Drinking water benefits

Browsing in Internet again I found that an increased water consumption can help us in lots of common illnesses!

Symbols: may do some good, likely to help, highly recommended

Allergy

Allergic Rhinitis / Hay Fever

Circulation

Hypotension: Why? The first step in treating hypotension is generally to increase fluid intake. Patients who have discovered the importance of drinking fluids regularly throughout the day seem to do better than those who don't take this task seriously. Drink a minimum of eight glasses per day of non-alcoholic fluids. Sports drinks that are high in sodium and potassium are recommended, especially during exercise or in hot weather.

Coronary Disease / Heart Attack: Why? A Seventh Day Adventist study found that those who drank 5 glasses of water per day have on average half the cardiac mortality and half the fatal stroke rate of the general population.

Varicose Veins

Stroke (prevention): Why? A Seven Day Adventist study found that those who drank 5 glasses of water per day have on average half the cardiac mortality and half the fatal stroke rate of the general population.

Diet

Dehydration

Overconsumption

Excess Sugar Consumption: Why? Whenever you feel thirsty, consider substituting water for sweet drinks. Water is far better at satisfying thirst, and by washing sugar from the teeth can neutralize its effects.

Digestion

Constipation: Why? Drinking water adds fluid to the colon and bulk to stools, making bowel movements softer and easier to pass. People who have problems with constipation should drink enough water every day, at least eight 8-ounce glasses depending on weight. Other liquids such as coffee and soft drinks contain caffeine and seem to have a dehydrating effect.

Gastric/Peptic/Duodenal Ulcers: Why? Consuming up to 12 cups of water per day can eliminate the helicobacter infection when present. Drink lots of water, golden seal tea, and flax seed tea.

Hiatal Hernia: Why? Some people are helped by drinking 16oz (half liter) of water after a meal. This gives the stomach extra weight which may pull it downward and allow better closure of the lower esophageal sphincter. Additional downward pressure can be achieved by jumping off a chair after a meal before or after drinking the 16oz of water. The sudden stop on landing has been shown to reduce hiatal hernias and also caused heartburn symptoms to subside.

Heartburn / GERD: Why? Additional water intake can help resolve heartburn symptoms.

Habits

Laxative/Enema Overuse

Hormones

Hyperparathyroidism: Why? If the patient and doctor choose long-term follow-up over surgery, the patient should try to drink lots of water, get plenty of exercise, and avoid certain diuretics, such as the thiazides.

Immunity

Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)

Infections

Cystitis, Bacterial bladder Infection: Why? The mainstay of prevention is to keep the urine dilute by drinking fluids and urinating often. Added water consumption during an infection will help flush out the problem bacteria. Repeated infections may require that routine water consumption be increased to prevent their recurrence.

Helicobacter Pylori Infection: Why? Drinking more water alone has resolved many cases of H. Pylori infection. The suggested amount is 1 quart per 50 pounds of body weight or generally about 12 glasses per day. Most ulcers can be treated with water consumption and regular use of a good probiotic product. (Am J Gastroenterol May 1999;94: pp.1200-2.)

Colds and Influenza: Why? During times of illness it is especially important to maintain fluid intake. Water is best, but if any juice is used during this time, fresh vegetable juice is better than sweet fruit juice.

Mumps: Why? Persons with mumps should drink plenty of fluids and get bed rest.

Lab Values

Hypoalbuminemia (A low albumin level)

Metabolic

Susceptibility to Hangovers: Why? Drink lots of water - at least twice the amount of water to alcohol.

Musculo-Skeletal

Gout / Hyperuricemia

Organ Health

Kidney Stones (Urolithiasis): Why? Prevention is very important especially in those with a high likelihood of developing this condition since the recurrence rate of stone formation is very high. Drinking a lot of water is the best preventative measure: drink enough to produce approximately 2 liters (one-half gallon) of urine per day. Adequate fluid intake helps prevent kidney stone problems by allowing most small stones to pass through.

Pain

Low Back Pain: Why? Drink lots of water to maintain optimal hydration for disc integrity, and help reduce any acid buildup in muscles. Often two large glasses of water helps within minutes. Consistent rehydration may eliminate and prevent future low back pain.

Respiratory

Acute Bronchitis: Why? Ensuring plenty of fluids prevents the mucus thickening associated with dehydration and eases mucus removal in patients with bronchitis.

Uro-Genital

Female Infertility: Why? To flush toxins from your system, drink eight 8-ounce glasses of pure water daily.

I think it's amazing how our body thanks us the water intake. How much do you use to drink a day? How do you remember yourself to drink the 8 glasses recommended per day?

I look forward hearing from everybody!!

Susanne