H2O, also known as Water is something we cannot take for granted. Without it we would die in merely three days. The importance of water in our bodily processes is varied, as nearly every one of our functions uses water. Digestion, respiration, thinking, moving and more. It is our lubricant, solvent, transportation device and protector. In the immune system it does play some specific roles.
Water in the main component of Lymph or lymphatic fluid. This fluid flows in and out of our lymph nodes, which are like the control centers of our adaptive immunity. This fluid is needed for our white blood cells to recognize and react to pathogens and threats.
Water is needed to flush our body of toxins and excess nutrients such as sodium, as many of them are water soluble. Without the necessary water for this, our body builds up more and more of these toxins, impairing our immune system and other functions. Water also flushes out dead pathogens and diseases.
Water is needed for our skin to maintain it’s elasticity and strength. It is also the main component of our mucous. These two are the first line of defense our body has against outside threats and are quickly affected if any amount of dehydration sets in, immdiately reducing our body’s resilience.
It should go without saying that we need to have a healthy supply of water everyday. There are many indications as to how much you should be drinking in terms of cups and weight.
Personally I use two indicators to check if I am getting enough water. Number one is that I should never feel thirsty ever. Thirst is already a sign of minor dehydration. Number two is that your urine should not have any color. If you encounter any of these indicators that is a sure sign that you need to increase your water intake.
The best source of water is WATER. Don’t be fooled by any hydration drinks. Anything other than H2O entering your body needs H2O to be processed. It is also worth noting that not all water is made equal. There is much to be learned about the qualities of water from different sources, the mineral content, the PH, and even the energy and influences that is has been exposed to. We will explore this in more detail in another article.