"It is chronic dehydration that is the root cause of many of the diseases we confront in medicine at present."

The human body can become dehydrated even when abundant water is readily available and no obvious thirst sensation is recognized. The "dry mouth" is the last sign of dehydration.

Brain function takes absolute priority over the other systems in regard to water rationing because the brain is 1/50th of the total body weight, but receives 18-20 percent of the blood circulation. Since the brain is 85% water or the equivalent of one quart water, proper levels are critical to the efficient "firing" of neurons. Brain tissue uses electric energy that is generated by the water drive of the energy generating pumps. Many functions of the brain that depend on this type of energy become inefficient without proper water levels. We recognize this inadequacy of function and call it depression. This depression state caused by dehydration can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome. This condition is a label put on a series of advanced physiological problems that are seen to be associated with stress.

Helpful Hints for Proper Water Levels:

* To obtain "minimum" hydration levels, on less than 1/4 oz. water per pound of body weight per day.

* For "optimum" brain function or while experiencing any health issues or discomfort, 1/.+2 oz. water per pound of body weight per day.

*Thinking that tea, coffee, alcohol and manufactured beverages are desirable substitutes for the purely natural water needs of the daily "stressed" body is an elementary mistake in advanced societies. Dehydrating agents in beverages will rid the body of water they are dissolved in PLUS more water from the body's natural reserve! Cultivating a preference of these beverages will automatically reduce the free urge to drink water when these beverages are not available.

* Using a straw can achieve twice the consumption level of water in half the time. Exercising restraint to straws in other beverages would be helpful.

* If taking tablets or capsules, it takes the body 8 oz. of water to assimilate each one.

* Pre-measure in one container your daily intake and check at days end to insure proper water levels have been achieved.

1. 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

2. In 37% of Americans, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

3. Even MILD dehydration will slow down one's metabolism as much as 3%.

4. One glass of water will shut down midnight hunger pangs for almost 100% of the dieters studied in a University of Washington study.

5. Lack of water, the #1 trigger of daytime fatigue.

6. Preliminary research indicates that 8-10 glasses of water a day could significantly ease back and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.

7. A mere 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzz short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on the computer screen or on a printed page.

8. Drinking 5 glasses of water daily decreases the risk of colon cancer by 45%, plus it can slash the risk of breast cancer by 79%, and one is 50% less likely to develop bladder cancer.

1. The active ingredient in Coke is phosphoric acid. Its pH is 2.8.