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Waters run deep

Read on to know just how essential water is

Elixir of life Drink plenty of water

“Water is life’s mater and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.”

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen (H2O), water is the most abundant substance in the earth, in the body of all living things and the food we consume. Adequate supply of clean drinking water is one of the basic needs of human beings, yet mi llions of people worldwide are deprived of water.

Essential to every body function, voluntary and involuntary, it acts as a medium for various chemical processes like digestion and metabolism. It carries oxygen and nutrients to the cells through blood flow. It is vital to build all body tissues and is the base of blood and all body fluids secretions such as tear, saliva and gastric juice.

Water is needed to lubricate body organs and joints. It regulates fat content of the body and keeps our skin soft and smooth. It washes away toxins in our body and gives stool the right consistency, thus avoid constipation and regulating smooth bowel motion. Water keeps the body cool by regulating body temperature in varying climatic conditions. Drinking water reduces fatigue, counters stress and heightens stamina.

Besides all this water is an excellent beauty agent. To get rid of sun tan, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to 2 tablespoons of water and rub onto the face with cotton wool. Leave the solution on face for 10 minutes and wash off with cold water. The effectiveness of a massage is enhanced followed by a warm water bath but one before a massage helps open up the pores and facilitate better penetration of the active ingredient. Rubbing of ice cubes on the face helps tighten skin pores.

As a general rule, the amount of water intake should be equal to what is excreted. Our daily needs vary a lot. We need more water in hot weather, after exercise or when we have fever, cold or other similar illnesses. During pregnancy more water is essential to provide for amniotic fluid and the expanded blood volume, as well as to meet the needs of the developing foetus. Nursing mothers need to increase their fluid intake to produce milk, which is 87 per cent of water.

Thirst decreases with age and as our body ages, it becomes dry. Older people should drink water often even if they don not feel thirsty; otherwise the skin will turn drier and wrinkles will start appearing. Reduction in saliva flow and stiffening of the joints that occur naturally with aging become more severe if the water intake is low. Have generous amounts of water throughout the day. Always keep a bottle of water with you. Start your day with lemon juice and honey in warm water. Ensure your drinking water is safe. Avoid drinking water, dairy products and ice- creams from places where you are not sure of the quality and hygiene.

At home, water should be boiled or filtered. Do not drink very cold water or other beverages as it will cause stomach cramps and headaches. Drink water instead of other beverages like coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer.

Adding a mild flavour to the drinking water will make it more appetising. Whatever flavour you like can be used for that-fruits, spices, herbs, leaves and flowers (mint, lime, orange, rose petals, cardamom). Fill a jar with clean water. Put in flavour of your choice, after sometime you can drink from it and feel the difference.

LEENA LEON

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