Is the Cure in the Water?
Introduction
The book Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life – You’re Not Sick, You’re Thirsty! by Dr Fereydoon Batmanghelidj presents one of the most powerful and controversial propositions in natural medicine: many of the chronic illnesses that affect millions of people today may have prolonged dehydration as their main cause. According to the author, the human body uses “disease” signals to warn of a lack of water. Therefore, instead of medication, the first “remedy” should be… water.
Dr Batmanghelidj’s Revolutionary Thesis
This Iranian doctor, trained in Scotland, discovered the link between pain and dehydration while imprisoned for political reasons. Treating prisoners with severe symptoms using only water, he saw surprising improvements. This served as the starting point for years of study.
His central theory is that many common conditions, such as:
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hypertension
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asthma
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headaches,
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ulcers,
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digestive problems,
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excess weight,
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depression
…are actually warning signs from the body to indicate that it needs more water.
The Role of Water in the Body
According to the author, water doesn’t just serve to hydrate – it regulates practically all physiological processes. It acts as a solvent, nutrient carrier, temperature regulator and lubricant for joints. When hydration levels drop, the body goes into alarm mode, manifesting symptoms that are often mistaken for illnesses.
Symptoms of Chronic Dehydration
The book points out that symptoms such as dry mouth, constant fatigue, irritability, mental confusion and even cravings for sugar or caffeine are signs of a thirsty body, not necessarily a sick one. Traditional medicine, according to Batmanghelidj, ignores these signs and prescribes medication, masking the real problem.
Recommended Hydration Plan
To prevent illness and restore internal balance, the author recommends:
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Drink between 30 and 35 ml of water per kg of body weight per day.
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Distribute intake throughout the day, with special attention to waking up, before meals and during exercise.
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Supplement with unrefined salt (such as fleur de sel or Himalayan salt) – about half a teaspoon a day to maintain the balance of minerals and electrolytes.
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Avoid industrialised drinks such as soft drinks and processed juices.
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Combine hydration with a natural diet rich in fruit and vegetables (80 per cent) and moderate in protein (20 per cent).
Impact on Specific Diseases
Hypertension
According to the author, the reduced blood volume due to lack of water forces the heart to pump harder, raising blood pressure.
Asthma and allergies
Dehydration leads to greater production of histamine – a defence mechanism that, when exaggerated, aggravates allergic reactions.
Arthritis
Joints depend on synovial fluid, the basis of which is water. Lack of water compromises lubrication and accentuates pain.
Depression and anxiety
The brain is made up of 75 per cent water. Its optimal functioning depends on good hydration. According to Batmanghelidj, dehydration can affect the balance of neurotransmitters.
Criticism and scepticism
Despite public enthusiasm, the traditional scientific community has been cautious. The main criticism is the lack of randomised clinical trials proving direct links between dehydration and all the diseases mentioned. Even so, many professionals recognise that increasing water intake alone can already have widespread positive impacts.
Conclusion: Listen to Your Body – and Hydrate Yourself
The book Water: For Health, for Healing, for Life is not intended to replace conventional medical care, but rather to challenge us to look at water as more than a drink – as a vital element of preventive health.
If you feel tired, have unexplained pain or have been taking medication for years without significant improvement, maybe you’re just… thirsty.
Recommended Actions
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Start drinking more pure, quality water today. Discover the benefits of reduced alkaline water.
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Read more about hydration and well-being on our blog: blog.aquapure.pt
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