from substances that might be present in inhaled air.
10.
Acid-Alkaline Imbalance:
Dehydration
activates an enzymatic slowdown producing acidification.
11.
Eczema:
Your
body needs enough moisture to sweat 20 to 24 ounces of water, the amount
necessary to dilute toxins so they do not irritate the skin.
12.
Cystitis, Urinary Infections:
If
toxins contained in urine are insufficiently diluted, they attack the urinary
mucous membranes.
13.
Rheumatism:
Dehydration
abnormally increases the concentration of toxins in the blood and cellular
fluids, and the pains increase in proportion to the concentration of the
toxins.
Drinking Water Alone Is Not Sufficient
In Preventing Dehydration
Another
important aspect of staying properly hydrated is to keep your Electrolyte Levels
balanced, by replacing minerals lost during excessive perspiring, fever and bouts of diarrhea. (Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium etc.).
Electrolyte
deficiencies combined with dehydration show up in symptoms and signs like
these:
·
Thirsty
all the time
·
Restless
or irritable feelings
·
Decreased
skin resilience (rashes, uneven, or patchy skin)
·
Dry
mucous membranes (dry eyes, or mouth, sore joints)
·
Sunken
eyes and difficulty producing tears
"When you are hungry, eat. When you are thirsty, drink, and when you are tired, sleep."
Buddhist Proverb
Adapted from The Water Prescription, by Christopher Vasey, N.D.
(Inner Traditions 2006). Copyright (c) 2006 by Christopher Vasey.
Disclaimer:
The information on this Web site is designed for educational
purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care.
