In today’s newsletter, we are going to tackle the second most important need of our body, water.
Water is essential to the human body as our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water
and our brain approximately 75% water depending on your age and activity level.
Below is a list of the body systems that are dependent on water to function properly:
- Hydration & fluid balance:
• Drinking water replenishes what is lost through activities
such as sweating, urination and breathing.
• Cell osmosis: water moves in & out of the cells to
regulate solutes such as electrolytes.
• Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride,
are essential for maintaining the fluid balance of the body.
• Blood pressure regulation – drinking water restores
the blood volume and maintains normal blood pressure.
- Water aids in the digestion process. Water is the primary component of saliva which facilitates the breakdown of food and the absorption
of nutrients. - Water regulates the body’s temperature through sweating and breathing.
- Water releases toxins through urine and sweat.
- Drinking water helps to control appetite as dehydration triggers food cravings.
- Water improves cognitive function – Proper hydration is essential for optimal brain function and concentration:
• Just as in other parts of the body water is necessary for brain cells, brain tissue,and the movement of electrolytes.
• Water is the major component of the cerebrospinal fluid which surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
• Water is also involved in the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier which is a semi-permeable barrier that separates the
bloodstream from the brain tissue. - Enhances physical performance as dehydration causes fatigue symptoms and exhaustion.
Water is an integral part of our constitution and Dr. Batmanghelidj proposed a fascinating reason for this relationship in his book “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water: You’re not Sick; You’re Thirsty”.
One theory of evolution postulates that all life began in the ocean as simple organic compounds such as sugars and amino acids and over billions of years these compounds formed into fish which in turn gave rise to reptiles and eventually mammals. Mammals further evolved into humans. If this topic is of interest to you I highly recommend the Netflix documentary “Our Planet” as it goes deep into how the earth and all on it has evolved over billions of years.
Dr. Batmangheldj believes the transition from water to land during evolution was initially very challenging and it has left us with a lasting built-in stress response. Our bodies depend on water and if we don’t ensure proper hydration the body will trigger a physiological reaction. Dr. Batmangheldj believes this response is behind much of the body’s pain sensations such as headaches, back aches, neck pain and even rheumatoid arthritis pain. I found his book to be an interesting read into a topic that many of us take for granted as it flows freely from every tap in our house.
Next time you feel the pain of a headache or backache, perhaps skip the Advil and treat yourself to a refreshing glass of H2O.
Thank you for reading. With warmest wishes, Your WILDFIT coach.
miaqueen
April 22, 2021It’s a great pleasure reading your post!
cmsmasters
April 22, 2021Thanks.