The Sievert Clinic - Chiropractic - Your Diet and Your Health

The body is wonderfully complex and unique and needs water among other things in order to function properly. Most of us do not drink enough water. Generally speaking, adults should drink at least six to eight glasses of liquid daily: most of us can stand more. Certain kinds of bladder and kidney difficulties may alter this amount.

The vital need for water is not fully appreciated by most people. Most of the major systems of the body need water to function properly. Your skin, which covers the entire body, loses water every day through perspiration. The lungs require approximately two glasses of water each day to function properly. The small intestines also need water for optimum function to promote proper elimination.

Kidneys, which are very important organs in the body's elimination system, utilize a large quantity of water daily to carry out wastes.

Many people use thirst as the primary criterion for regulating their water intake; this is not a valid indicator. The body needs fluid whether you have a desire for it or not. To provide a consistent supply throughout the day, regular consumption is best. A routine for example could incorporate a glass of cool, but not iced, water when you get up in the morning. This should precede breakfast by some 10-15 minutes. Water, coupled with moderate exercise, will greatly aid in activating the intestinal tract and help to establish normal elimination.

Many people today drink bottled water or have filtration or purification devices to help filter out impurities. This is an excellent idea. Additionally, water should be tested at least annually for impurities or contaminants, particularly if derived from a source that is not regularly monitored such as a well.

Regularity

The body must dispose of the wastes that it cannot use. These wastes putrefy and decompose if retained in the body too long, which may be detrimental to health. Therefore, elimination should be regular.

Elimination is accomplished through four systems: the skin, lungs, kidneys and the bowels. If the suggestions as to exercise, fresh air, and water are followed, there will usually be little difficulty with the elimination through the first three systems. Bowel elimination requires special attention.

Daily bowel elimination is important. A person should try to establish a habit of maintaining a predictable schedule for this purpose, such as just before retiring or right after breakfast. Water, exercise and a wise choice of foods are important for regular bowel elimination.

Maintaining a regularity of bowel elimination may be aided by eating natural "bran" or high fiber foods such as potatoes, peas, beans, fresh fruits and vegetables. This high fiber diet has proven extremely effective for many people by providing the intestinal tract with "bulk" or roughage. A daily routine of adding several tablespoons of natural bran to your cereal will greatly aid in maintaining and promoting better elimination. Recent studies have shown that this is very beneficial to those who have conditions such as diverticular disease.