Next to oxygen, water is the most important material for sustenance of life on this planet. Water and the solute made up of electrolyte and non-ionised organic molecules constitute the body fluids. The volume and composition of the body fluids varies within a narrow range from day to day. Such a balance between water, electrolytes, and acid-base content of the body is extremely important for maintenance of normal human life. The kidney is the major regulator of the salt and water content of the body. Disturbances in fluid and electrolyte metabolism involve four major properties. namely,

volume, osmolarity, hydrogen ion concentration (pH), and specific-ion concentration.

Acid-Base Balance

In the extra-cellular space (ECF) the pH is normally maintained with remarkable constancy at about 7.4 in arterial blood, and about 7.35 in venous blood.

Acid-Base Disturbances

Alkalosis and acidosis are disturbances in this balance. In simple terms acidosis denotes decrease in pH, and alkalosis denotes increase in pH of the extra-cellular fluid (ECF). Further details are beyond the scope of this text.

Thus, water is an essential component of our body. Almost

85 percent of our body is water. Slightest dehydration (lack of water)

produces innumerable diseases, including coronary artery disease, obesity, constipation, stroke, diabetes, rheumatism, sinusitis, infections, hyperacidity, anxiety, and depression.

Pure water is colourless, odourless, tasteless, and calorie free.

It is vital to all life on earth. The daily requirement of water for an individual is two to three litres a day. Thus, man*s survival on this planet depends on water. Although 70 percent of the earth"s surface is covered by water, but not all of it is drinkable.

Pure drinking Water

The best way to ensure the quality of water is to purify it yourself by one of the home purifying systems.

Water distillation is the best way to kill and remove bacteria, viruses, cysts, heavy metals, radionucleides, organic and inorganic chemicals, and particulate matter. Various other mechanical and chemical means have been developed, and are recommended for daily use.

Health miracles of Water

Our body is made up of 70 percent water , and water is intimately involved in every body function, including intracellular communication. Following are some of the conditions which can be

controlled by consuming good quality water:

1. Heartburn: Thirst is a signal of water shortage in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Use of antacids does not correct dehydration.

2. Arthritis: Intake of water and a little salt offers relief.

3. Back Pain: Marked by water shortage in the spinal column and the discs. Increasing water intake offers relief. Pain medications can cause serious adverse reactions.

4. Angina pectoris: It is a sign of water shortage in the heart/lung axis. Increased water intake is useful.

5. Migraine: Adequate water intake reduces the frequency of attacks.

6. Colitis & Constipation: Water shortage in the large gut leads to lack of water lubrication and constipation which can lead to disorders of the colon and rectum.

Many other conditions in which water replacement has been found useful are; Asthma, Hypertension, Adult-onset diabetes, Hypercholestrolaemia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and some neurological and auto-iimmune diseases.

The benefit of drinking 6 to 8 glasses per day lowers the risk of developing the above mentioned diseases, and some other life-style diseases with a high prevalence in modern times.

Reference: Dr. Chopra H.K. "Lifestyle and Health", A Sterling Paperback, 2006