By Rick Mitchell, M.D. and Michele Rutledge, M.D.
“The earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:2
“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’” Revelation 7:17
Water. H2O. Dihydrogen monoxide. Whatever you call this molecule, it is an amazing compound. It has remarkable properties. Consider ice (I hear you – not yet!) Most solid substances tend to sink in a liquid version of that substance. Have you ever seen solid metal dropped into a pool of molten metal? The solid metal sinks, whether it is lead, steel, or iron.
Not so water. Liquid water is denser than ice, which means that ice floats. We all know this, but most of us don’t consider why that is enormously important. But consider – what would happen to fish if ice sank? They would be crushed under the ice as it descended from the surface. But since ice floats, fish and other creatures live under a protective surface barrier, able to survive one season to the next (barring crafty ice fishermen with an augur). The properties of water allow us to play in lakes instead of fog banks, allow giant sequoias to draw water hundreds of feet in the air in their astonishingly tall trunks, and give water striders the ability to skate along the surface of the water in search of food.
And what of humans and health? Humans are made up of about 60% water. What does water do for us?
Water makes up the bulk of what circulates through us. It carries our energy in the form of sugar and fat, and building supplies in the form of amino acids. It carries oxygen for the creation of the energy we need. It moves our immune system to where it is needed. It removes carbon dioxide and other waste products. It acts as the basis for our body’s ability to communicate with itself in an integrated manner. It is impossible to overstate the importance of water to our bodies’ normal function.
It should come as no surprise, then, that abnormalities of water are almost synonymous with disease. Water leaks into the lungs and makes breathing difficult for people with congestive heart failure. In people with cirrhosis, it seeps into their bellies and breeds infection. It makes the skin hard and woody in cellulitis. It causes the uncomfortable swelling in breaks, sprains, and strains. Water where it does not belong is the main problem in people who have lymphedema. Extra water in the body leads to low sodium concentrations. In the extreme, inadequate water intake leads to death.
Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene has the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.3% of all deaths worldwide according to the World Health Organization.
How can you use water to keep yourself healthy? Easy! This is one product that is intended for both internal and external use. Drink enough water, and wash your hands. It’s that simple. Drink enough to keep your urine clear or pale yellow; that’s the best way to assess whether your body is getting what it needs. If you are older, it is especially important to monitor how much you drink, since your sense of thirst may not be as strong as it used to be. Thousands of older people are admitted to the hospital annually for dehydration, a problem easily avoided by drinking enough water. As most of us know- but don’t always put into practice- washing your hands with soap and water often is one of the most powerful ways of keeping yourself and your family safe from infectious diseases.
Drinking enough water can help prevent kidney stones and gout flare ups. It can help keep your skin from getting dry and itchy in the winter and can prevent heat exhaustion in the summer. It prevents constipation and lightheadedness in people prone to those issues. If you drink city water, your teeth are healthier because of the added fluoride; if you only drink bottled water, consider buying stuff with added fluoride to help prevent cavities- especially for kids.
The next time you use water for drinking or cleaning, consider how amazing it is, and give thanks that you are fearfully, wonderfully made with such stuff. Remember the waters of your baptism, and be mindful of the living water inside yourself as it powers your body’s ability to do God’s work.
God Bless You!
Rick Mitchell