The one nutrient we’re all lacking? Water. It has a unique atomic arrangement, giving it unusual natural properties. Its electrical dipole allows it to transport dissolved minerals and support biological reactions.
Hydration is critical for health, yet 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Water itself is a living substance. Its ability to dissolve different molecules makes it a universal solvent — absorbing chemicals, minerals, and toxins. As a solvent, water allows cells to deliver nutrition and oxygen, keeping the body’s organs and tissues alive as well.
Conversely, dehydration slows bodily functions and prevents the body from flushing out toxins. This is why choosing the right kind of water is vital for our health and the planet's health.
Signs of Dehydration
Your body is over 60% water; Dr. Sebi recommended drinking a gallon of pure spring water daily to maintain optimal hydration. Dehydration is a 1% drop in body fluids, and a 2% drop reduces physical performance by 40%.
Dehydration also impairs mental performance, but we rarely notice the dip in mood, memory, or clarity of thought. Thirst is triggered 15 to 20 minutes after starting to experience the effects of dehydration. Listen to your body; look out for these symptoms to prevent dehydration:
- Fatigue: feeling tired, low energy, sleepy, or unmotivated
- Halitosis: insufficient saliva allows bad breath causing bacteria to build up
- Skin: less elastic (pinch to test), more wrinkled, dry, feels hot, or appears flushed
- Dizzy: specifically on standing, as dehydration impacts blood pressure
- Cramps: lack of electrolytes muscles need to prevent cramps
- Temperature: dehydration causes fever or chills
- Headaches: build-up of pressure between brain and skull, reduced fluid cushion
- Cravings: desire for salty or sweet foods to re-balance blood electrolytes
- Confusion: mental energy is reduced; memory and ability to think are diminished
- Urine: darker color is due to dehydration; should be nearly clear with a hint of yellow
Natural Water Loss
Certain tissues require more water than others: Bones need 31% water, muscles and kidneys need 73%, and the lungs 83%. A moist environment in the lungs facilitates oxygen transport. The kidneys need controlled hydration to create ionic gradients to filter blood.
- Breath: 1 cup of water per day via air humidification in the lungs
- Sweat: 2 cups through pores daily, removing toxins and regulating temperature
- Urine: 6 cups of water daily to remove waste products and regulate blood volume
Choosing Quality Hydration
Dr. Sebi taught us: “If nature didn't make it, don't take it,” and this applies to the water used to hydrate and flush our cells.
- Tap or Processed Water: full of chemicals and industrial impurities
- Alkaline Water: typically a health gimmick, not high-quality unless found at a natural source
- Well Water: not filtered through the earth, high in calcium, is exposed to human pollutants
- River Water: polluted, rare to find without contaminants
- Mineral Water: quality depends on source and processing
- Snow or Glacial Water: hard to find; check for contaminants
- Filtered Water: carbon filters can remove many impurities but also necessary minerals
- Thermal Water: comes out of the Earth hot, alkaline, and purified
- Distilled Water: lacks minerals & nutrients, only recommended for tea
- Spring Water: contains minerals, naturally alkaline and filtered
The Importance of Spring Water
Spring water is underground water that flows to the earth’s surface due to water pressure, forming springs. It is believed to be purer water as it comes straight from its source, with no chemical additives or treatment processing, and is considered naturally filtered since it has passed through elements of nature like stones and clay. It is believed to be rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium and can help balance the body’s pH levels.
Dr. Sebi was a big advocate for drinking spring water every day, so our organs and tissues could function properly. He advised us to hydrate with a gallon of spring water every day to achieve optimal health.
Spring water is critical for moving nutrients in and out of cells; without water life quickly ceases to exist. Ensure you maintain optimal mood-boosting and energy-enhancing hydration to keep blood flowing and nourishing every aspect of your wellbeing.
Tips for Drinking More Water
As the weather warms, drink more water to prevent dehydration, before it impacts energy and mood:
- Eat Fruit: Watery fruits, like melon, are 90% water, so they hydrate and nourish.
- Keep Handy: Keep your spring water near you to ensure hydration is at the front of your mind.
- Add Taste: Add a squeeze of key lime to add flavor and electrolytes.
- Drink Tea: Hot or cold, teas represent a flavorsome nutritious way to hydrate.
- Preempt Thirst: Assume you are thirsty before you feel it, make hydration a habit.
- Hydrate Hunger: Drink before reaching for a snack or meal.
Make It Fun: Make drinks enticing with herb springs, fruit slices, and sustainable straws!
