Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Doctor Water

A continuous supply of water is needed for all living things. Man can live up to six weeks without food but only a few days without water. Every cell of the body needs water. Water makes up about 70 percent of our total body weight. "In health and in sickness, pure water is one of heaven’s choicest blessings. Its proper use promotes health. It is the beverage which God provided to quench the thirst of animals and man. Drunk freely, it helps to supply the necessities of the system and assists nature to resist disease.” E.G. White, Ministry of Healing, page 237.

The body's water requirements
The body purifies and recycles most of the 40,000 glasses of water that it requires each day. Approximately 10 glasses of water are lost through the urine, through the breath, perspiration, and in the stool.
The body also takes in water each day, about three glasses through food and 1 1/2 glasses through the body’s metabolism. This leaves a net loss of about 5 1/2 glasses of water that must be replaced each day. However any of the following conditions increase the daily water requirements:

· High fever, hard physical work, or any other activity that increases body sweating.
· Illnesses such as the common cold, which results in increased upper respiratory tract secretions.
· Dry air (either as very hot desert air or very cold winter air).
· Vomiting or diarrhea.
· Nursing mothers (breast milk production).
· High protein diet, high salt or sugar intake, and vitamin/or mineral supplements--all these increase the work of the kidneys in handling wastes.

The body requires at least one-third more water than thirst indicates. The following routine will help meet the body's water needs. Drink 2 glasses (1/2 liter) of water upon arising, 2-3 glasses (½ to 1 liter) mid morning and 2-3 glasses (½ to 1 liter) mid afternoon. Drink enough water to keep the urine pale. Remember that conditions resulting in increased water loss will need to be balanced by increased water intake.

Internal uses of water
The body prefers slightly warm to cool water. Very cold water shuts down the digestion (if taken at mealtime) and diminishes the body’s thirst signals. The best time to drink water is between meals. Avoid drinking water within 15 minutes before a meal and for 1-2 hours after mealtime. Drinking with meals dilutes the enzymes (that digest the food) and delays digestion.

If the body lacks water, the bloodstream becomes sluggish and the entire body suffers.

· Water is essential for efficient circulation of the blood, which is 90% water. The bloodstream carries oxygen and nutrients to every body cell and transports the cell’s waste products to the kidneys, lungs, and skin for removal. The bloodstream transports the “soldiers” (white blood cells) that fight disease-causing germs in the body.
· Water is necessary for saliva production in the mouth.
· Water is needed for the eyes to produce tears.
· Water keeps the body temperature within a healthy range. It helps to bring down fever.
· Water lubricates the joints and muscles.
· Water helps prevent and relieve body fatigue and exhaustion.
· Water helps prevent and relieve mental fatigue. This is not surprising as the brain is 85% water. Many headaches can be relieved by drinking 1 glass of water every 10 minutes for 1 hour.
External uses of water
“The external application of water is one of the easiest and most satisfactory ways of regulating the circulation of the blood.” E.G. White, Ministry of Healing, page 237.

Water treatments
There are many ways in which water can be applied to relieve pain and check disease. All should become intelligent in its use in simple home treatments. ” E.G. White, Ministry of Healing, page 237.