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the more likely we are to have repeated incidences of infection. An increased intake of water and the proper immune enhancing nutrients‚ combined with a little patience and common sense are by far the best defense against most infections. Allowing our body to overcome minor infections with fever‚ fluids and rest increases our natural resistance and makes us less susceptible to these intruders in the future. Truly the best offense is a good "defense."

Pain medications and analgesic medicines also work in contrast to the way our body heals itself. In a very informative book called "Your Body‘s Many Cries For Water" (very highly recommended)‚ studies by medical experts explain how most of the pain sensations we experience are the result of moderate or acute dehydration.

Headaches... Our brain is over 75% water and when it detects a shortage of available fluids it implements a water rationing process by producing histamines‚ causing pain and fatigue. This natural process is meant to slow us down and conserve water. Histamines are released as a warning signal that something is wrong. When we take antihistamines or analgesic medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen we simply turn off the signal and often allow the problem to progress. Two cups of water and a 20 minute break will overcome most common headaches.

Back pain is often the result of a deficiency in body fluid levels. The discs in our back are really little hydraulic shock absorbers. These discs are made up of an outer shell‚ filled with fluid‚ primarily water. A properly hydrated disk creates a cushion that absorbs the shock of physical activity and supports the weight of the upper body. These discs are self hydrating as long as there are adequate fluid levels and regular movement. Movement that compresses and releases pressure on the disc creates a suction that allows water to be pulled inside the disc‚ keeping it fully hydrated. When a disc is fully hydrated‚ the shell of the disc supports 25% of the weight load and the fluid supports 75%. When these discs become dehydrated‚ the shell has to support a larger portion of the load causing pain‚ swelling and can possibly lead to more serious problems.

Passive activities like standing or sitting at a desk without regular movement‚ allow constant pressure on the discs which slowly forces water out. Without sufficient fluid levels‚ the pressure on the disc increases and results in pain and stiffness. Simply by maintaining a constant and adequate intake of water combined with regular movement such as bending forward and backwards with your head and upper body allowing the discs to hydrate‚ you can prevent and stop most minor back and neck pain. Try it‚ you‘ll be amazed how easy and effective these natural solutions are.

Hypertension is very often a result of the body adjusting to blood volume loss. The most common cause of lower blood volume is dehydration. Since our blood is more than 83% water its total volume is heavily affected by the level of available water in our body. When the body detects a loss of blood volume‚ it closes off less active capillary beds in order to maintain proper blood flow to the more active areas. These vessel closings cause a rise in tension inside the muscle mass which we‘ve come to know as "hypertension." More water allows proper blood volumes and less tension.

Arthritis pain and stiffness is now understood to be initially a result of increased friction and swelling in the bone joints. Water is what our body uses to lubricate these joints. When our water levels are reduced there is increased friction between the cartilage surfaces resulting in swelling‚ stiffness and pain. The movement of the joints causes a suction that pulls water from the bone marrow to the joint cavity if there is available water. An increased intake of water and gentle rhythmic movements of the joints can ease‚ and in many cases‚ overcome minor arthritic pain. A more detailed explanation of this natural treatment can be studied in "The Body‘s Many Cries For Water" or a recent publication by three very highly respected medical doctors called "The Water We Drink."

Asthma‚ which affects over 12 million children in North America alone and causes the deaths of several thousand each year‚ is a direct result of increased histamine production. Dehydration initiates exaggerated histamine production as a water regulating control. It is well known that asthmatics have excessive levels of histamines in their lung tissue causing constriction of the bronchial passages and increased mucus build up. Water is used in the lungs to keep the tissue moist‚ but each time we exhale‚ we expel moisture from our lungs. Under normal hydrated conditions the moisture is rapidly replaced. If we are in a dehydrated state then the tissue inside the lungs begins to coat with mucus to prevent drying. It has been demonstrated in many animal studies that an increase in water intake will reduce histamine levels and over a 2 to 3 week period restore normal hydration to lung tissue and reduce mucus build up. Once this occurs‚ the bronchial passages begin to open and normal breathing is restored. The same histamine related effects apply to allergies‚ and again‚ significant benefits can result from an increased intake of healthy water.

Morning sickness‚ something thought of as normal‚ is a direct result of dehydration. The fetus lives in a world of water which the body prioritizes above all other needs. Throughout the night‚ which is the longest period without water intake‚ the uterus draws water from the mothers system to maintain its internal fluid levels and those of the fetus. In the morning the mother awakens in a state of dehydration‚ nausea‚ and fatigue‚ hence the term "morning sickness."

A common hang-over produces the same symptoms and has essentially the same cause‚ dehydration... only with a much less noble purpose. Alcohol is a very strong diuretic and causes the body to excrete water‚ often leading to advanced dehydration. Both of these common ailments can be prevented by drinking plenty of water before and throughout the night.

"While water is not an absolute cure-all‚ we must recognize it as the base and primary ingredient to every preventive and healing process inside our body. We are truly a magnificent creation capable of preventing and curing even the worst of disease and illness. Understanding how our body works is the first step towards achieving optimum health. Once we have this understanding‚ our actions begin to work in harmony with our body‘s natural instincts‚ creating the perfect internal environment."
- Charles Strand‚ Water Quality Specialist/ Editor