WATER:
LIFE’S FLUID - GETS NO RESPECT 
Water is the most precious fluid on earth and is also the most abundant. Two thirds of the earth’s surface is covered with water, with only 3% being fresh water. Chemically known as H2O, this clear, tasteless liquid is an essential constituent of all living matter. Our body is over 70% water, muscle tissue is 75% water and our brain is 85% water. At birth, a new born is 78% water. A full-grown adult can survive weeks and sometimes months without food (recall the multiple month fasts of Ghandi and Dick Gregory), but would survive for only about 10 days without water depending on the location and temperature. Yet we in the U.S. do not drink nearly as much of this vital fluid as we should. As a matter of fact one of the most commonly consumed liquids by Americans is coffee at an estimated 423 million cups daily, followed by sodas at 64.5 gallons yearly per person followed by juices, flavored drinks, sports drinks, milk and tea. How important is water for our existence? Every one of our 60 to 100 trillion cells is bathed in water. Digestion, circulation, neurotransmission, lubrication, respiration and excretion could not take place without this precious fluid. Water is also a superior transporter of vital nutrients to every organ and tissue. It is a regulator of body temperature, serves as the basic substance for tissue building and repair, detoxification and maintaining youthfulness and flexibility. The liquid portion of human blood, plasma, is predominately water. Water is so crucial to our existence it must be replenished every 24 hours. If a small child loses more than 15 to 20% of his/her body weight in water via vomiting or severe diarrhea (dehydration), it is likely to parish. It is sad to note that 70% of all preschool children drink no water at all.What if I don’t like to drink water? Fortunately, a good nutritious source of water is via fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables can be as much as 60 to 96% water. For example, lettuce can be 96% water, watermelon 94% water, apples are 85% water, broccoli, carrots and beets are all about 91% water. Unfortunately, many Americans take water for granted and rarely drink it regularly. Drinking coffee, sodas, tea, fruit juices, sports drinks and other forms of liquids besides robbing the body of valuable nutrients, will not satisfy the body’s need for pure water. The solutes, the non water constituents found in these beverages, interfere with the cell’s ability to absorb the much needed water across their cell membranes into their interior. The interior of our trillions of cells is 90% water. Without a healthy regular supply of usable water, the cells do not function properly, are easily damaged and tend to age rapidly. So how much water should a person drink? Divide your body weight by two and drink that number in ounces. For example, a 150-pound person would need to drink 75 ounces of water daily. WATER LOSSWe normally lose nine to 12 cups of water throughout a normal day and cannot always depend on our thirst indicator light to go off when we need to replenish our water supply. The center that controls thirst is located in the part of the brain called the “hypothalamus” and as mentioned above is not always reliable, especially in the elderly and during the winter months.HOW DO WE LOSE WATER- Water escapes via perspiration, urine, feces, tears, nasal discharge, and respiration/exhalation.
- Also, water is forced out via the diuretic effects of caffeine, coffee, tea, sodas and certain medications.
A FEW AVENUES OF ACTION:
- Strive to make 70% of your diet water-rich foods.
- Vow to drink half your body weight in ounces every 24 hours.
- Drink four ounces of water every 30 to 60 minutes throughout the day.
- Set aside one day a week to read about health and nutrition.
- Get family members involved in drinking more water versus other beverages.
For more in-depth information about water and healthy hydration, please see the list of references below and/or watch for my upcoming lectures.
References:Water: The Fountain of Youth and Beauty......William D. Holloway and Herb Joiner Bey, N.D.Water the Ultimate Cure.......................................Steve MeyerorwitzLiving Health..........................................................Anthony RobbinsSugar Blues..........................................................William DuffyCaffeine Blues................................................Steven Cherniski, M.S.For more information and to schedule an
appointment with Dr. Wallace,
please call (661) 729-4533.
Services & Fees: www.drwallacesconiers.net
Wallace B. Sconiers, Ph.D., Hom, CN
NUTRITION & 
