Water and the organic lifestyle

The surface of the earth is approximately one quarter land with the remaining three quarters consisting of liquid water and ice. To function efficiently, the human body must maintain approximately three quarters of its volume as water. There’s no escaping the fundamental importance of water for maintaining the integrity of the planet and for those individuals seeking a healthy, organic inspired lifestyle.

Popular health books tend to concentrate on the nutritious foods we must eat, the dietary supplements, and the exercise required to keeps us fit and alert. Unfortunately some of these fail to emphasise the importance of water. We’ve all encountered individuals who spend a fortune on their organic produce, supplements, and gym subscriptions but disregard the need to rehydrate themselves on a regular basis. Before making a similar mistake, I urge you to consider the role of water in maintaining and regulating bodily function.

Water provides one of the basic transport mechanisms for the body. A substantial component of eastern medicine is devoted to understanding the physical movement of water throughout the body. This makes sense because water delivers the oxygen and minerals which enable individual cells to function. Water is also required for eliminating the waste materials which accumulate as a normal consequence of everyday biological activity.

Depending on levels of physical activity, most individuals lose at least two litres of water each day. If this is not continuously replenished, the body provides physical warning symptoms which can include overheating, headache, fatigue, joint pain, and constipation. It is important to remember that thirst is frequently a poor indicator of our water requirements. This is particularly true for children, athletes, and the elderly. In each of these categories, the onset of thirst may occur after the body is significantly dehydrated.

It’s important to drink at least eight glasses of plain water each day. This sounds easy but there is some confusion regarding the different types of drinking water available. Tap water is a controversial topic for many health professionals. Depending on where you live, tap water can vary tremendously in its overall quality and taste. Many health conscious individuals will invest in home filtration systems or alternatively purchase bottled water from health food shops, organic whole food suppliers, and similar retailers. If you decide to purchase bottled water, it’s important to ensure this is obtained from a natural source free from industrial or agricultural contamination. Some of the best water is still obtained from alpine regions or underground springs in pristine locations. Once stored, water has a best by date which must be observed to ensure optimum safety and hygiene.