“The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe (if less obviously immediate) as any wartime crisis we have ever faced. Our survival is just as much at stake as it was at the time of Pearl Harbor, or the Argonne, or Gettysburg, or Saratoga.”  Jim Wright

What are some of the signs that you are not drinking enough water?

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water.  (Psa. 63:1; NLT)

The last couple of DGs have been about drinking water.  On Monday I wrote about the importance of water, and then Wednesday about why people don’t drink water.  The question before us today is logically, what is the downside or the ramifications of not drinking enough water.

First just realize that one thing — water is the main lubricant for the joint spaces. So it’s going to help prevent joint and back pain.

Water also increases the efficiency of the immune system.

Water  helps to prevent clogging of the arteries in the heart and the brain. Many people don’t appreciate how water is directly connected to brain function. The brain has to have enough water to adequately produce brain hormones such as melatonin. It has to have enough water to manufacture the neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which makes people feel good. Also, water actually prevents memory loss as we age.

If we’re not drinking enough water, the body will begin giving some major signs of dehydration. Note that God designed our body so brilliantly!  For example, the body will actually begin to go into a rationing mode when it’s not getting enough water. The body is designed to protect the vital organs by ensuring that they get enough water first. The vital organs include the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and the brain.  But by doing that, it means the other, non-vital organs like the GI track, skin, and joints, are going to get dehydrated first because they’re not a life-threatening type of organ.

So that’s usually where the signs of dehydration will show up first. Certainly in the joints — cartilage is made up of 80% water. The water in the joints provides a smooth surface so that the joints can glide easily during movement. Two-thirds of the body weight is supported by the fluid inside the disks. So when the disks in your spine are lacking water, you’re apt to degenerate and herniate more quickly. That leads to back pain.

High blood pressure — people with an elevated blood pressure oftentimes are just mildly dehydrated, which in turn, restrict the flow of blood. That can elevate the blood pressure.

Dr. Batman, in his book, tells of patient after patient with various disease conditions. And when he would get them on a serious water drinking program, many of their symptoms would begin to abate.

Digestive problems are a huge issue if a person is dehydrated. Essentially, the basis for every fluid that your body needs for digestion, like saliva, stomach acid, pancreatic juices, production of bile, has to do with hydration. So, when you don’t have enough water, your digestive system is going to go into an emergency mode to protect things. That’s going to cause things like heartburn, indigestion, and even ulcers.

Constipation is a huge issue when people aren’t getting enough water. People don’t realize that water is usually the culprit when they’re in a state of constipation. They think it might be normal to eliminate once every three days. But that’s terribly abnormal!

Hopefully, this abbreviated list should demonstrate that there are many disease conditions that can be directly correlated to inadequate hydration.  Remedy?  “Just Water Please.”

Prayer Power
Father, I ask that You bring this list to mind when I’m not drinking enough water.  And when I’m battling a health issue, give me the grace to try drinking more water before going off to my doctor to get a pill.

Link of the Day
UNCOMMON Wellness Coaching

Blessings on you as you drink lots of water this weekend.

Photo by Michael (mx5tx)

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