McKinney's Oven

1.      Water arouses thirst?

·        Deficiency of water

·        Excess of solutes in the body

·        Intake of dry food

·        Dehydration when we are faint and dizzy as a result of too little water

2.      How much is needed?

·        Ten to twelve glasses per day. However, water is contained in prepared foods and is produced metabolically.  Since there is water found in foods we need, only drink 7 to 8 glasses per day.

·        Cells of the body vary from 60 to 90% water.

·        Brain cells and intestinal cells are particularly well hydrated.  In order to think well, we need optimum water saturation of the neural tissues. 

·        During the day we lose water from the skin, intestinal tract, lungs and kidneys.

·        We dehydrate our tissues with diuretic caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate and cola’s) and Nicotine, which causes unnatural elimination of water by the kidneys.

·        A useful gauge in the mater of drinking water is the color of the urine.  Proper hydration will make the urine almost colorless, unless one is taking vitamin supplements. 

WHEN SHOULD I DRINK FLUIDS?

Ø     First thing in the morning, helps with the production of urine

Ø     ‘Don’t wash your food down with fluids.’

1.      Water taken with meals cuts down on the production of saliva and discouraged chewing; making the length of time food spends in the mouth much shorter.  Digestion is thereby hindered. 

2.      Beverages taken with meal dilute digestive juices or enzymes in the mouth. Stomach and intestine; therefore digestion is further delayed.  The stomach must now make more acid to maintain the proper ph.  

3.      All of this adds to the likelihood of:

·        Fermentation in the digestive tract

·        Gas formation

·        Various types of discomfort

·        Poor functioning of digestion and elimination.

Ø     Never should solid foods i.e. milk or juices be taken between meals

Ø     Drink water 30 minutes before meals or 1 to 2 hours after a meal.