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Wonderful Water

You wouldn't deprive your car of gasoline.
And you would never let your garden shrivel up and die.
But what about your own source of energy and growth?

Water affects our eyesight, hearing and sense of balance. It also affects every cell, organ and muscle in your body. Ironically, most people are running on empty and suffering the disastrous effects of dehydration. Dr. Christiana knows just how important water is to maintaining health and preventing illness. This "drink or sink" issue of Optimal Health UniversityTM is vital to the health and well-being of children, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Splish Splash Whether it comes from snow-capped mountains, mystical caverns or your kitchen tap, water is the key to sustainable life. Without it, we cannot live. And without enough of it, the chemical reactions in our bodies fail to operate properly. How much is enough? The standard response is six to eight 8-ounce glasses per day. However, there's a new, more exact standard emerging. Start with your body weight, divide that number in half, and the answer represents the minimum number of ounces you should drink each day. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you need a minimum of 75 ounces of water per day. Why Hydrate? Maintaining optimal hydration is one of the best ways to prevent disease. Symptoms of dehydration include muscle ache, back pain, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, sunken eyes, dizziness and headaches. Researchers now think fluids particularly water - can play an active role in reducing the risk of some diseases. According to Susan Kleiner, Ph.D., of the University of Washington, those diseases include kidney stones, urinary tract cancer and colon cancer (Environmental Nutrition 1999;22: 10). Avoid Aches and Pains H2O is an essential cellular building block of joint-cushioning connective tissue. Throughout the body, joints that lack hydration are prone to injury and arthritis. In the back, dehydration may stress muscles and joints, triggering a spinal condition known as vertebral subluxation. Restricted movement in the spine characterizes this common disorder, which is associated with backache as well as many other conditions. It may also involve a misalignment of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Dr. Bono corrects vertebral subluxations with gentle and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments, which have been shown to effectively ward off vertebral subluxations and the disorders associated with them. Wash Away Cancer Risk A mounting body of research is gradually revealing that hydration may be key to preventing some forms of cancer. In one National Cancer Institute study, women who drank five or more glasses of water a day were 45 percent less likely to develop colon cancer than women who drank less than two glasses a day (Environmental Nutrition 1999;22:10). The same trend was noted for men, too, though it was not statistically significant. Another study conducted by researchers at Harvard University's School of Public Health found that drinking more fluids - especially water - lowered the risk of bladder cancer. "Researchers analyzed the diet records of nearly 48,000 middleaged men. Over 10 years, those who drank the most fluids (about 10 cups a day) were only half as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who drank the least (less than five cups a day). Bladder cancer risk dropped seven percent for every eight ounces of fluid drunk. While all beverages offered benefit, water stood out." Safety First Although water is essential for optimal health, it can also be deadly: Just ask Erin Brockovich. This feisty real-life heroine, portrayed by actress Julia Roberts in the movie "Erin Brockovich," confronted the issue of contaminated water head-on and spearheaded a David and Goliath fight against a powerful energy company. Contaminated water is associated with an increased risk of cancer, miscarriage and birth defects. In "Erin Brockovich," this reality was underscored in a dramatic and powerful way. The movie left no room for argument. One sure-fIfe way to fmd out if your water is safe is to have it professionally tested for carcinogenic elements and contaminates at least once a year. If you drink bottled water, make sure to have your brand of choice tested as well. Ask your chiropractor or contact your local water safety board for a list of qualified testing labs in your area. Lab representatives will give you instructions on how to properly collect and contain your water sample. Fiber-Fortified Water? Fiber-fortified water (with five grams of fiber per 16-ounce bottle), soyfortified water (with soy protein and isoflavones) and vitamin-fortified water (with vitamins A, C, E, plus calcium) began making waves in the wa ter wars last summer (Environmental Nutrition 2000;23:8). However, not all of these products live up to advertiser's health claims. And remember: always discuss any nutritional supplementation (including supplemented water) with your chiropractor. Bottoms Up! The effects of dehydration can be devastating. So, bottoms up - and remember to drink for the health of it! For More Information on Preventive Health Care This office is committed to educating our patients about late-breaking nutritional research, which will enable them to live healthier lives. To this end, we produce one Optimal Health UniversityTM newsletter on a specific health topic each month, like this one on dehydration. (Feel free to offer topic suggestions for future handouts.) To find out more about how nutrition fits into the revolutionary chiropractic approach to wellness, schedule an appointment for a chiropractic checkup today!

Our purpose is to educate and adjust families toward optimal health