The most important nutrient for the body.

The most important nutrient for the human body is water. An average person can live for about forty to forty-five days without food but only three to five days without water. Approximately two-thirds of a person's body weight is water--our blood is 82 percent water and both our brain and muscles, are 75 percent water. The major ingredient of all fluids in the body is water, including saliva, gastric juice, bile, pancreatic juices, and intestinal secretions. Water is necessary for practically every bodily function. It helps carry essential nutrients to all our cells, aids in circulation and digestion, and helps carry away the metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, urea, uric acid, and ammonia.

The average-sized person requires 2 to 3 quarts of water a day (that's 64 to 96 ounces). A good rule to go by is to take your body weight, divide it by two, and that's the number of ounces of water you should be drinking daily. If you are eating adequate amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables daily, then you're getting about one quart of water already. But stay away from drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and sodas. Caffeine is a diuretic and actually causes you to lose water, so it does more harm than good.

I have found that my patients who drink adequate amounts of water have improved blood pressure, as well as a reduction or elimination of headaches, arthritis, and back and neck pain. In general, patients with chronic illnesses have fewer symptoms and better overall health as they increase their water intake.

What's the best time to drink water? I believe at different intervals throughout the day. Here's a good guideline: drink at least one 8-ounce glass of water thirty minutes before each meal and then another 8-ounce glass about two and a half hours after each meal. Before your largest meal of the day, try and drink at least 16 ounces of water. By drinking water before meals, you will decrease your appetite and greatly help your digestion.

Now because our ground water supply and streams are contaminated with pesticides, insecticides, and other chemicals, I highly recommend you filter your water. There are three basic types of filters you can purchase. Carbon filters are the most common and least expensive. These include granulated carbon filters and solid carbon block filters. The granulated filters last for about three or four months, while the solid block filters last approximately one year. Always remember: Change the filters regularly. ...