Articles
W is for Water
The timing of this article might be a bit askew. I don’t know about you, but I seem to loath the liquid each time I walk outside. If we can get through spring, we generally recognize the blessing of rain, the secret behind Oregon’s natural beauty. I admit, though; sometimes it’s hard. But really, water is the secret behind many good things. Though it boosts our own health and beauty, it is rarely given adequate attention or utilization.
Our society has so many popular substitutes for water such as soda, coffee, teas, juices and others. The good news is that since bottled water hit the shelves, drinking the pure liquid has become much trendier than it was years ago. Though medical theory now says that you need only to drink water if you are thirsty, it’s important to realize that the more impurities we put in our body (like coffee, teas, and soda), the more our body needs cleansing with pure water. And even if we eat the best possible diet, our cells need to be cleansed from the natural by-products of metabolism.
It’s encouraging to know that, with a little observation, we can be sure of how much water our bodies need to function optimally, thereby decreasing potential for many maladies including bladder and kidney infections or even kidney failure. And since water is essential on the cellular level, consistent adequate hydration improves the function of every body system from skin to heart to intestines.
Our triage desk receives an amazing number of calls asking for advice on constipation. Those affected with this most inconvenient malady will receive an amazing benefit from drinking a large glass of warm water and taking a short walk half an hour prior to breakfast.
To determine your optimal level of hydration, simply monitor the color of your urine and drink enough News & Notes from the McMinnville Seventh-day Adventist Church clear, clean water throughout the day to avoid any tint of yellow. If you drink alternative beverages, it’s best to add those to your regimen only after your urine is colorless from drinking water. It is best to avoid beverages with caffeine or alcohol, as they tend to increase dehydration and have other untoward effects. Should you partake, increase water intake 2:1 to the volume of these beverages.
The first week after increasing your water intake, you may feel like you are visiting the restroom way too often. Don’t give up! With consistently dilute urine, your bladder will quickly get used to a much larger volume than when concentrated, and the frequency will return to normal.
From the sky or from our faucets, clean pure water is a gift from God. Take advantage of its benefits!
Next month: Sunlight. (That’s a title, not a prediction. At this point here in Yamhill County, I think it’s more of a prayer!) In the interim, eat right, exercise, drink your water, and you’ll be in the best shape to reap the full benefits of the upcoming summer sun.