Our very lives depend on water. Our bodies are 75% water and our brains 85% water (this aids to cushion the brain from contact with the skull). Our cells are 75% to 90% water. We certainly can’t get along without that abundant liquid, water. There are several reasons why this is true.

First, water is called the universal solvent and most of the body’s chemical reactions take place in solution. Second, water permits blood to flow through the arteries and veins. It keeps blood runny. Third, water has a great heat capacity and this allows it to both store heat when we are cold, and lose heat through evaporation when we are not. Sweating not only cools the body but also helps cleanse impurities and waste.

Though we need water, we are also constantly losing it. The body loses water three ways. First, we lose water when we pass urine. Though most of the 45 to 50 gallons of fluid the kidneys process each day is returned to the body, the kidneys still produce more than a quart of urine per day. Since urine is 95% water, we must replenish that water other ways. The body also loses water by perspiration and defecation.

We repeat, this lose means water must be replaced. We should each drink eight to ten glasses or two quarts of water daily. If we neglect this, we will soon become dehydrated. It is estimated that up to 75% of Americans are dehydrated. If it is not treated quickly, dehydration can be fatal.

Diarrhea and/or vomiting are common causes of dehydration. During such times we may not be able to keep anything down. However, as soon as possible, start to replace the lost water. Often the young and old are most vulnerable to dehydration. The old are included because they lose the sense of thirst they had when they were younger. When a person loses so many liquids that they lose 1% of their body weight, they are considered to be severely dehydrated.

How can you tell if you are dehydrated? First, dehydration is often accompanied with only small amounts of dark urine. A person who is dehydrated might also notice their body temperature rise. They might also experience extreme thirst, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and confusion. A lack of tears or sunken eyes may also indicate this problem.

Here is a simple test to see if you are dehydrated. Pinch your skin, then let go. It should return to normal position quickly if you are not dehydrated. If in doubt, drink a glass of water. People who drink sufficient pure water have the added benefit of rarely developing kidney stones.

Low blood pressure, convulsions, loss of consciousness, inelasticity of the skin, severe cramping of the arms, legs, stomach, and back, heart failure, sunken eyes, and deep, rapid breathing are all evidence of severe dehydration. In such cases, not only the water needs to be replaced, but also the salt and glucose.

Of course, it is important to drink healthy water. Be sure your water supply is pure. In summary, be sure you are drinking sufficient pure water each day. Two quarts a day can do a lot in keeping the doctor away.

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