The human body is composed of 75 percent water and 25 percent
solid matter. To provide nourishment, eliminate waste and regulate all
the functions in the body, we need water. Most modern societies,
however, no longer stress the importance of drinking water as the most
important "nutrient" among all nutrients. Entire population groups are
substituting water with tea, coffee, alcohol and other manufactured
beverages. Many people don't realize that the natural thirst signal of
the body is a sign that it requires pure, plain drinking water. Instead,
they opt for other beverages in the belief that this would satisfy the
body's water requirements. This is a false belief.
It is true that
beverages such as tea, coffee, wine, beer, soft drinks and juices
contain water but they also contain caffeine, alcohol, sugar, artificial
sweeteners or other chemicals that act as strong dehydrators. The more
you drink these beverages, the more dehydrated you become because the
effects they create in the body are exactly opposite to the ones that
are produced by water. Caffeine containing beverages, for example,
trigger stress responses that have strong diuretic effects (causing
increased urination, at first). Beverages with added sugar drastically
raise blood sugar levels, which uses up large quantities of cellular
water, too. Regular consumption of such beverages results in chronic
dehydration, which is a common factor in every toxicity crisis.
There
is no practical or rational reason to treat an illness (toxicity
crisis) with synthetic drugs or even with natural medications and
methods unless the body's need for hydration has been met first. Drugs
and other forms of medical intervention can be dangerous for the human
physiology largely because of their dehydrating effects. Most patients
today are suffering from 'thirst disease', a progressive state of
dehydration in certain areas of the body. Unable to remove toxins from
these parts due to insufficient water supply, the body is faced with the
consequences of their destructive effects. The lack of recognition of
the most basic aspects of water metabolism in our body can be held
responsible for seeing a disease when it really is the body's urgent cry
for water.
Recognizing Dehydration
Those
who have lived for many years without proper water intake are the most
likely to succumb to the build-up of toxins in the body. Chronic disease
is always accompanied by dehydration and, in many cases, caused by
dehydration. The longer a person lives on a low water ration and/or on a
high ration of stimulating beverages or foods, the more severe and long
lasting is the toxicity crisis. Heart disease, obesity, diabetes,
rheumatoid arthritis, stomach ulcers, hypertension, cancer, MS,
Alzheimer's, and many other chronic forms of disease are precipitated by
years of "body drought." Infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses
cannot thrive in a well-hydrated body. Drinking enough water is
therefore one of the most important preventives for any disease.
People
who do not drink enough water or unduly deplete their body's water
reserves through overstimulation for a period of time gradually lower
the ratio of the volume of water that exists inside the cells to the
ratio of volume of water that is found outside the cells. Under
dehydrated conditions, the cells may lose up to 28% or more of their
water volume. This certainly undermines all cellular activities, whether
they occur in skin cells, stomach cells, liver cells, kidney cells or
heart cells. Whenever there is cellular dehydration, metabolic waste
products are retained, causing symptoms that resemble disease but in
truth are nothing but signs of disturbed water metabolism. Since more
and more water begins to accumulate outside the cells, the dehydration
may not be apparent to the afflicted person; he may in fact notice that
he retains water, leading to swelling of his legs, feet, arms and face.
Also his kidneys may begin to hold on to water, markedly reducing
urinary secretion and causing retention of harmful waste material. Even
the enzymes and proteins living in the dehydrated cells become so
inefficient that they are no longer able to recognize the dehydrated
state of the body; they fail to set off the 'thirst alarm'.
Demetria,
a 53-year-old Greek woman consulted me to find relief for a painful
condition of gallbladder disease. Her skin was dark gray, indicating a
high concentration of toxins in her liver and throughout her body.
Seeing how dehydrated (and swollen) her body was, I offered her a glass
of water. She said: "I never drink water, it makes me sick!" I told her
that her natural thirst signals no longer worked because of cellular
dehydration and that without drinking water her body could not return to
balance. Any water she would drink would instantly be used to remove
some of the toxins lurking in her stomach, giving rise to nausea. In her
case, any other therapy than drinking water would have been a waste of
time and money.
A dehydrated person may also suffer from lack of
energy. Due to the shortage of water inside the cell the normal osmotic
flow of water through the cell membrane becomes disrupted or severely
disturbed. Like in a stream, the movement of water into the cells
generates "hydroelectric" energy, which is subsequently stored in form
of ATP molecules (the main source of cellular energy). Normally, the
water we drink keeps the cell volume balanced and the salt we eat
maintains the balanced volume of water that is held outside the cells
and in circulation; this generates the right osmotic pressure necessary
for cellular nourishment and energy production. During dehydration, this
basic process is undermined.
The Pain Connection
Another
major indicator of dehydration in the body is pain. In response to
increasing water shortage, the brain activates and stores the important
neurotransmitter histamine, which directs certain subordinate water
regulators to redistribute the amount of water that is in circulation.
This system helps move water to areas where it is needed for basic
metabolic activity and survival (from drought). When histamine and its
subordinate regulators for water intake and distribution come across
pain-sensing nerves in the body, they cause strong and continual pain.
These pain signals, as they manifest, for example, in rheumatoid
arthritis, angina, dyspepsia, low back problems, neuralgia, migraine,
and hangover headaches, etc., are necessary to alert the person to
attend to the problem of general or local dehydration.
Taking
analgesics or other pain relieving medications such as antihistamines or
antacids can cause irreversible damage in the body. They not only fail
to address the real problem (which may be dehydration) but they also cut
the connection between the neurotransmitter histamine and its
subordinate regulators such as vasopressin, Renin-Angiotensin (RA),
prostaglandin (PG), and kinins. Although the action of the pain killing
drugs can relieve local pain for a while, they nevertheless stop the
body from knowing the priority areas for water distribution, adding
confusion to all its functions. Antihistamines -- also known as allergy
drugs - effectively prevent the body's histamines from ensuring balanced
water distribution.
In addition to jeopardizing the water
regulating mechanisms, after reaching a certain pain threshold,
painkillers become ineffective because the brain takes over as a direct
center for monitoring pain perpetuation (unless of course the body is
hydrated again). If the body produces pain out of its own accord (not
caused through an injury), this should first be interpreted as a cry for
water. The use of painkillers, which suppress this cardinal signal of
chronic and local dehydration in the body and which "short circuit" its
emergency routes, sabotages waste elimination and sows the seeds of
chronic illness.
There is enough documentation to show that these
drugs can have fatal side effects. They can cause gastrointestinal
bleeding, killing thousands each year. Yet the body's natural pain
signals are perfectly normal responses to an abnormal situation, which
may be simple dehydration. In the case that a pain is simply unbearable,
the use of painkillers, however, may be unavoidable. At the same time,
the pain-afflicted person should drink plenty of fresh water and
discontinue all energy-depleting factors, as these tend to have a
strongly dehydrating effect.
'Body Drought' - the Strongest Form of Stress
Our
brain, working round the clock, requires more water than any other part
of the body. Under normal conditions, it contains about twenty percent
of all the blood that circulates through the body. It is estimated that
brain cells consist of 85 percent water. Their energy requirements are
not only met by metabolizing glucose (simple sugar), but also by
generating "hydroelectric" energy from the water drive through cell
osmosis. The brain depends greatly on this self-generated source of
energy to maintain its complex processes and efficiency.
Water
deficiency in the brain tissue cut downs its energy supply and thereby
depresses many of its vital functions - hence the word depression. With a
low level of brain energy, we are unable to meet our personal and
social challenges and subsequently succumb to fear, anxiety, anger and
other emotional problems. We may feel drained, lethargic, stressed and
depressed. The chronic fatigue syndrome, which is commonly known as
M.E., is mainly a symptom of progressive brain dehydration and
subsequent retention of metabolic toxins in the brain. The syndrome may
disappear on its own when the afflicted person stops stimulating the
brain with caffeine, tobacco, drugs, animal products, etc., and begins a
consequent program of re-hydrating the body.
The Stress Response
When
dehydrated, the body has to put up the fight of a lifetime -- similar
to the one experienced in a "fight or flight" situation. The body meets a
crisis situation by mobilizing several powerful hormones, including
adrenalin, endorphins, cortisone, prolactin, vasopressin, and
Renin-Angiotensin (RA).
Endorphins, for example, help us to
withstand pain and stress and allow the body to continue most of its
functions. Cortisone orders the mobilisation of stored energies and
essential raw materials to supply the body with energy and basic
nutrients during the crisis. In other words, this hormone allows the
body to literally feed off itself. This in itself is a very stressful
and damaging situation for the body and is expressed by such emotions
as, "I can't cope anymore" or, "I feel this is eating at me." Many
patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, MS or other degenerative diseases
take cortisone drugs, which often give them a boost of energy and morale
for a relatively short period of time.
The 'success' of the drug,
however, only lasts as long as there are still reserves left in the
body that can be mobilized for energy and nutrient distribution. Once
the body has used up its emergency reserves the organism can barely
function anymore and the symptoms of disease become worse than ever.
Constriction of blood vessels
When
the cells in the body are under-supplied with water, the brain's
pituitary gland produces the neurotransmitter vasopressin, a hormone
that has the property of constricting blood vessels in areas where there
is cellular dehydration. During dehydration, the quantity of water in
the bloodstream is reduced. Vasopressin, as its name suggests, squeezes
the vascular system, i.e., the capillaries and arteries, to reduce their
fluid volume. This maneuver is necessary to continue having enough
pressure to allow for a steady filtration of water into the cells. This
gives vasopressin a hypertensive property. High blood pressure is a
common experience among people who are dehydrated. A similar situation
occurs in the liver's bile ducts, which begin to constrict in response
to restricted availability of water. Gallstone formation is a direct
result of dehydration.
A person who drinks alcohol suppresses the
secretion of vasopressin and thereby increases cellular dehydration (if
alcohol consumption is excessive, cellular dehydration may reach
dangerously high levels). To survive the body "drought," the body has to
secrete ever more stress hormones, among them the addictive endorphins.
With regular consumption of alcohol, meaning every day for several
years, dehydration increases even further and endorphin production
becomes an addictive habit. This may lead to alcoholism, a disease that
has devastating consequences on a person's personal and social life.
Water Retention and Kidney Damage
The
Renin-Angiotensin (RA) system is activated when there is a water
shortage in the body. This system is used to direct the body to hold on
to water wherever possible. It instructs the kidneys to inhibit
urination and tightens the capillaries and the vascular system,
particularly in areas that are not as vital as the brain and the heart
muscles. At the same time, it stimulates an increase in the absorption
of sodium (salt), which helps the body to retain water. Unless the body
returns to its normal level of hydration, the RA system remains
activated. But this also means that the pressure of the blood against
the walls of the blood vessels remains abnormally high, causing the
damage that is known as cardiovascular disease.
Hypertension and
the retention of urine in the kidneys lead to kidney damage.
Conventional treatments for this condition consist mostly of diuretic
(urine forming) drugs and restricted salt consumption. Both may have
severe drawbacks. Diuretic drugs, which are used to normalize the blood
pressure, as well as reduced salt intake strongly undermine the body's
emergency efforts to save the little water it has left for cell
functions. The resulting stress response causes a further increase in
dehydration and the vicious cycle is complete. There are so many kidney
replacements made today that result from chronic dehydration, caused by
something as simple as not drinking enough water or overstimulation of
the nervous system.
The Caffeine and Alcohol Drama
The
caffeine contained in such beverages as tea, coffee, cacao or colas not
only stimulates the central nervous system and immune system but also
acts as a strong diuretic. For every cup of coffee or tea you drink you
relinquish approximately three cups of water, which the body cannot
afford to give up without suffering damage. The caffeine containing cola
beverages work in a similar way. Caffeine, being a nerve toxin,
stimulates the body's stress hormones and triggers a strong immune
response that may give a person the (false) impression that his level of
energy and vitality has suddenly increased. To remove the nerve toxin
caffeine, the body has to come up with extra water, which it takes from
its cells. Hence there is an occurrence of cellular dehydration.
Caffeine,
which is a major component in most soft drinks, removes water from the
body faster than the body can absorb it again, thereby generating
constant thirst. People, who frequently take soft drinks, can never
really quench their thirst because their bodies continually and
increasingly run out of cellular water. There are college students who
drink as many as 10-14 cans of cola a day. Eventually, they confuse
their bodies' never-ending thirst signal with hunger and they begin to
overeat, causing swelling and excessive weight gain. Apart from its
diuretic action and its addictive effects on the brain, regular caffeine
intake overstimulates the heart muscles, causing exhaustion and heart
disease.
Alcohol has a similar diuretic effect as caffeine
containing beverages. For every glass of beer, for example, the body is
forced to sacrifice about three glasses of water. A hangover results
when due to alcohol abuse the brain suffers severe dehydration. If this
occurs repeatedly, a large number of brain cells become damaged and die.
Many important brain functions slow down or become depressed. Recovery
is possible to a certain extent if alcohol consumption is discontinued.
Kidney Stones
The
main functions of the kidneys are to keep the blood pure and healthy
and maintain proper fluid balance in the body. To accomplish this
difficult feat, the kidneys constantly monitor normal blood volume and
filter from the blood the right quantity of urine to keep it balanced.
There are many influences that can disrupt this mechanism and cause
congestion in the kidneys. They include overstimulation, dehydration,
fatigue, overeating, gallstones, blood pressure disturbance, medical or
narcotic drugs, vitamins, digestive disorders, etc. When the kidneys are
incapable of sufficiently separating the urine from the blood, part of
the urine continues to circulate throughout the body, depositing urinary
waste products in the blood vessels, joints, tissues, and organs. Skin
diseases, strong body odor, sweating of palms and feet, water retention,
intestinal swelling, high blood pressure, etc. are all signs of toxic
blood caused by crystals and stones in the kidneys.
Stones in the
kidneys begin as tiny crystals and can eventually become as large as an
egg. The tiny crystals are too small to be detected by X-rays and since
they do not cause pain, they are rarely noticed yet they are big enough
to block the flow of liquid through the tiny kidney tubules. Crystals or
stones are formed in the kidneys when urinary constituents, which
normally in solution, are precipitated. Precipitation occurs when these
particles occur in excessive amounts or when urine becomes too
concentrated. The crystal particles or stones are usually full of sharp
angles, which may cut and wear away the inner surface of the urinary
canal (ureter) during their passage from the kidneys to the bladder.
This causes severe pain in the loins or lower back. There may even be
blood in the urine, pain running down the legs, numbness in the thighs
and a difficulty in passing urine.
Most crystals or stones
originate in the kidneys, although some may also be formed in the
bladder. If a large stone enters a ureter, urine flow becomes
obstructed. This can lead to serious complications, such as kidney
infection or kidney failure.
Why The Need For A Kidney Cleanse?
The
kidneys make a tremendous effort in trying to keep the body clear of
toxic substances such as lead, cadmium, mercury and other impassable
pollutants. They also maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and
regulate the pressure from the heart that forces the blood through their
filtering system. Kidney stones greatly impair this ability, which
consequently increases the amounts of heavy metals and raises the body's
general level of toxicity. This can lead to infection, high blood
pressure, heart disease, brain disorders, cancer and many other
diseases.
The following signs indicate the presence of crystals
and stones in the kidneys or bladder: A dark or whitish color under the
eyes; puffy or swollen eyes, particularly in the morning; deep wrinkles
under and around the eyes; tiny whitish, tan-colored or dark lumps under
the eyes, which can be felt or made visible when stretching the skin
outwards towards the cheekbones; overlapping of the skin of the upper
eyelid; chronic pain in the lower back; swelling of feet and legs;
constant fear or anxiety. There are a number of herbs that can
effectively dissolve kidney stones within a period of 20-30 days.
Whether someone has been diagnosed as having kidney stones or not, doing
a kidney cleanse once or twice a year produces tremendous curative and
preventive benefits. The kidney cleanse not only improves physical
health but also reduces stress, fear and anxieties.
[This is an excerpt from the book 'Timeless Secrets of Health & Rejuvenation' by Andreas Moritz]