It is widely known now that water is a needed nutrient for our bodies, indeed over 70% of our bodies are made up of water. But many people do not realize that there are many common maladies such as headaches, high blood pressure, arthritis, asthma, and fatigue that can be prevented or treated just by having proper hydration to maintain optimum fluid levels in the body. The best way to prevent? treat? and in many cases cure illness is to give our body the right tools and let it go to work. With the proper intake of healthy water? the right minerals and nutrients? our body can overcome almost anything.

Recent studies have confirmed that an increased intake of water and the proper immune enhancing nutrients? combined with a little patience and common sense are by far the best defense against most infections. Allowing our body to overcome minor infections with fever? fluids and rest increases our natural resistance and makes us less susceptible to these intruders in the future. Truly the best offense is a good "defense."

Pain medications and analgesic medicines also work in contrast to the way our body heals itself. In a very informative book called "Your Body's Many Cries For Water" (very highly recommended)? studies by medical experts explain how most of the pain sensations we experience are the result of moderate or acute dehydration.

One of the most common causes of headaches is lack of proper hydration. Because our brains are over 75% water, when a shortage of water is detected the brain releases histamines which cause pain and fatigue. Taking pain medications and antihistamines only masks the true problem. In most cases, simply drinking a couple of cups of water and relaxing for 20 minutes will stop the pain.

Sometimes even back pain can be caused by a lack of fluids. Our spinal discs which are filled with fluid act as shock absorbers in our spinal column and when they are not hydrated properly they deflate and provide less of a cushion and place the load on the shell of the disk instead of on the fluid like it should. Another thing that affects the fluid level in disks in the lack of movement, just by moving your head around and moving your upper body around while sitting at a desk can help alleviate this and allow the discs to remain hydrated.

Another area that is surprising to many is high blood pressure or hypertension which in many cases can be caused by a lower blood volume from dehydration. Our blood is well over 80% water and is therefore very susceptible to changes in hydration. When the body detects a loss of blood volume? it closes off less active capillary beds in order to maintain proper blood flow to the more active areas. These vessel closings cause a rise in tension inside the muscle mass which we've come to know as "hypertension." More water allows proper blood volumes and less tension.

If you have any of these conditions try drinking more water, you'll be pleasantly surprised.