Heal with Water: How Water Protects and Boosts Your Immune System
Published October 6, 2024.
Considering our bodies consist of about 60% water, it's no surprise that every single cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function optimally, including the cells of our immune system, which require not only adequate hydration but also the minerals found in water. When adequately hydrated, our bodies become self-sufficient machines with natural defenses against ailments such as constipation, migraines, kidney stones, and acne.
Currently, there are many water-based trends. You might have found yourself searching for answers to questions like, "does cold water help the immune system?" or "can a 3-day water fast reset the immune system?"
While cold water immersion appears to have some remarkable effects on the body, and fasting for a few days might yield some success, these methods come with risks. Instead, let's explore the more easily attainable benefits of simply drinking water and examine its impact on our bodies, specifically the immune system.
» Learn everything you need to know about structured water
Immune System Benefits of Drinking Water
We often don't think about or fully understand how vital water is to our body's everyday functions and what are the benefits of drinking water for the immune system. We know we're supposed to drink it, but what exactly is so important about it?
Improved Nutrient Absorption
Proper nutrient absorption is crucial because if we aren't absorbing vitamins and minerals effectively, our immune system cannot function efficiently, and we won't feel our best. Water improves nutrient absorption in two ways. First, it aids in digestion, allowing our bodies to break down the food we eat so our intestines can absorb nutrients. Second, water helps nutrient absorption through the bloodstream by creating the environment needed for blood to flow properly.
Healthy Lymphatic Function
As mentioned earlier, our bodies are composed of 60% water, but our lymphatic system is 96% water, meaning it's significantly impacted by the amount of water we drink. The lymphatic fluid has its own specialized white blood cells that act like a vacuum, removing waste, toxins, bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and other impurities from our system. It's essential to drink enough water so that the lymph can circulate these impurities out of our system rather than becoming stagnant within the body.
Fewer Chronic Ailments
Drinking water is often overlooked as a preventative measure or treatment for chronic ailments such as arthritis, depression, and insomnia. However, consuming 8-10 glasses of water a day can help keep your joints well-lubricated, preventing arthritis and other joint problems. Drinking water can also reduce the likelihood of problems like insomnia and depression, as dehydration is associated with decreased brain function, and adequate hydration is needed for the brain to produce serotonin and melatonin.
» Find out everything about the healthiest water types and their advantages
Healthy Mucous Membranes
Lastly, water helps support the immune system by maintaining healthy mucosal membranes, which are the areas inside your body that protect the mouth, throat, and nostrils. Water aids in trapping debris, pathogens, or allergens in the mucous and dispelling them through mechanisms such as coughing and sneezing. Without adequate hydration, these membranes can become dry, causing discomfort, nosebleeds, and a reduced ability to trap debris. For this reason, and especially during sickness when you have a dry throat, upset stomach, or fever, it is crucial to monitor your water intake to maintain healthy mucosal membranes, a strong immune system, and to aid recovery from illness.
Harness the Power of Hydration
It's important to focus not only on the amount of water you drink but also on the quality of the water you consume. Structured water is the ideal choice, as it's far healthier than tap or bottled water. Free from contaminants and chemicals often found in tap and bottled water, structured water is pure, similar to natural water found in glaciers. It's also more easily absorbed by the body, which supports and boosts the immune system naturally.
Additionally, structured water aids in the detoxification of the body, further contributing to the immune system enhancement process. The Mayu Swirl is an elegant countertop water pitcher that allows you to create your own structured water. It also serves as a beautiful visual reminder to drink up and keep your immune system healthy!
