Water is essential for all life and drinking the right amount
is important for good health. We need about three quarts of water daily
to replace that lost through normal bodily processes. The amount of exercise
and weather conditions also influences our needs. A diet high in fresh fruits
and vegetables replenishes fluid loss better than a diet high in meats &
fats that are more concentrated and need additional water for utilization.
Drinking coffee, caffeinated tea (herb 
teas can be very nutritious),
cocoa, colas, or alcoholic beverages doesn't count here. They're diuretics
that increase fluid loss. Along with a physically active lifestyle, drinking
about 1.5 to 2 quarts of water per day helps maintain optimum health.
Drink & be merry. Try a couple glasses first thing in the morning,
about an hour before each meal and maybe again before retiring at night.
It is best not to drink water with meals unless it is in the form of soup,
stew or a glass of miso broth. Water with meals tends to dilute digestive
juices and reduce nutrient assimilation.
Types of Drinking Water:
Tap water
most often from surface reservoirs, "purified" with minerals &
chemicals, not necessarily free of environmental pollutants or contaminants
from pipes.
Well water
primarily from groundwater supplies, can vary greatly in mineral content,
susceptible to neighboring environmental factors.
Spring water
water bottled at an underground source is preferable, high mineral content.
High cost in resource use, transportation & at the store.
Mineral water
generally high in mineral content, often naturally sparkling (containing
CO2), microorganisms not able to live here; not recommended as sole source
of drinking water - carbon dioxide can affect the acid-alkaline balance
in the body.
Filtered water
Activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or solid carbon block filter- the latter
being most efficient, creates the least waste. It filters directly from
the tap, retains most beneficial minerals while removing harmful bacteria,
toxic chemicals & other impurities.
Distilled water
energy intensive and expensive; process removes all minerals- result tends
to attract other minerals (& toxins) to balance with other bodily fluids.
Sundance carries a solid carbon water filter in our housewares section.
In front of Sundance we have filtered water for 25¢/gallon and a drinking
fountain inside, both connected to the same kind of solid carbon filter.
The most important thing is to drink-even if you don't feel thirsty. Thirst
is satisfied long before you have replenished lost fluids. Research shows
that cool drinks (40° - 50°) are absorbed more quickly than lukewarm
ones. In hot weather drink at least 16 to 20 ounces of fluid two hours before
exercising and another 8 ounces 15 or 30 minutes after. While you exercise
drink 3 to 7 ounces every 10 to 20 minutes. After exercising, drink enough
to replace the fluid you've sweated off and eat normally.
Some say delicacies are the mainstay of life; others that water is.
a Maori Proverb
Copyright © 1995 Sundance Natural Foods, Inc.. All Rights Reserved.
