Water Can Heal
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COUGHS AND COLD
We all succumb to a cold and/or cough a few times a year. In
fact, each year, Americans suffer through one billion colds,
says the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases in Bethesda, MD. Children catch up to 10 colds a
year, while adults average up to four. The yearly economic
burden through lost workdays? Around $5 billion! And, there
is nothing we can do about it. Or, is there?
The runny nose, fever, sore through, etc are all familiar
(and dreaded) symptoms of the common cold, an ailment where
doctors and pharmaceutical companies haves still not made a
miracle cure discovery. In fact, the over-the-counter drugs
available only battle the symptoms, and not the cause. The
fact of the matter is that little can actually be done for a
cold or flu virus sets in, except to ride them out.
However, the best way to fight a cold is just to prevent it
from overtaking the body in the first place. There are ways
to prevent the flu and colds, including washing hands
frequently, taking vitamins and avoiding people who have
them. But perhaps the most important and easiest form of
prevention is of the common cold is sometimes also the most
overlooked: sufficient fluid replacement. Fluids flush out
harmful impurities and toxins in our bodies, and aid in the
production of mucus. Since the body uses even more fluid than
usual when fighting off a cold or the flu, the body can be
left severely dehydrated without it. Dehydration, among many
things, can result in high fever. This is why extra water
should be ingested when suffering these symptoms. In fact,
the lack of water can make the cold and/or cough worse.
Water is obvious the fluids of choice, but juice, tea and
soup broth are also acceptable. Water in other forms can be
of help too. Hot beverages can be soothing to sore throat and
can even help with decongestion. Also recommended is gargling
salt water, and inhaling moist air, possibly through a
humidifier.
In natural medicine, colds are looked at as the body's
way of detoxifying. During the autumn and winter, our bodies
actually attempt to harmonize with the season. The body then
condenses waste and cleanses excess mucus and congestions
from tissue, which will improve circulation and get the blood
pumping to keep us warm. However, this process gives flu like
symptoms. Drinking more water will help the body detoxify.
Exercise and sweating can also help keep the body clear of
toxins.
In the way of coughs, drinking the proper amount of water
will keep the mucus lining in the lung area thin and
lubricated, making it easier to have a productive cough.
Water will also help loosen phlegm, and just plain soothe an
irritated throat.
Not only can water help prevent a cold, but it can also help
sufferers feel better. More water in essence can build a
stronger immune system, so drink up and stay healthy, and
actually enjoy the cold season.
WATER AND
STOMACH PROBLEMS
People in third world countries sadly often only have access
to water that is highly contaminated, and as a result, people
die every day from the effects of diseases that target their
digestive tracts. E.coli, salmonella, and other intestinal
parasites, bacteria and viruses can overtake our stomach and
other connected organs necessary for digestion.
While our water in our civilized country is regulated, we
still have to protect ourselves. Contaminated water supplies
are responsible for stomach problems, from small upsets to
severe disorders. But, making sure water is filtered within
the home as an added safety measure can prevent that. A few
contaminants to watch out for are lead, mercury, copper,
arsenic, atrazine and cadmium. These can cause diarrhea,
nausea, vomiting and other stomach problems. Most times if
water contaminates are found in a local water supply, it is
public knowledge, and there will be a boiling alert put out
by the local water companies until the problem is under
control. Of course, this does not happen all too often and
for the most part our water is safe. Still, extra measure can
be taken: a small price to pay in exchange a feeling of
discomfort.
But, while contaminated water may be the cause of stomach
problems, safe drinking water can be a cure for others!
There are many ailments that can arise within and around the
stomach, nausea, diarrhea, gas, constipation and heartburn
being a few. Drinking water can be of help in several of
those cases, and even aid in their prevention. Diarrhea,
watery stool, can cause severe dehydration, so it is
important to maintain body fluid if suffering from that. On
the flipside, constipation can also use water to help break
down the otherwise dry stool. (This subject can be read about
in more depth on another section of this site.) Since
vomiting and diarrhea go hand in hand with the nausea
feeling, this ailment also contributes greatly to
dehydration. Replacing fluids while nauseated is very
important. Heartburn has also been said to be caused by lack
of water, as water could have aided in neutralizing the acid
(pH level) that caused the burning sensation.
Water is also a necessary element to just plain make sure our
digestive tract works properly, which is sure to prevent
stomach problems from occurring in the first place. Drinking
water at mealtime aids in the digestive process, as it helps
move the food through the system. More importantly, the solid
food we eat cannot be properly digested if it is not broken
down. This is where water comes into play, once again. Water
than acts as the transportation system to bring the nutrients
found in foods to where they are needed within the body
during digestion. And, it also helps moved the waste product
through the rest of the digestive tract, and ultimately out
of our bodies. Remember that lots of acids are found within
the stomach that mix with the water to break down our foods,
so plenty of water will help keep things balanced!
ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES
Most sufferers of asthma and allergies attempt to modify
their environment to help cut down on the sneezing, sniffling
and wheezing. Although physicians focus primarily on cutting
down on air pollutants and toxins in the home, sometimes they
overlook the part that ordinary tap water and can play in
making asthma and allergies worse.
Checking out your drinking water might be a good idea if you
or a family member has asthma and allergies. A Belgian study
recently concluded that chlorine, a common chemical added to
water to help kill bacteria, could be making asthma in
children worse. Fumes from chlorine in pools, and even in the
shower, could trigger an attack for some people with asthma
and allergies. Those who suffer from asthma and allergies are
often sensitive to gases that are produced when chlorine
sanitizes bacteria in sweat or urine. These gases can build
up in an enclosed shower, irritating the lungs of children
and adults who have asthma and allergies.
Other chemicals in drinking water can affect people with
asthma and allergies. Fluoride is added to most municipal
water supplies to help fight tooth decay in children. But for
some people with asthma and allergies, fluoride can
compromise their health. Allergists for decades have known
that documented cases exist of both adults and children with
asthma and allergies who have suffered severe reactions to
fluoride. In 1967, the Annals of Allergy published a study
finding infants, children and one adult who had allergic skin
reactions and asthma attacks after being exposed to tap water
treated with fluoride. Households with members who have
asthma and allergies can filter their tap water with a good
filtration system to eliminate chlorine and fluoride from
their water.
A recent study found that dehydration could play a
significant role in asthma and allergies. One researcher
believes that the lack of water vapor in the lungs causes the
airways to constrict and for the asthmatic's lungs to
produce mucus, the two factors that cause an asthma attack.
The researcher recommends that people with asthma drink at
least 10 eight-ounce glasses of water every day, along with a
pinch of salt, and to avoid caffeine. This is because salt
regulates water in the body and caffeine robs the body of
needed water.
Interestingly enough, folk remedies for asthma and allergies
bear out the water theory as well. Home cures include
drinking hot water and inhaling steam from a bowl or kettle.
Purifying with the BelKraft water systems can remove all the
chemicals and pollutants for your drinking water. This method
of filtering can remove virtually all of the fluoride and
chlorine out of tap water. This can be helpful for the family
member with asthma and allergies who has sensitivities to
these chemicals.
People with asthma and allergies can control their home
environment even more by filtering chlorine and fluoride out
of their tap water, allowing everyone to breathe easier.
The two best ways to eliminate these toxins from the water is with a shower filter or Big Blue whole house system and of coarse a kitchen purifier.
WATER AND STROKE
Along with its many other benefits, drinking adequate water
offers significant protection against heart problems,
including strokes and heart attacks-even in those who have
already experienced a stroke.
Although strokes are more common in the elderly population,
stroke prevention can-and should-begin early in life.
Preventing Strokes
Studies have shown that people who are afflicted with heart
disease and/or have previously suffered a stroke can reduce
their risk of a future, fatal stroke by half just by keeping
properly hydrated.
Although an excellent, simple, preventative measure for
everyone, it is of particular importance for those with, or
at risk for, heart disease to consume a minimum of one cup of
water for every 20 pounds of body weight daily. It is most
important to forego the morning cup of coffee in exchange for
a mug or two of water. This is the time of day when our
bodies are most dehydrated, as we do not consume any water
while we sleep, as it is important to increase hydration as
quickly as possible.
A lack of water leads to thickening of the blood, making a
stroke all the more likely. Blood is at its thickest in the
morning when we awake, a leading reason why strokes and heart
attacks disproportionately occur in the morning. Beverages
like orange juice and coffee temporarily thicken the blood,
so if you must drink something other than water, wait until
your hydration has been fully restored later in the day.
Water and Stroke Onset/Recovery
A person who feels a stroke coming on should drink water as
soon as they begin to feel weak and as they wait for help.
Receiving medical attention as quickly as possible is
crucial, as damage to brain cells (which are irreplaceable)
begins as quickly as four minutes after the beginning of the
stroke.
In an attempt to restore oxygen flow to the brain, the body
increases the size of the arteries around the area of the
blockage. The more hydrated the blood is, the thinner it is,
and the easier it can pass oxygen through to the brain. This,
combined with your overall state of health, can be the key
difference between minimal long-term side effects and
permanent disability.
Many stroke victims experience difficulty swallowing and a
dry mouth during their recovery. Although this usually
subsides after a few weeks, it helps to take frequent small
sips of water, or to use a spray bottle to keep the mouth
moist.
KIDNEYS AND BLADDER
PROBLEMS/STONES
People who do not drink enough water can easily develop
bladder and kidney disorders due to the heavy concentration
of urine that is passed.
Bladder
It almost seems like a paradox. The bladder aids in the
passing of fluid from our body. Yet, to remain healthy, it
needs water. The urinary bladder is a hollow organ made up of
elastic muscle fibers, which allow it to expand without
damage. Ordinarily, the bladder has the capacity to hold up
to 750ml of fluid. According to the amount of fluid
collected, pressure is exerted on the walls of the bladder
and, as it mounts, this triggers the feeling of needing to
pass water, or urinate. A bladder infection (or urinary tract
infections, UTI), caused by bacteria getting into the urine,
creates the same urge, but often the patient is able to
produce only a few drops of water while suffering pain and
discomfort. This discomfort is avoidable. Drinking the
recommended 6-8 glasses of pure water a day will keep the
bladder active and bacteria-free. Also, avoiding coffee, tea,
carbonated beverages and alcohol can help, as they irritate
the bladder and cause a slight amount of bleeding to occur.
When bleeding occurs, bacteria may enter the blood vessels.
If a UTI is left untreated or undetected, it can turn into a
kidney infection, as the bladders is connected to the two
kidneys through ureters. Both can be treated with
antibiotics, but as the infection passes to the kidney, lower
back pain may develop as well, making a need for pain
medication. Which leads us to kidneys..
Kidneys/Kidney Stones
While they don't sound as important as the heart and
lungs, kidneys are very important to our health. The kidneys,
along with the liver and or urinary tract rid our body of
waste materials. If the kidneys were to stop operating for
only two days, it would cause a retention of metabolic
toxins, and then uremia would set in. The accumulation of
waste products, normally excreted in the urine, would cause
metabolic poisoning.
Build-up of bacteria and proteins can cause crystals to form,
which are known as kidney stones. These are very painful to
pass. Some studies show that dehydration increases the
chances of having kidney stones, and drinking plenty of water
may very well prevent the formation of them. People living in
the southeastern United States may have more kidney stones
than people living elsewhere, and it is thought that the
cause may be related to temperature and dehydration.
Avoiding situations or controlling the other diseases that
contribute to kidney disorders may sometimes prevent chronic
kidney disease, where patients may have to rely on a kidney
machine for survival. The earlier a person can alter factors
that damage the kidneys, the better. Among the ways to help
prevent chronic kidney disease are:
- Maintaining blood pressure at less than 130/85 mm Hg
- Maintain strict blood glucose control in people with
- Maintain healthy levels of fats (lipids), such as
cholesterol and triglycerides
- Stop smoking or using other tobacco products
But perhaps one of the easiest and most effective ways is to
avoid dehydration. Dehydration is not only a symptom, but
also the cause of many aliments, especially kidney infections
and other disorders that can lead to more serious matters. If
someone is prone to kidney and urinary ailments, they will
want to avoid dehydration at all costs. People will want to
drink at least 48 ounces of pure water per day, and will want
to promptly treat any illnesses that cause dehydration, such
as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever. During hot weather and
exercise, it is even more important to replenish fluids that
may have been lost through water and even the occasional
sports drink. Also, they will want to avoid caffeinated
beverages, such as coffee and colas. They increase urine
output and dehydrate the body faster, as do alcoholic
beverages.
WATER AND DRY EYES/ SKIN
Picture a dry, scaly, cracking desert. Then, picture what
water can do to moisten the land. Skin, for some, can be a
dry terrain as well.
Many factors can cause dry eyes and skin, however, one of the
most overlooked solutions is drinking water. Dehydration is
becoming more and more of a contributor to health issues
today, with studies finding that everything from allergies to
chronic fatigue may be linked to something we all have plenty
of - drinking water. Dryness included.
Drinking plenty of pure water - not soda, juice or other
beverages - can help ease the discomfort of dry eyes and
skin. Experts say that we need up to eight glasses a day of
water, and if other factors exist, like living in a hot, dry
environment, taking antihistamines, exercising or drinking
alcohol, our need for water increases. For people with skin
conditions, experts recommend up to two quarts of water every
day.
In some cases, however, water also can actually cause dry
eyes and skin. Chlorine is added to most drinking water
supplies to kill bacteria and other potentially harmful
agents that seep into lakes, rivers, streams or ground water.
However, chlorine, and other chemicals in your water, the
very chemical there to help in one area, could be causing
problems for you every time you shower or relax in a hot
bath.
Anyone who has ever gotten green hair or burning eyes from a
swimming pool knows the effects chlorine can have on our
bodies. The amounts of chlorine in drinking water are much
lower, but it can still have the same, although milder
effects, when we shower with it, including dry eyes and skin.
Showering with hard water, water that contains higher levels
of calcium magnesium and other minerals that naturally exist
in water, can contribute to dry eyes and skin. These elements
often will react with soap and shampoo to leave a dry residue
on your skin and scalp. This can make the skin itchy, and
leave people uncomfortable all day.
Some people suffer from very painful or uncomfortable skin
conditions such as eczema. Removing the chemicals from the
water they use to bathe and shower can help cut down on their
symptoms. Sometimes the chlorine and minerals in water can be
even more irritating to people who have diseases of the skin.
Equipping your home with a whole house filter can remove the
chlorine from your water before it ever touches your skin. It
eliminates the chemicals that exist in water. Removing these
elements from your water can help tremendously to cut down on
the discomfort of dry eyes and skin.
HIGH BLOOD
PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL
The number one killer in America is heart disease. And, two
huge health risks that can lead to serious heart conditions
are high blood pressure and high cholesterol. But, these can
be prevented.
Let's start with high cholesterol. The American Heart
Association says that one in five American's have too
high a cholesterol level. But first, just what is
cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance called
a lipid that is found inside cells and blood. It is produced
naturally in the liver, but some of the 'bad'
cholesterol comes from the food we eat, mainly in animal
fats. While too much cholesterol can be harmful, a certain
amount is necessary for bodily functions, such as making cell
walls and acting as a building block to produce various
hormones, bile acids, and Vitamin D.
Having too much cholesterol can block blood flow, resulting
in a thickening and hardening of artery walls, a disorder
called arteriosclerosis. Since this also narrows the
arteries, blood flow can be slowed down, or even blocked.
With less blood, the heart therefore gets less oxygen. That
can result in chest pain, heart attack, or something as
drastic as death. Lowering your blood cholesterol level is
one of the best ways you can decrease your risk of heart
disease. And, even if your cholesterol is close to the
desirable range, 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood, you
can lower it and reduce your risk of heart disease.
With all this thickening going on, water can play a very
important role. Drinking water can actually thin the blood,
making in a natural way to help the blood pump more smoothly.
Drinking plenty of water will keep your blood ways clean!
Since exercise, along with a healthy diet, is an important
contribution to the lowering of cholesterol, once again,
water needs to be drank in order to replenish what was lost.
In fact, consumption of water so you are fully hydrated can
increase your metabolic rate!
Let's move on to high blood pressure, also known as
hypertension. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood
pushing against artery walls as it makes it way through the
body. Just like air in a tire, blood fills arteries to a
certain capacity, and anything over that capacity can have
damaging effects. (Ever have too much pressure in your
tires?) Just like high cholesterol, high blood pressure can
threaten healthy arteries and lead to life-threatening
conditions such as heart disease and stroke. And what's
scary is that there are not any real symptoms until, which is
why high blood pressure is known as the silent killer.
Hypertension can be combated in many ways, such as quitting
smoking, drinking alcohol or overweight. Water can also help
lower this pressure, as blood is mainly comprised of water.
If water levels drop, that can affect your blood pressure.
So, drinking the healthy amount of pure water each say can
maintain a healthy heart. Also, the kidneys clean the blood.
If blood flow is limited to the kidneys because of lack of
water or high blood pressure, it will think the body is low
on water, and react by telling the brain to constrict veins
and arteries, which will make pressure even higher.
Heart disease is a serious issue in America today, with two
of the top causes being high cholesterol and high blood
pressure. Drinking enough water can combat both of these.
WATER AND
CONSTIPATION
Constipation is a gastro-intestinal symptom that occurs when
bowel movements are made less often, and stool is harder,
making it difficult to pass. Most people at some point in
their lives will experience constipation. In most cases,
constipation is only temporary and not serious. Understanding
its causes, prevention, and treatment will help most people
find relief.
There are two types of constipation, one being more severe
than the other. Slow transit constipation is the most common
form. Lack of fiber and inadequate water in the diet are
common causes of slow transit constipation. One of the major
symptoms of this type is dehydration. The other method,
outlet delay, has to do more with loss of function in the
pelvic area, and occur morex in senior citizens.
How do we get constipated? Well, food flows through the small
intestine as a liquid mixture of digestive juices and the
food you eat. By the time it reaches the large intestine, all
the nutrients have been absorbed. The large intestine has one
main function: to absorb water from the waste liquid, and
turn it into a waste solid, known as the stool. The hard and
dry stools of constipation occur when the colon absorbs too
much water, or if the colon's muscle contractions are too
slow or sluggish, which results in the stool moving through
the colon at too slow a pace. These hard, dry stools are
difficult to pass, as they cause strain. The reason they are
difficult to pass is that the hard, dry stool actually sticks
to the dry wall of the colon and requires that the colon
develop high-pressure waves to be moved. Since the body needs
help to remove the stool, strain is then placed on the
abdominal muscles to contribute the necessary force to push
out the stool. This straining can have negative effects to
the body, such as the development of hernias, varicose veins,
hiatus hernia (upward pressure forcing the stomach into the
chest), diverticulitis and diverticulosis (weakening and
infection of the colon wall), hemorrhoids, anal fissures and
fistulae. Colorectal cancers may also be more common in
patients with lifelong habit constipation. Doesn't sound
pretty does it?
There are ways to prevent this. Liquids, like water and
juice, add fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making
bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Because the colon
needs water to do its job, dehydration can be a major cause
of constipation.
Since many constipation sufferers are dehydrated, a major
way of preventing this uncomfortable disorder is to drink an
extra two to four glasses of pure water per day. That is on
top of the recommended 8-10. Along with that, alcoholic and
caffienated beverages should be avoided. However, water may
not be able to do it totally alone. Fluids will not promote
normal bowel function on their own, as the small intestine
can also absorb of this fluid. It is best to combine a high
fluid intake with a high dietary fiber, otherwise, people
will just urinate more.
Constipation could also be caused by other disorders, which
also stem from dehydration, such as uremia, a kidney
disorder. Chronic constipation can also lead to more severe
gastro-intestinal disorders if left untreated, such as
colorectal cancer, as noted above.
Stay hydrated, and the food you eat will move through your
systems much more smooth, resulting in comfortable bathroom
breaks.
WATER AND GOUT
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, in excruciating
pain from a throbbing big toe. Congratulations. It is your
first gout attack.
Gout is a painful disease that is caused by deposits of uric
acid crystals in the bloodstream, ending up in the joints of
the body. It is characterized by pain, swelling, redness, and
heat/inflammation as well as stiffness in a joint or joints.
Gout is also a form of arthritis, or inflammation of the
joints, and is most common in men. Gout was once thought of
as a disease that only affected the rich and famous, as
drinking lots of alcohol and eating rich foods are a cause to
the disease. Those activities are associated with the glitz
and glamour of show biz! Alcohol is a symptom though, and we
know that's not just for the stars!
How gout happens is this: The body produces too much uric
acid, or does not excrete it with the urine. The excess uric
acid may not be able to be removed by the kidneys, which then
builds up and may form crystals in bloodstream, which find
their way to their final destination- the joints. Causes of
crystal formation include drinking too much alcohol, taking
medications that may increase the uric acid concentration,
eating foods that are high in purines (liver, peas, beans)
and being overweight. Experts say that while alcohol is a key
factor, metabolism has more to do with it, so weight is
important to take into consideration.
Gout begins with an attack, usually in the middle of the
night, with extreme swelling and throbbing in the joints, and
most commonly in the big toe. Gout is in fact a recurring
disease. People who have gout may have a few very painful
attacks in one or two joints, usually the big toe, foot,
ankle, or knee joints. The attack can last a few days or as
long as several weeks, and then the symptoms can totally
disappear, not to return for months or years. If left
untreated, it can lead to more serious forms of
arthritis.
Water can help out gout in many ways. For starters, since
water can serve as a joint lubricant, one who is at risk for
gout should be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Also, being
that gout can be caused by frequent alcohol intake, it can
leave people dehydrated. Beer is the worst type of alcohol to
drink in terms of getting gout, as in contains more purines
than any other alcoholic beverage.
Dehydration can also lead to kidney infections, stones and
even failure. All this can create that excess uric acid that
causes gout in the first place. In addition, people on high
protein diets are actually consuming more meat, which means
they are at risk for consuming uric acid found in their food
source. Drinking more water can flush the body of these
harmful toxins. Drinking more water can also help someone
overweight lose excess weight, or maintain weight.
On a final note, lead poising can also be attributed to
causing gout. It is a great idea to get water checked for
unsafe levels of this toxic metal.
WATER AND INSOMNIA
Did you ever jab a friend with a pencil in grade school, and
get reprimanded and told that it could cause lead poising?
Well, so can water. Lead poising is nothing to joke about,
and in fact, can cause many types of disorders, including
difficulty sleeping. The sleeping disorder insomnia can be
severe, as it can affect one's work and family life.
There are many factors that can cause insomnia, but let's
explore an environmental factor that can cause this disease,
and also how water can treat it.
The statistic is alarming: about 30% of Americans are
drinking water that contains lead levels in excess of the EPA
maximum contaminant level. Lead, in larger quantities, is
considered a metabolic poison and has caused people many
untold ills such as damage to the kidneys and liver, nervous,
reproductive, cardiovascular, immune and gastrointestinal
systems.
In addition to insomnia, lead consumption in childhood can
lead to a lower IQ and impairment in reading, writing, math,
visual and motor skills, language, abstract thinking and
concentration. Exposure to the toxic metal may contribute to
crime and anti-social behavior in children.
Another element found in water that can cause insomnia is,
MTBE is a chemical added to gasoline to reduce carbon
monoxide emissions from automobiles. MTBE has, throughout the
years, leaked into ground water. Reports of hundreds of
people becoming ill have come to light and are connected to
MTBE contamination in drinking water. Neurological symptoms
aside from insomnia include headache, nausea, palpitations,
anxiety, and some visual disturbances.
It is important to filter your water to prevent the side
effects of these toxic metals, which include insomnia. If it
is too late and the disorder has already invaded your life,
you must treat it. To treat insomnia, it is best to get a
consultation from a sleep doctor, usually a neurologist. They
will determine if you need a sleep test to make the
diagnosis. There are many medications used to fight this
disease, as well as behavioral changes that can also be made.
Being that alcohol and caffeine can influence body rhythms,
as can sugar, it is best to avoid those types of drinks. Some
people think they can use alcohol to fall asleep, but it does
not help. Also, caffeine and sugars act as a stimulant, so it
should be obvious to avoid beverages with either or both to
aid in falling asleep. Instead, drinking water- without lead
of course- can help insomniacs sleep better.
Another reason insomniacs should drink plenty of water during
the day is to stay hydrated. (But not 4 hours prior to
bedtime, as the urge to urinate can wake them up during the
night!) Water is our internal cooling and temperature balance
system. Dehydration can lead to increase of toxins in your
bloodstream and can cause irritability in your physical
levels of comfort and becomes more noticeable at night.
Drinking pure water throughout the day can flush those toxins
out of the body. That said, a healthy body is a more restful
body!
WATER AND CANCER
More and more communities are becoming concerned about
potential links between cancer and chemicals found in their
drinking water. Whether you drink municipal water or drink
from a well, additives and contaminates linked to cancer
probably exist in your water.
Although water providers are required by federal law to
follow guidelines that are designed to keep these
cancer-causing chemicals at "safe" levels in the
water, there is much debate at what actually is
"safe." Because of these concerns, water providers
are now required by law to publish the results of their water
testing every year for public review.
Some of the chemicals added to water to keep us healthy could
oddly enough actually be contributing to cancer rates.
Studies concerning chlorine and fluoride have determined high
levels of these chemicals could cause cancer.
Chlorine, used to disinfect most community water supplies,
produce Trihalomethanes (THMs), chemicals formed when
chlorine reacts with organic material, like bacteria, in
water. The American Journal of Public Health published an
article in regard to a 1992 study that linked trihalomethanes
in water to incidences of rectal, bladder and pancreatic
cancer.
Citizens groups frequently target fluoride, which is added to
the water supply of most municipalities to help cut down on
tooth decay in children, as a possible carcinogen. The
Journal of Epidemiology, in 2001, linked fluoride as the
genetic cause of cancer. A 1990 National Toxicology Program
study determined fluoride could be the cause of cancers
affecting the mouth, pharynx, colon and rectum. Another
study, with results published in the Journal of Environmental
Pathology, Toxicology and Oncology in 2001, linked
osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer, with fluoride.
Natural occurring radioactive agents like radium, uranium and
radon, seep into the water supply. High levels of these
elements can cause cancer of the brain and bone.
People living in rural areas with their own water wells are
also at risk of drinking potentially cancer-causing
chemicals. Fertilizer, insecticides and herbicides contain
carcinogens that can filter down into the water supply.
Nitrate, a by-product of fertilizer, also shows up in water
supplies. In the human body, nitrate breaks down into
nitrosamines, which are potentially cancer-causing agents.
Atrazine, an herbicide used on crops, is also found in
drinking water. It is suspected of causing breast cancer.
Another chemical, trichloroethylene, a solvent used in dry
cleaning, is found sometimes in water supplies near
facilities that do not dispose of their chemicals properly.
It is considered a possible cancer-causing agent as well.
Most municipalities do not have the costly technology to
filter these and other potentially harmful chemicals from the
water. Neither do most bottled water companies, which
frequently get the water they bottle from the same sources as
municipalities. Filtering is one of the few effective ways to
remove potential cancer-causing chemicals from your water.
WATER AND PROSTATE
CANCER
Prostate cancer is mostly thought of as a senior citizen
disease, with over 75% of diagnoses made on men over the age
of 65. However, this means that over one-fourth of all
prostate cancer patients are not yet of retirement age.
Everyone, no matter how young, can benefit from certain
preventative measures.
Preventing Prostate Cancer
Certain water contaminants have been linked with higher rates
of prostate cancer. These include atrazine, a widely used
weed-killer that permeates through the soil into water
supplies. Atrazine is particularly prevalent during the
springtime, when most crops are fertilized. Although the
Environmental Protection Agency imposes a limit on atrazine
levels in water, this limit is based on a yearly average,
meaning low levels during off-season can off-set alarmingly
high levels during growing season.
Another outside contributor to developing prostate cancer is
the plastic packaging used for bottled water. Multiple
studies have shown that the toxic chemicals used to create
plastic packaging can break down and seep into the water
within, wreaking havoc on the body. Prostate cancer is
especially sensitive to environmental factors, making bottled
water a particular concern. Avoid large water containers
whenever possible, as these transmit the highest levels of
toxins.
A diet high in fiber is credited with reducing the risk of
contracting prostate cancer. However, in order for a
high-fiber meal plan to be effective, one must drink at least
one cup of water for every 20 pounds of body weight daily,
and supplement their diet with additional sources of calcium,
zinc, and iron. Drinking the required amount of water
provides as much as one-third of the recommended daily intake
of calcium.
Consuming a minimum of eight glasses of atrazine-devoid,
non-bottled water each day keeps your body running at its
best to prevent cancer from the start, helping to eliminate
toxins from the body and keeping the prostate in working
order.
Water and Prostate Cancer Treatment
There is hope for those who have already been diagnosed with
prostate cancer. Over 70% of diagnosed men die from causes
not related to their cancer, and many can go on safely with
no treatment, under the supervision of a physician.
Water consumption is of even greater importance for those who
already have prostate cancer. Certain hormones affected by
the cancer also regulate bodily processes like water
regulation, and when the body is dehydrated, these hormones
are unable to work effectively. Thirst is a sign that the
body is already dehydrated; so don't wait until you feel
the urge-keep drinking water throughout the day. Consuming
adequate amounts of water each day can help to maintain good
health and a strong immune system to help in your battle
against cancer.
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