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Your Body's Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. Reprinted from Townsend Letter for Doctors, May 1994.
How like "monkey mind" to bounce about, tying itself in knots with complex solutions while ignoring the profound significance of the simple! Circumstances helped Dr. Batmanghelidj perceive the elegant significance of one factor we too often overlook: water. As a political prisoner in post revolution Iran, Dr. Batmanghelidj gave a man suffering from peptic ulcer pain two glasses of water because he had nothing else to give him. To the doctor's surprise, the man's pain disappeared in minutes. Over the next two years as the prison doctor, he researched the clinical value of water in treating people under stress. He has treated over 3.000 peptic ulcer cases with water; his method was described in an editorial article in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology (June 1983). Batmanghelidj has also used plain old water to alleviate asthma, allergies, hypertension, high cholesterol levels, headaches, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritic joint pain, angina pain, and intermittent claudication pain. Batmanghelidj does not claim that water is a miraculous cure-all. He does say that the body's thirst can cause diverse, unexplained, chronic pains and that dehydration needs to be considered as a factor before complicating the situation with other treatments. In Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Batmanghelidj explains the physiological roles of water and the many ways that the body signals dehydration. Water has long been viewed, and subtly ignored, as merely a solvent for holding other more important particles. But it has several profound effects on body functions. As a solvent, water must be plentiful since the proteins and enzymes it carries work more efficiently in less viscous solutions. Besides being a solvent, the osmotic flow of water at the ce11 membrane creates 'hydroelectric' energy, energy used in neurotransmission and in the manufacture of ATP. Water is necessary to create the stomach's protective mucus lining and natural antacid, preventing peptic ulcers. Water is a primary ingredient in the lubrication and repair of cartilage, Without well-hydrated cartilage, friction will cause bone damage. "Remodeling hormones" rush to repair the damaged joint and, in the process, restructure it, causing disfigurement. Water also lubricates the contact surfaces between the spinal vertebrae. In addition, its presence in the disc core within the invertebral space supports 75% of the weight of the upper body. The number and intricacy of the body's mechanisms to regulate and distribute water indicates its importance. When the body lacks water, histamine levels rise, stress hormones are secreted and the Renin-Angiotensin system becomes very active. Research shows that dehydration causes histamine production to rise. Histamine directs the neurotransmitter system responsible for controlling water intake and distributing available water according to the greatest need. By increasing daily water intake and by reducing the amount of orange juice consumed to I glass/day, Batmanghelidj has reduced histamine levels and thereby alleviated asthma and allergies in patients. High potassium content in orange juice can also raise histamine production. Excessive amounts of histamine and its subordinate water regulators lead to chronic pain. In response to the stress of insufficient water, the body secretes powerful hormones: endorphins, cortisone, prolactin, and vasopressin. Endorphins raise the pain threshold, allowing the body to withstand pain and stress until the emergency is over. Cortisone calls up the body's stored energies and raw materials for emergency use. If the emergency continues for too long, amino acid reserves become depleted as the body continues to feed off itself. Prolactin insures that the lactating mother will continue to produce milk. Batmanghelidj points out that "although we concentrate on the solid composition of milk, it is its water content that is of primary importance… Every time a cell gives rise to a daughter cell, 75% of more of its volume has to be filled with water." Vaspressin governs the water rationing and distribution during dehydration. It also constricts select blood vessels and capillaries. The Renin-Angiotensin system becomes very active when either water or sodium, the mineral responsible for maintaining water levels outside the cells, are below preset levels. This system causes the body to retain water and absorb more sodium. Like vasopressin, the RA system makes the vascular system constrict in order to prevent "slack" or empty space in the circulation system. When we become dehydrated, shutting down capillary beds is the body's only way to keep blood vessels full. We call measurable signs of this vascular constriction "hypertension." Hypertension is a sign of dehydration. Diuretics to get rid of water and sodium compound the problem. Another physical response to dehydration is the manufacture of cholesterol. Batmanghelidj explains that "cholesterol is a natural 'clay' that…regulates permeability of the cell membrane to water. Its manufacture is part of the natural design for the protection of living cells against dehydration." How is it that people don't recognize thirst and become dehydrated to the point of chronic, unexplained pain? With the variety of canned juices, sodas, plus the availability of coffee and tea, we are not inclined to drink plain water. These other beverages do not have the same effect as water. For one think, many, including coffee and tea, contain dehydrating agents. In addition, by cultivating a taste for a certain beverage, we disregard the urge to drink water-even when the desired beverage is unavailable. Research has also shown that as people age, they lose their thirst sensation and become gradually, chronically dehydrated. People also tend to confuse thirst with hunger. Many of Batmanghelidj's patients found that they lost weight when they followed his water routine; they no longer were consuming food in an unconscious attempt to quench thirst. Batmanghelidj states that the body needs a minimum of 6 to 8, 8 oz. glasses of water each day: one glass a half-hour before each meal and a similar amount 2-1/2 hours after the meal. An extra glass should be taken before and after the heaviest meal or before going to bed. Batmanghelidj recommends using tap water if it isn't contaminated by heavy metals or toxins because people who rely on bottled water tend to ignore thirst if they don't have access to their special brew. Chlorine in tape water will evaporate if the water is left standing in an open jug. Dehydration cannot be healed overnight with large quantities of water. The body works like a sponge and must have ample access to water to saturate at its own rate. If unexplained pain has persisted for many years, be sure that the kidneys haven't been damaged by dehydration and can still make sufficient urine to eliminate an increased water load. After some days of increased water, you may need to increase salt. Batmanghelidj says that cramps in unexercised muscles often indicate a need for salt. As an aside, Batmanghelidj includes a chapter on his research and theories regarding AIDS. He has found that people with AIDS are "consistently and drastically short of methionine, cystine and cysteine." Cysteine prevents the production of what we call HIV in cultured cells. HIV is actually a fragment of DNA or RNA from a damaged cell and indicates the breakdown of the cell nucleus. In Batmanghelidj's opinion, AIDS is "a metabolic disorder, and the DNA/RNA fragments classified as the different viruses of AIDS were themselves a product of cysteine shortage in the body." In his book Your Body's Many Cries for Water, Batmanghelidj clearly explains the forgotten physiological importance of water. When water is plentiful, blood viscosity, joint cartilage, blood capillaries, digestion, ATP hydroelectric system, the spinal column, all work in an efficient, easy manner. When water becomes scarce, the body robs some areas to insure water to others, resulting in pain and, eventually, tissue damage. The body responds to insufficient water with emergency measures. It was not designed to live in a constant emergency state. Doctors and their patients need to understand the varied effects of dehydration. Daily water intake is its only--and very simple--solution. |
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In the 14 years from 1980-1994, the number of asthma sufferers aged 0-4 years increased staggeringly from 2,000
to 6,000 per 100,000 population--a 300 percent increase. Among the age group of 5-14 the rate doubled from 3,500
to more than 7,000 per 100,000 population. "The program reduced the frequency of asthma and allergy related problems, to the point of practical nonexistence.
Additionally, there were other benefits, I experienced fewer colds and
flu's, and generally with less severity." "When I added a pinch of sea salt to my (water) regimen, ALL OF MY SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES RESOLVED
WITHIN TWO DAYS! For the first time in my life, I am now free of all medications and I feel wonderful. Your work
has changed my practice and made me a better physician. Thank you." "I have been asthma free for approximately 4 years since initially being introduced to your prescription
for health in taking water and salt as preventive measures that also cured my asthma attacks." "I want to emphasize how effective this treatment has been for Jeremy and I wish you well in sharing this
cost effective and very efficacious program with others. Once again Dr. Batmanghelidj, I thank you for advising
me on the new treatment program of Jeremy's allergies and asthma." "I have already used the water treatment for asthma in my extensive children's practice (half my patients
are under 10 years old) and I definitely see results. I can say from personal experience, both on myself and in
my practice, that I can affirm what you have found." "My prayers have been answered. God led me to a natural way to heal my body, my mind, and my spirit. I
am living a new life now with a balance of water, salt, minerals, supplements, good nutrition, and continued improvements
in my quality of life. I am truly blessed." "...I was told about the "Water Cure" for asthma and grabbed at this because it was the only
real lifeline I had left. Immediately I began drinking 64oz. of water every day and in two days I stopped coughing
and have not coughed for five months now or even had a cold, which is a miracle for me." "My asthma has diminished noticeably. am delighted with all the progress I have made just on water." "I started my (asthmatic) son on Dr. Batmanghelidj's recommended re-hydration program with a little added
salt and, after less than a week, his symptoms have almost completely stopped and he is feeling great and taking
NO medications." "I have had allergies for most of my life and just thought I was allergic to the state I live in due to
the pollen, and I have animals. Boy, was I wrong! After starting on your Water Program and paying attention to
my diet, I have never felt better in my life. My energy level has soared. My eye problem has disappeared and my
eyes are clearer than they have ever been. My skin is smooth and I have been told my face is glowing!" "I took RX antihistamines for 20 years for severe allergies. Since I read your book, I haven't used any
for over 3 years now and I am fine." "Then, 2 years ago, I began following the recommendations in your wonderful book. I have not only been
asthma-free for over a year now, but am also able to go running without medication, as I do 3-4 times per week."
Dear Friend: November 13, 1998 I was born on October 29, 1956 in Taylor, PA in a small hospital near Scranton in Northeast Pennsylvania. My parents lovingly cared for me -including having me vaccinated. I was reared on infant formula and later cereal, juices, and a small amount of water when I would cry from colic. After my first polio vaccine, I became mysteriously paralyzed from the waist down. Specialists were puzzled yet diagnosed "Aborted Polio." It left as suddenly as it appeared. When I received a booster dose of the vaccine at around age 5 in first grade, the paralysis returned. Months of hospitalization and bed rest resulted in my gaining weight. I mostly ate my meals and had visitors, drank soda and some water now and then -and once again the paralyzation disappeared. When I began third grade--around eight years old--my allergic afflictions and symptoms had begun. I had problems with frequent dry coughs. I began experiencing some difficulties with breathing, itchy and watery eyes, and fatigue when I was around fresh cut lawns from springtime until autumn. "When I was a junior in high school, I experienced blackouts from allergies. Sometime around 1979, 1 saw a specialist who did testing and diagnosed me with allergies and asthma. I was approximately 23 years old. I was treated with allergy shots and inhalers. The treatments just seemed to make things worse. My lips were always dry and cracked At that time of my life I was drinking about 2 to 4 cups of coffee per day along with a few glasses of soda and some tea and alcohol. I would have an occasional glass of water during the day. The allergies and asthma stayed with me until 1996 when my water intake was up to about two to three quarts a day. I no longer struggle with allergies or asthma. My problems with diabetes began at age 14. 1 was diagnosed as an insulin dependant or "Juvenile diabetic." It was then that I began drinking diet beverages including those with caffeine. My water intake at that time was still only around 2 to 4 glasses a day and I was drinking tea and started drinking coffee. The diabetes resulted in many hospitalizations over the years. By the mid 1980's I had problems with diabetic neuropathy which was causing my legs to swell. I was scheduled to have dye injected into my legs to perform a diagnostic scan after a Doppler radar study showed some apparent blockages in the veins in my legs. The dye injections caused my veins to burst which made the swelling get worse. I was then diagnosed with "venous insufficiency." In 1994, 1 was told that my legs would probably have to be removed within a year or so. While attempting to get on a diabetic insulin supply trial, the initial examination revealed that the retinas in my eyes had grown blood vessels that were bleeding (diabetic retinopathy). I began receiving a series of laser surgeries over the next 15 years to attempt to seal the leaky vessels and to attempt to prevent any new vessel growth. This reduced my peripheral and night vision. In 1992, 1 developed an enlarged yet benign prostate gland and my kidneys began showing signs of deterioration. In 1993, 1 began experiencing some potency difficulties. In 1994, 1 began seeing a natural or homeopathic physician who, besides treating me with alternative medicine, advised me to increase my water intake. My intake of insulin was around 95 units of insulin daily. In 1976, many immune system problems began developing. I graduated from high school in 1974 and went away to college. In 1976 1 got a job as a mental health worker while going to school. I met my wife and, while dating, working full time, and going to school part time, I developed "Infectious Mononucleosis." My wife and I were married in 1977 and I continued to struggle with many infections and illnesses as well as losing my job in 1978. In 1979, during one of my then frequent hospital stays, I was diagnosed with "mono" again! The doctors insisted that I shouldn't have "mono" again and began consulting with specialists. I received an influenza vaccine and was discharge-only to be readmitted a day later with a fever of 106 deg F. I was undergoing many tests, however nothing much was showing up at that time. After many tests for severe abdominal pain, I was told that I "grew a second spleen that was attached to my spleen and that the second one was also functioning." That year I was visiting someone and drank un-pasteurized milk and ended up in the hospital again with a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. "Brucellosis and Proteus-ox-19" was the diagnosis and I was on yet more antibiotics. During 1980 or 1981, 1 developed another case of "mono" and was admitted to the hospital again, diabetic control problems were a constant battle for me. An Infectious Disease specialist discovered that a number of special antibodies against foreign agents were also affected, which the doctors suggested were related to the problems with my allergies and asthma, as well as my frequent infections. The 1980's were filled with many hospitalizations, illnesses, job losses, and stress-related problems. It was then that I was diagnosed with allergies to penicillin and tetracycline, began developing hypertension, was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, lymphoid hyperplasia (over-stressed immune system), arthritis, bursitis, fibromyalgia, and gastroporesis or acid reflux problems, and bowel problems. I also developed a benign tumor on the left flank of my back. I developed a nodule on my thyroid area and was diagnosed with lead, cadmium, and aluminum poisoning which was also found in a landfill I lived near. I was overweight and developed sleep apnea. Tests showed that I stopped breathing over 300 times in a six-hour period and had "narcolepsy." I could fall asleep in a short period of time. I had surgery to attempt to correct the sleep apnea, and I wore a tracheotomy tube in my neck to help me breathe at night, and slept with a breathing machine to keep my airway open. During the 80's I still only drank a few glasses of water, yet consumed large amounts of coffee, saccharine, and eventually NutraSweet. In 1987, 1 was declared "disabled." In 1992, at 36 years old, I looked and felt like I was in my late forties and felt worse than I looked. I began using natural supplements with vitamins, herbs, and other natural medical techniques. The Natural Doctor's advice was to increase my water consumption and decrease my caffeine intake as well. I had lost the feeling in my feet, was always tired and achy, depressed, and had little hope. I began to drink more water and reduced my caffeine intake somewhat, and by 1995 1 began to feel and look much better. Yet I was still only consuming a quart to a quart and a half daily, and not flushing all the caffeine out of my system nor was I using sea salt. In September of 1995, that lump on my left flank turned red, began itching, and enlarging. My family physician removed it and sent it away for study. In October, I was diagnosed with cutaneous B cell lymphoma. Twenty six new tumors had grown on my back where there was one and I was sent to a major hospital where I was told that lymphatic cancer on the skin surface was rare and that not much research was done yet on it. I went for a gallium scan and it revealed that my entire body surface glowed positive for cancer cells. The flank of my back was brighter white or "hyper-positive," as was the middle of my chest where two melanomas were previously removed. I was advised to receive localized radiation and "as tumors appeared we would radiate them too or I could travel to Philadelphia and have my entire body surface radiated." They began to radiate my back which began giving me third-degree burns. I refused total body radiation and, midway through my radiation, my homeopathic physician began using a natural cleansing therapy. The cancer specialist had advised me to try anything and to "pull out all the stops" as well as "to get my affairs in order." I increased my water consumption and took supplements and natural treatments. In November of 1995, while traveling in search of an answer, I had to buy tires for my car. At the auto parts store where I was looking for tires, I was introduced to Bob Butts who exposed me to your water cure program and advised me to stick to it very seriously to get cured. I now began to seriously increase my water intake but was still leery of increasing salt intake due to the traditional medical contra-indications for its perceived high blood pressure problems. Later I learned of the error of that thinking and began to increase my salt intake too. In March of 1966, 1 went for another gallium scan which revealed that there was not a single sign of cancer glowing positive on my entire body. Doctors thought there was an error in the gallium scan, but my homeopath and I knew that I was healing. Drinking more water, reducing caffeine, a change in dietary habits, natural medicine, and faith had brought me home. I acknowledge God's presence in me and remember the scripture, "I am the living waters." He called me and you "the salt of the earth," and tells us that we are "one in spirit." Since then, I've been constantly improving in my health. I no longer have two spleens, but one that is normal in size and function. Now I lick sea salt off my palm in the morning before my first glass of water and use salt liberally. I drink about 1. 5 gallons of water a day and take some supplements as well as eating a lot of whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. My waist used to be a size 43 and now is a size 36. I weighed 249 pounds, now I weigh 210 and have solid muscle mass. My complexion and appearance are those of a man in his early thirties and my potency of a man in his twenties. My ankles are no longer swollen and new pulses, yes new pulses, have developed where once they were dead. I no longer take any medications for all those problems, whereas I used to be on at least 15 prescriptions at a time. My insulin needs are down from 95 units a day to 35-45 units a day. I no longer suffer with "chronic infections " or fatigue. I sleep 6-8 hours a day instead of 12-14. It is rare for me to take an antibiotic, whereas I seemed to be constantly taking them before. I don't have allergies or asthma or gastroporesis (acid reflux) any more. I no longer suffer from arthritis, bursitis, or bowel problems. At the time of my last stress test, my Doctor who is younger than I am told me that I was in better shape than he was. The high blood pressure is constantly improving. No more thyroid nodule, I sleep better, and no more heavy metal toxicity. I have a new lease on life. My prayers have been answered. God led me to a natural way to heal my body, my mind, and my spirit. I am living a new life now with a balance of water, salt, minerals, supplements, good nutrition, and continued improvements in my quality of life. I am truly blessed. You have my permission to use this letter in any way you think will help spread the news of the medicinal value of water in medical treatment procedures. Sincerely, Andrew J. Bauman, IV November 10, 1997 At this point, my father gave me your book and urged me to act on its content with full resolve. I did so, grasping at what I saw as an unexpected deliverance -- like the hand of God. I was gratified to discover the power of water to still the cravings of an alcoholic. Soon I realized that alcoholism was really a THIRST SIGNAL that I was habituated to respond to with alcohol, which is a powerful dehydrating agent. One became like a dog chasing its own tail. Dehydration through alcohol is self-perpetuating, unless the thirst sensations are answered with water. Persevering with adequate daily water intake, and eliminating dehydrating caffeinated drinks, I found myself able to deal effectively with my personal locational crisis. I was able to get my belongings and furniture together, rent a truck and load it, and drive myself and my son back to California from Las Vegas. My former, alcoholic self could not have done this. I resettled myself in California, went back successfully into my work as a beautician, and buckled down to raising my son. Of course I still have normal problems like everyone else, but alcohol is not one of them. Water has lifted this curse from my life. As I write, I have been ten months "dry," and I have been able to reorganize my life rationally. Adequate daily water intake is the bedrock on which to rebuild a life deranged by alcohol, and to help others do the same. There are other benefits that will have great appeal to all alcoholic women, in particular. As an alcoholic, I had begun to lose my youthful looks. Steady self-poisoning and dehydration with alcohol dulled and aged my complexion. In recent years, my weight had steadily increased for the reasons you outline so clearly in your book. I began to look puffy and pallid. Therefore I was elated -- absolutely "stoked" -- when re-hydration caused my excess weight to just disappear. I could not believe it, and nor could my friends, as I regained the perfect figure I had enjoyed as a young woman. I did not have to "sweat" this, it just happened. My complexion began to change back to a wonderful, youthful glow that everyone remarks on, and which has delighted my father. My regained radiance is a big asset in my professional work as a beautician. The weight loss and adequate daily water intake invigorated my whole being. I began running on what you call "hydro-electric power," in your book. With these changes came an overall renewal of life and outlook. I continue to help others through AA. I began attracting life positive gentlemen of purpose and substance, instead of the lesser fellows who would tolerate an alcoholic woman. Church attendance brought me comfort, and I wanted to attend. I plan and work for an ever-improving life. Reviewing my past from my normalized perspective, I apologized to my father for my many years of outrages, and for the suffering I had caused him because of his love for me. Dad had almost given up on me, but his provision of your book was decisive in my redemption. My father tells everyone that you are one of the greatest physicians in the history of the world. I think he is right. Thank you, Dr. Batmanghelidj, for all you have done, not alone for me with my turn around in life, but for all mankind. Very sincerely yours, Diana R. Ellis [The basic reasons for the tendency to addiction as a result of chronic dehydration are covered in Chapter 5 of Your Body's Many Cries for Water.]
June 23, 1995 Three weeks ago my 10 year old son Aaron was diagnosed with allergies (to almost everything but foods!) and asthma. He had suffered most of the fall and winter with nasal congestion, coughing and a constant need to clear his throat. When these symptoms did not respond to traditional treatments our pediatrician referred us to an allergy specialist. The allergist prescribed 5 different medications/inhalers to use three times per day and gave us a booklet on how we needed to change our lives and our environment. After this apt. my very active, happy child was upset, scared and depressed. I returned him to school and on my way back I heard the end of a Paul Harvey broadcast about a Dr. treating asthma and allergies with water! My initial reaction was skeptical. As I started my son on medications I kept remembering that broadcast. Within 2 days of beginning medications he felt worse, His mouth and throat burned, the medicine made him irritable, drowsy and sun-sensitive. At this point I decided to investigate this broadcast further. I called the main office of Paul Harvey News and a very helpful woman looked up the broadcast and gave me the phone number to contact Global Health Solutions. I contacted them immediately and they were also very helpful. I ordered Dr. F. Batmanghelidj's book "Your Body's Many Cries for Water." I was also given a phone number to call Dr. Batmanghelidj if desired. The book arrived a few days later. I started my son on Dr. Batmanghelidj's recommended re-hydration program with a little added salt and after less than a week his symptoms have almost completely stopped and he is feeling great and taking NO medications. The information and help given us by Dr. Batmanghelidj saved our family much emotional and financial distress that could have gone on for years. Please pass on this information to others. My son was ill and we were distressed by that, but many children actually DIE from this condition every year! In a Paul Harvey editorial of January 24, 1994 in the Connecticut Post he wrote "I don't know if Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj's idea is worth anything or not" also "Maybe this doctor is just another opportunist selling books, but on the chance that he has something , let's listen:…" I can tell you most assuredly that his "idea" is WORTH MUCH! It makes a great deal of sense and is utterly simple and totally effective. I can also attest that he is absolutely not an opportunist selling books. I admit I was skeptical initially. Since my receipt of his book I wrote him a note to thank him and shortly thereafter received a personal phone call from him offering help and assistance at any time. He then followed up a few days later to check my son's progress and again offer help AND HIS PRESCRIPTION WAS WORKING! Dr. Batmanghelidj has committed himself to get this information to the public in whatever way he can. The medical profession will not listen He has tried that. It is a terrible crime that so many are suffering when the solution is so simple and readily obtainable. Dr. Batmanghelidj's research and commitment is truly a gift and applies to us all!!!! Please help pass on this information to anyone you can! I am committed to doing just that . You are welcome to contact me at any time if you would like. Sincerely, Christine Warner-Bursian |
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