Water

The Importance of Drinking Water:

Hydration is a fundamental cornerstone of health, and water is the most vital nutrient the body requires. Water serves as the

Water

primary medium for nearly all biological processes. It's essential for digestion, circulation, detoxification, and nutrient transport. Yet, in today’s world, the type of water we consume and the way we store it are just as important as how much we drink.

Water plays an essential role in preventing and treating chronic dehydration-related diseases. The human body often exhibits signs of dehydration long before thirst is felt. These signs can manifest as joint pain, digestive issues, and even mental fog. Water isn't just a drink—it's a communication tool for the body, ensuring all systems work harmoniously.

Why Pure, Clean Water Matters

The goal is to support the body's innate ability to heal and function optimally. Water serves as the transport system for vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to reach the cells, while also aiding in the elimination of toxins. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose water that is free of contaminants without undergoing excessive treatment, which can strip essential minerals.

Unlike alkaline or reverse osmosis water, which may alter the body’s natural mineral balance or remove beneficial electrolytes, drinking clean, filtered water (not excessively processed) supports the body’s homeostasis. Water from a natural source, filtered to remove harmful substances like chlorine, fluoride, and heavy metals, but retaining essential minerals, is ideal. These trace minerals—like magnesium, calcium, and potassium—are vital for cellular hydration, muscle function, and maintaining electrolyte balance.

The Right Kind of Water Bottle: Avoid Plastics

Not only should we focus on the quality of the water we drink, but also the vessels we store it in. Choosing the right bottle stresses avoiding environmental toxins, including the chemicals leached from plastic water bottles. Plastics, especially those containing BPA (bisphenol-A) or phthalates, can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances and potential long-term health risks. Even BPA-free plastics are not always a safe option, as studies suggest they may contain other harmful compounds.

Stainless steel and glass are the gold standards for safe water storage. Both materials are non-reactive, ensuring that no harmful chemicals leach into the water, especially if the bottle is exposed to heat or sunlight. Stainless steel bottles are durable, lightweight, and excellent for on-the-go hydration, while glass bottles offer a pure, clean-tasting experience.

When choosing a water bottle, consider these factors:

Stainless Steel: Look for bottles made from high-quality, food-grade stainless steel (18/8 or 304 grade). These bottles are resistant to rust, don’t retain flavors, and are easy to clean. Make sure they have a non-toxic liner (if applicable) and avoid any coatings that could degrade over time.
Glass: Glass bottles are the purest option as they do not contain any harmful chemicals or react with acidic or alkaline substances. Many glass bottles now come with silicone sleeves for added durability and protection from breakage.

Hydration as Prevention:

Hydration is viewed as a form of prevention. Many chronic conditions, such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, migraines, and even some cardiovascular diseases, are linked to insufficient water intake. Additionally, water aids in digestive function by preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements, which are critical for detoxification.

Proper hydration also supports the function of the lymphatic system, which is essential for immune health. Water helps keep the lymph fluid moving, allowing the body to filter out toxins, bacteria, and other waste products. Chronic dehydration can cause the lymphatic system to become sluggish, leading to a weakened immune response.

How Much Water Should We Drink?

Hydration needs vary depending on factors like age, activity level, climate, and diet. However, a general rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily. For instance, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should aim for at least 80 ounces of water. Keep in mind that you might need more water if you're physically active, live in a hot climate, or consume a diet high in dehydrating substances like caffeine and salt.

Listening to your body’s subtle signals of dehydration is critical. These may include dry skin, fatigue, headaches, or infrequent urination. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be slightly dehydrated. Staying ahead of these symptoms by consistently sipping water throughout the day can improve energy, focus, and overall vitality.

Water is an indispensable part of health, especially from a functional medicine standpoint, where prevention and optimal function are prioritized. Drinking pure, mineral-rich water from safe vessels like stainless steel or glass is key to supporting the body’s natural processes and preventing toxin exposure. Chronic dehydration can manifest in ways we might not expect, and regular hydration is a simple yet profound way to maintain our health. So, drink up—and choose wisely!

WATER QUICK TIPS

Next to oxygen, water is the most important substance for our bodies. Water is crucial for cellular health. Brain cells are 85% water, and other cells are 75% water. Our bodies are 25% solid matter and 75% water!

Your body gets energy from water
Many health problems are a consequence of dehydration
If you have a dry mouth, you are already dehydrated
Only pure water hydrates
Do not alter your water in any way other than to purify it
Do not drink alkalized, added mineral, vitamin enriching, or sweetened water. Avoid reverse osmosis
Only use glass or stainless-steel containers
Do not use aluminum or plastic containers
Medications, such as antihistamines, anti-inflammatory's, antacids, & pain medications shut down your body's thirst response
Drink one glass of water per cup of coffee, tea, alcohol, juice, & soda. These are diuretics and do not satisfy the need for water
Add a glass of water for every glass of all other beverages
Do not try to correct dehydration by over consuming
Put 1/4 tsp unrefined sea salt in one quart of water per day
Adequate hydration is fundamental for skin and brain health
Limit water to 4-6 oz during meals