How much water do we really need to avoid dehydration?
If you ask most people that you know (including yourself!) if they drink enough water, they will probably tell you that they are sure that they do; or roll their eyes, smile sheepishly and admit that they know they don’t – then quickly change the subject. Even though it is common knowledge that the human body is made up of 65 – 90% water, making the connection between how much water we consume and the proper hydration of our cells seems easily glazed over. What we can’t see, we seem to quickly disregard. Yet if your cells could speak, they would tell you that in order to take care of you, they need for you to consume between 2 and 3 liters of water, daily. (That’s water, my dear friends, not soda, juice, tea or coffee!) Unfortunately, your cells don’t “speak” until they are in a dangerous state of dehydration, and at the risk of completely shutting down. Including the cells that make up the digestive organs.

"If water is so important, why don’t I like it?”
The mention of drinking plain old water often brings a cringing grimace to the faces of most Americans. Never mind the seemingly overwhelming amounts that we need to function properly. So why don’t we automatically crave water as a safeguard against dehydration? Unfortunately, the answer lies in habits, mostly learned in childhood, but also ones we develop throughout our lifetime. If we were given milk, juice and soda when we were children, chances are, the taste for water has long since been diminished. Dehydration begins in childhood, and unknowingly, we carry it with us throughout our lives, unaware that the health issues that arise are not “normal,” but symptoms of dehydration. But, with conscious effort, we can reverse our taste for water, and avoid dehydration.

If you have children, limit their juice intake, water down what little they are allowed to have; and eliminate sodas altogether. (For babies, milk or formula, and water in the bottle, only. No juice!) Have a 5 gallon water dispenser handy at all times, within their reach. A child who is educated on dehydration is more likely to grow up properly hydrated. But as a parent, it is essential for you to be an example of a hydrated adult, so place 3 1 liter plastic or glass bottles on your kitchen counter, making sure you carry at least one with you at all times, so that all are consumed by the end of the day. Also, by watering down your tea and juice, gradually, you will eventually be drinking pure, healthy water! Ahh!

Water and the Digestive Process
Water is essential for digestion. The health and function of the entire body begins in the gut, which of course, starts in the mouth, and ends with elimination. Because the digestive system is made up of cells, like the rest of the body, if they are compromised by dehydration, the entire body is affected. This exacerbates an already compromised system, and can lead to many GI tract and overall body symptoms and conditions. Water and Digestion - Dehydration Dangers


*Please know that I am not a medical doctor or a health practitioner. I cannot diagnose your stomach problems nor can I guarantee a cure. I am here to share my knowledge, which applications have worked for me and to offer suggestions of where you may go physically, emotionally and spiritually for healing and self-empowerment. If you choose to explore alternative medicine, do not independently stop taking your prescribed medications. Always consult with your current doctor as well as your new practitioner when changing your medical program. Find a Naturopath near you.