9. Kids need water too. Children don’t handle heat and dehydration as well
as adults, and the younger they are, the greater the concern. Diarrhea and
subsequent dehydration and malnourishment may be the number one cause of
death in kids throughout the world. Elders need water too. They are also
sensitive to dehydration and the effects of hot weather. Heating and cooling
of the body can be accomplished with warm or cool foods and beverages. This
is a natural inclination, yet it may need to be developed in this world
where kids (and all of us) are exposed to relentless advertising. Drinking
warm/hot water and teas is a good habit for those living in the colder
climates. Adding splashes of juice is helpful in getting kids to drink water
instead of sugary beverages. Also, adding a nutrient powder, many of which
are nicely flavored, provides a good start to a child’s day, or as
replenishment after a busy or active time. For children who are overweight
or who are fixated on sodas and sugary drinks, it will be a great lifetime
health benefit to switch them to water and lighter drinks, such as juice and
carbonated water combinations. Be a good example by drinking your water too!
10. Other General Ideas on Water
- Water your flowers and plants.
- Use
aromatherapy and flowered sprays to mist the air and your body, and like
plants, you can hydrate yourself.
- With airplane travel it’s easy to
experience dehydration, so drink your water and avoid salted foods and
alcohol beverages.
- Many medications, such as diuretics, can cause dryness,
while others can cause water retention and bloating. Learn about any
medicines you take, even the natural ones. Mainly, when we take meds or eat
too much junk, we usually need to drink lots of water.
- The containers from
which we drink water are also important. I prefer glass or the harder and
more stable poly-carbonate plastic rather than polyethylene material which
emits plastic into the water more readily. Particularly avoid all plastic
containers for lemon water or the Master Cleanser, because the acids in the
lemon even leach more toxins.
- Bathe your body regularly. Soak in water for
the relaxation and healing it generates. Regular sweating, as in saunas,
physical work, sweat lodges, hiking, or eating chili peppers may help us to
live long and healthfully! Swimming is a great recreation and exercise.
Find a lake, river, or the ocean and have some great swim fun this summer.
Copyright Elson M. Haas, MD, 2002. All Rights Reserved.
This content may be forwarded in full, with copyright/contact/creation information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format.
If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Elson Haas is required.
Anyone may subscribe to Staying Healthy Tips at the website, www.elsonhaas.com or send an e-mail
message to subscribe@elsonhaas.com