Health benefits of drinking water

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Water, like religion and ideology, has the power to move millions of people. Since the very birth of human civilization, people have moved to settle close to it. People move when there is too little of it. People move when there is too much of it. People journey down it. People write, sing and dance about it. People fight over it. And all people, everywhere and every day, need it. -Mikhail Gorbachev, President of Green Cross International quoted in Peter Swanson's Water: The Drop of Life, 2001

sound a very exciting topic. Water! But have you tried fresh, cool rainwater lately? Provided you can collect it from a roof that is not too full of rubbish, and provided you let it remain in the tank for a while (allowing any debris to filter out), then I believe this is the most refreshing drink available in the world today. You can make it even tangier and more enjoyable by making ice cubes from it, then break these up and give your cool rainwater the pleasant addition of crushed rainwater cubes. It is refreshing and thoroughly enjoyable. What is more, you can drink as much as you desire, particularly on hot days. When your body requires lots of fluid replacement, water is the best of all. The body requires 1500-2000 mL a day (six to eight glasses).

 When I suggest fresh rainwater, this, in my mind, is the ideal, but for most it is rather impractical, unless you wish to rig up a tank and cycle your roof water through this (and plenty have done this in recent years, I might add).

I have a little farm in the New England highlands in New South Wales, high up in the Great Dividing Range. I escape there several times a year to overwork my keyboard and wear my fingers down to the knuckles writing my new books. Here I am totally dependent on the rain for all water. This is collected in 18,000 litre (4000 gallon) tanks and cycled through the domestic system via mains-pressure pumps. This means there is a copious supply of pure rainwater in all taps with normal city pressure, and I become accustomed to drinking rainwater during my regular sojourns there. This spoils one, for the city “water” often tastes (and even smells) terrible by comparison. However, water is still an essential element for the body.

A large proportion of the body is basically water. Drink several glasses of water each day. This will increase the urinary output, and this in turn helps to filter from the body impurities and toxins, the unwanted by-products of tissue metabolism. It replaces sweat (and we perspire large amounts—particularly in hot weather). Drinking plenty of fresh water is conducive to good health.

For those who prefer some diversion, freshly squeezed fruit juices are also excellent. Use any kind you like. Orange, lemon and grapefruit are probably the easiest to use. These are much more refreshing taken when cold (ideally refrigerate the fruit beforehand, not the squeezed juice). Ideally do not add sugar, as fruit contains fructose, its own natural sweetener. Too much sugar may increase the blood-triglyceride levels, known to predispose to cardiac problems.

Besides its internal uses, water is invaluable for external uses too. Now it is customary for Australians and New Zealanders to have a daily shower. This rids the skin of dried-out sweat, salts, toxins, dead bacteria and odour. It is refreshing and invigorating, particularly in hot weather. It opens the skin’s pores and dissipates heat. When the skin is rubbed vigorously afterwards, this similarly causes vasodilation. Ideally, hot baths or hot showers are followed by a cold one that again closes down the pores and prevents chills. Bathe often, ideally every day. The areas where perspiration is usually heaviest, and where germs attack, die and create odours, are under the arms and in the pubic–perineal area (between the legs). Pay special attention to these parts.

Dr James Wright: hand washing prevents disease from InFocus Christian News on Vimeo.

Besides producing more urine for elimination, plenty of fluids also assist in regular, normal bowel actions, for there is more fluid in the large bowel, making movements easier and more regular. Also, did you know that water is good for the teeth? Regular cleansing of the teeth with a brush and water, using a circular motion involving the upper gums, teeth and lower gums, will tend to keep the gums (hence the teeth) in good health and fine working order. Removing sticky food and plaque from the teeth also helps prevent decay, pain and dental discomfort. It is worth taking the time and making the effort to cleanse the teeth with water and simple toothpaste. Brush at least twice a day (preferably after a meal, and definitely at bedtime). Use dental floss to remove debris from between the teeth. After all meals, rinse the mouth and teeth with water, for this at least helps remove sticky foods that tend to adhere to the teeth (usually in hidden crevices) and promote caries (dental decay). Medical research indicates healthy gums promote good health and longevity. Germs readily enter the general blood circulation if infected, and can lead to premature heart and cardiovascular disorders. This is another good reason for good dental hygiene and water.