Water is the elixir of life. It is required for every metabolic function within the body. Fresh clean clear water is requried every day to maintain health and clarity of mind. This artilce will tell you what kind of water you need to drink and how much.

We have been taught over the years that water consumption should be upwards of two to three liters per adult daily.I do not agree with this point of view. Most people do not even drink one liter never mind three, instinctually. This large consumption of water does not correspond to traditional access to water over the ages. Humanity has largely had to pack and carry water. The human system is developed so that such large amounts of water are not required. But is does need a consistent quality water supply. Your skin tone will help you to determine how dehydrated you are. Skin should be supple, moist and resiliant. These qualties will generally decrease with age. Mucous membranes should be moist also.

One and a half liters is about right for most adults. More can be taken with physical work and heat and sun exposure. Your water needs to be fresh and alive without added chemicals, pollutants, chlorine or fluouride. It should not only look clean but smell clean.

You can't really know for sure the quality of your water unless you have it tested. General standards for water purity are too low. Seek a water that has an absolute minimum of toxins and heavy metals. There is no safe level of arsenic and lead in water. If you don't have access to clean water consider a reverse osmosis sytem or use professionally distilled water. To each of these you should add trace minerals to help restore the water to its natual form, more similar to that found in mountain streams and springs. Quality water will assit your body to flush a multitude of toxins out through the organs of elimination - the kidneys, the intestines, the lungs and the skin. Without sufficient water the lymphatic system, as well as the blood can become thick and sluggish.

We have been taught in our culture to drink water during meals. This is a great error for digestion and I will explain why. During the eating process and immediate digestion your body releases enzymes and hydrochloric acid to digest your food. The body knows exactly what to do with food digestion and water is not required during the meal. You require concentrated enzymes and acids at this time. You came with no instructions that said to please water during feeding. Adding water to the mix dilutes the acids and enzymes and keeps them from accurately and efficiently doing their job. The correct time to add water to the digestive process is throughout the day so the cells of the stomach and intestines are prehydrated and the blood is fluid. Once meal time is past by one hour some water can be taken. This will quickly move down into the intestines and help with movement of nutrients across the intestinal wall now that after the particles are well on their way to being broken down and ready for transport.

That water glass provided on the table should be greatly reduced in size or eliminated all together and water should only be taken during meals if there is swallowing difficulty. If you drink a lot of water during meals and have digestive issues try eliminating it and seeing what happens. Be sure you hydrade at other times of the day.

There are correct times of the day to drink water. Water can be taken up to thirty minutes before a meal or one hour after a meal is completed. One of the best times of the day to drink is upon first rising in the morning. Taking eight to ten ounces of water at this time will awaken your body and start stimulating the bowels to move. There really is no better time.

Children need to learn to drink water starting at an early age. Juices should be largely avoided even if they are watered down and never should be given in a baby bottle. Juices should be of good quality without added sugar or corn syrup. You can sweeten with stevia some if you like. Offer juices near meal times in small amounts and instruct the child that juices of good quality are potent foods, not snacks or pacifiers. Only milk, formula, or water should be put into baby bottles. Between meals offer the children fresh clear water in their bottles. If you never get them started on juices in bottles they will never miss it and they will be better hydrated.

The following book is now a classic regarding one man's experience in how he found out how important water is to health. I highly recommend it to help you understand further your need for water. When you read this book please remember that the people this doctor helped were severely dehydrated and living under the most extreme of conditions including malnutrition.

Your Bodies Many Cries For Water