HOLISTIC APPROACH to drinKING Water part 1

Today I would like to take the time to speak about drinking more water. That's right #water. Let's look at some of the benefits of drinking water.

1. It lubricates the joints. Cartilage and disks contain about 80% water. As age progresses loss of disc height is some of the main reasons why grandma/grandpa lose their height with age. It also helps to reduce joint pain which can lead to chronic use of pain medication and/or surgery.

a. Holistic approach – If you have joint pain try increasing your water intake by a measurable amount. Let’s say you decide to drink less juice, soda while increasing water intake by 6 cups per day. After 1 week, reassess your joint pain. If it is reduced, then maybe the joint pain was an indicator of the need for water.

b. Holistic approach x 2 – In research, there is evidence that inflammation tends to be a factor for all diseases and sickness. Meaning that the heart disease, lung disease, arthritis started as inflammation first. By reducing inflammation you can eliminate toxins and irritants that helps the body maintain a greater balance. Drinking water helps to keep the doctor away.

c. Holistic approach x 3 - Reducing dependence on pain medication/joint pain medication as a direct result of drink water. Here are the common medications (but not limited to this list) which includes the following: Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen,

2. It forms saliva and mucus. This helps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. Keeps the mouth clean and thereby reduce tooth decay.

a. Holistic approach x 3 - Drinking less soda, juice, sugary drinks is better for the teeth. Drinking more water is even better as it would be a net loss of sugar remaining on the teeth which will decrease tooth decay.

3. It delivers oxygen throughout the body. Blood is 90% water. Having oxygenated blood through your body is essential for life and maintenance of energy. If you are easily fatigued, then there may be a chance that your body is a bit too dehydrated.

a. Holistic approach x 4 – Are you more fatigued than normal? Yes or No. On a scale of 1-10, how fatigue do you feel today? On a normal day how fatigue do you feel on a scale of 1-10? Do you feel you are in good health? Yes/No. If you do not feel like you are in good health and your energy levels are low. Try drinking water for a measurable amount like 6 cups over 1-2 weeks. Then reassess. You can also add a little salt into your water to better retain the water. Sometimes fatigue can be due to lower than normal electrolytes. Check with your MD if adding salt is good , if there are concerns for blood pressure.

4. It boosts skin health and beauty. Your skin is an organ that needs taking into consideration if your goals is to maximize the quality of your health. Not only maintaining a youthful look water can protect your body from sickness/disease.

a. Holistic approach x 5 – Typically speaking as your internal health improves your external health improves. Improving diet levels, exercise, drinking water and moisturizing your skin can make a tremendous change to skin health. Skin protects your internal structures and can reduce your risk for sickness.

b. Holistic approach x 6 – Stop being so anal about germs and bacteria. There are healthy bacteria on our skin that helps to maintain our homeostatic balance. Taking a quick shower and refraining from excessive scrubbing of our skin would be helpful.

5. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and sensitive tissues. It helps with the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Chronic dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.

a. Holistic approach x 7 – It is amazing how many clients that I speak with will say things like I am tired. I do not have the energy. I cannot think clearly. I think I have early signs of dementia. Usually when I am “out of it” my natural disposition is to reassess the basic pillars of my day for good health. Sleep health, Eating and Drinking health, having good relationships with friends and family etc. etc.

This is part 1 of a series on the benefits of drinking water. Please share with this community your water journey and the benefits that you may be noticing over the course of the day and week.