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Most
health authorities agree that for healthy living,
Water is more than a thirst quencher. It is a vehicle for carrying nutrients to your cells. Water also acts as a natural lubricant to limbs and joints. Water is quite possibly the single most important catalyst in achieving or maintaining desired weight. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits. Most
people drink less water than their bodies require. The most common mild
dehydration symptoms are:
There have been a half-million new chemicals developed since 1965 alone. Most of these organic pollutants are modern hydrocarbon chemicals such as plastic and pesticides. Some are no biodegradable. Most are soluble in water, and thousands are known to be toxic. In 1991, the U.S. Congressional Research Service revealed that 10% of the 1.4 million underground gasoline storage thanks in the U.S. are currently leaking. There are also an estimated 16,000 municipal landfills and 181,000 industrial waste sites in the United States that leech contaminants into our water supplies. Agricultural pesticides and highway de-icing chemicals are other contaminants. Contamination in the distribution system Water can become contaminated during it's journey from treatment plant to home. Lead, asbestos and cement pipes used in municipal water distribution systems can allow harmful substances to leech into drinking water. Contamination at home Water can become contaminated right at home. Some homes have plumbing systems which use lead based solder to join copper pipes. Both can allow lead to leech into your drinking water. Municipal Water Chlorine, used by municipalities to disinfect water supplies, can react with naturally occurring organic materials in water. For example, decayed leaves can create trichlorethanes, a suspected cancer - causing chemical. Dr, Joseph M. Price, MD in his book "Coronaries /Cholesterol /Chlorine", wrote that the cause of arteriosclerosis, resulting heart attack, and strokes is none other than the chlorine in our drinking water. A
recent study by the US Council on
Environmental Quality has
established a definite link in the chlorination of water
and cancer. One of the studies showed that the cancer risk among people
drinking chlorinated water is
93% higher than among those who live where
the water is not chlorinated.
Bad tastes and odors These are caused by chlorine, commonly used by municipalities to disinfect the water supply. They are also caused by tea-like extracts of dead leaves, and by metals such as iron and copper. Asbestos It occurs naturally in rock, and is linked to several types of cancer. Bacteria and viruses They can cause infectious diseases such as typhoid fever and hepatitis. A chemist in a Texas university examined a glass of water under a high powered microscope. He found tiny bits of paper which turned out to be toilet paper, and 85% of the water contained blood- worms and hair shavings! Arsenic This can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. It can also cause cancer. Heavy metals High levels of cadmium, mercury and lead in drinking water can cause nerve damage, mental retardation, birth defects and cancer. Lead It is estimated that 40 million Americans currently drink water containing more than the limit set by the EPA. Lead poisoning can cause mental retardation and birth defects. Synthetic organic chemicals One example is pesticides, which are carried into groundwater by rain. They can cause respiratory and nerve disorders. Trichlorethanes (THM's) These are formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water, such as from decaying leaves. They can cause cancer. Volatile organic chemicals Example of these are gasoline, solvents, and industrial cleaners. They can cause many illnesses including liver cancer and leukemia. Health Book Shop - Healthy Lifestyle Index | Amazon.co.uk
Disclaimer:
I am NOT a medical professional. © 2000-2009
1Earth Media. All Rights Reserved. Last update 28th January 2002 |
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