The Science Behind Water Consumption
The Science Behind Water Consumption
By Dr Daniel Rocha DN LMT CPT CNS
Water consumption is a main question to ask a patient especially when palpating the body. Muscle tone can be extremely hypertonic and difficult to manipulate.
The main properties of water are its polarity, cohesion, adhesion, surface tension, high specific heat, and evaporative cooling. Polarity is where water molecule is slightly charged on both ends, for example, hydrogen is a positive charge and oxygen has a negative charge. Cohesion Is how hydrogen bonds hold water molecules together. Adhesion is how hydrogen bonds in water allow for the water molecules to be held to another substance. Surface tension is created by cohesion, explaining how certain objects can float or walk on water. High specific heat is the amount of heat absorbed or lost for 1g to change 1 degree Celsius. Evaporative cooling is how heat energy is transferred to water molecules. Evaporating water removes heat energy from an organism.
Water is a universal solvent due to the capability of dissolving more substances than any other liquid. This is important to every living thing because as water travels through the air, the ground, or through our bodies, it contains important chemicals, minerals, and nutrients. Ice floats due to water being denser in its liquid form than as a solid.
You cannot survive without water. Water transports nutrients through your body, digests food, regulates your body temperature, controls kidney function, flushes out toxins, and prevents pain and sickness. Having enough water daily will boost productivity, control your calorie intake, and clear acne.
The body strictly regulates its pH levels. Changes in the body’s internal pH, such as blood pH, can mean serious problems in the organs and tissues. Water that is too alkaline or too acidic can damage pipes and appliances, and therefore unhealthful to drink.
Water’s normal pH varies between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale. Anything too far outside this scale is not be safe to drink. Although alkaline water with a pH higher than 8.5 is helpful for individuals with digestive conditions, such as IBS. But larger and higher-quality studies are required to back up these claims.
Dehydration signs a naprapath should recognize and ask patients to include urine that is medium to dark yellow, mouth or throat are dry, the skin on the back of the hand does not smooth out after pinching. Headaches are a sign of dehydration. When it comes to hydration, replace drinking soda or excessive amounts of fruit juice with electrolyte water is the best advice.
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/file/d/1SSOjppDXyE6CqPRICjQUhz6YLFc-DCdm/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=mspresentation
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