Hi Again Friends!
It has been quite some time since I posted a blog, so what better time than now, right? After all, the weather is warm, and we are outside even more than we have been the last few months. And because of this it is important that we discuss the benefits of remaining hydrated at all times, especially in the Summer months.
Our bodies, like the surface of Mother Earth, contain 60 to 70 percent of water. We need just the right amount of fluid in our bodies for the optimal functioning of our cells, tissues, and organs. One basic naturopathic principle common in most traditions is that we need to drink enough good, clean water for optimal health benefits. Water is not only a great cleanser, it is most likely the best. Water is used as a healing agent for many problems, because lack of water in our bodies can lead to many signs and symptoms of illness. The general rule of thumb is to drink about 8 glasses of water a day.
As you get to know your body better, you will become more attuned to its need for water. One interesting idea to note is how peculiar it is that when our natural habit is to not drink enough, the sensation of our thirst tends to diminish. If we begin to increase the amount of water we drink on a regular basis, we begin to recognize the sensation of thirst. This is because our body responds to the increase of water intake by increasing its messages to us about its desire to drink more. The more water we drink, the more diluted and copious our urine output becomes- what goes in, must go out. And what comes out, must go in- water is used up in many chemical reactions in the body, so we always need to keep our body levels topped up.
The kidneys help to monitor and gauge the amount of water in our bodies, and increase or decrease the amount of water excreted as urine. The kidneys make urine by filtering the blood. In just one hour, all the blood in our bodies has passed through the kidneys and have been filtered. A great way to check your level of hydration is to keep an eye on the color of your urine- if it is anything darker than a very pale straw color to pale yellow, you need to drink some water.
Since toxicity is a major contributor to illness of all kinds, it is important to do what we can to support our organs of elimination- the kidneys, liver, bowels, lungs, and skin. All traditional healing methods include invoking and encouraging the body's own excretory forces to clear toxins. A person must have a certain amount of basic strength to undergo such healing methods, and will often times need nourishing and replenishing treatments as well. It is important to note that many natural treatments are to be utilized by those in general good health, and illnesses should be addressed by a health practitioner, and creating a good health balance by working with a holistic therapist such as myself as well.
The beautiful cycle of life is as follows, we are born, we grow into adults, we age, and at the end, we pass on. This cycle of birth and death is repeated everywhere in nature. Our relationship with it as individuals and as whole societies have a major impact not only on our own lives, but all of the life on our beautiful planet. Which is why it is so important to begin by caring for ourselves properly, and then the beautiful world around us. So go out, be great, and hydrate!
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog, I will be back next week with another helpful blog talking about the energy of life. Have a great week friends.