DESCRIPTION
Water makes up about 75 percent of the human body. It is not just essential
for health; it is essential for life. Water is necessary for maintaining the correct osmotic pressure in cells and is needed for many other body processes, such as transporting nutrients and waste products around the body in the blood (blood is about 80 percent water). Water that has been cooled to form ice, or heated to form hot water or steam, can be used to treat minor complaints.
FOOD USES
Water prevents dehydration.
It can help to prevent tooth decay when sufficient fluoride is present.
Water acts as a diuretic and a mild laxative — it adds water to stools and may stimulate muscle contraction in the digestive tract.
Hard water may play a role in preventing hypertension and heart disease.
Ice reduces swellings and is particularly beneficial for sprains. Ice packs help to relieve backache. Swallowing cracked ice may be beneficial in relieving morning sickness.
Bathing in warm water can induce relaxation. Hot baths may help to soothe muscular aches and pains. A cool bath can be soothing for sufferers of prickly heat.
A hot compress can help to reduce skin inflammations caused by infection. Dip a facecloth or other thick cloth in hot water and wring out before applying. Cold compresses placed around the throat may ease croup.
CHILDREN
Children suffering from croup will get relief when placed in a steamy bathroom. This is best achieved by running the hot water faucet or the shower.
DATA FILE
Properties
Water has very few nutrients except for the minerals calcium and magnesium, and these vary according to whether the water is hard or soft (hard water contains more minerals than soft water). Other substances may be added to water, for example chlorine to purify it, and fluorides to help prevent dental caries, although fluorine may occur naturally in some cases. Water also contains some sodium; the amount varies from one area to another. Bottled waters may be particularly high in sodium.
Special notes
- Water should be filtered before it is drunk if it contains impurities.
- Bottled mineral waters may be high in sodium.
Contraindications
- If contaminants such as excess chlorine are present, avoid drinking the water and notify the appropriate authority.
- Those on a low-sodium diet may need to avoid some bottled waters. Check the label before drinking.
- Check sodium levels before serving bottled water to infants and children.
