MEDICAL
BENEFITS
(HOW R/O PURIFIED WATER HELPS
PREVENTING COUGHS AND COLD)
We all succumb to a cold
and/or cough a few times a year. In fact, each year, Americans suffer through
one billion colds, says the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases in Bethesda, MD. Children catch up to 10 colds a year, while adults
average up to four. The yearly economic burden through lost workdays? Around $5
billion! And, there is nothing we can do about it. Or, is
there?
The runny nose, fever, sore
through, etc are all familiar (and dreaded) symptoms of the common cold, an
ailment where doctors and pharmaceutical companies have still not made a miracle
cure discovery. In fact, the over-the-counter drugs available only battle the
symptoms, and not the cause. The fact of the matter is that little can actually
be done for a cold or flu virus sets in, except to ride them out.
However, the best way to fight
a cold is just to prevent it from overtaking the body in the first place. There
are ways to prevent the flu and colds, including washing hands frequently,
taking vitamins and avoiding people who have them. But perhaps the most
important and easiest form of prevention is of the common cold is sometimes also
the most overlooked: sufficient fluid replacement. Fluids flush out
harmful impurities and toxins in our bodies, and aid in the production of mucus.
Since the body uses even more fluid than usual when fighting off a cold or the
flu, the body can be left severely dehydrated without it. Dehydration, among
many things, can result in high fever. This is why extra water should be
ingested when suffering these symptoms. In fact, the lack of water can make the
cold and/or cough worse.
Water is obvious the fluids of
choice, but juice, tea and soup broth are also acceptable. Water in other forms
can be of help too. Hot beverages can be soothing to sore throat and can even
help with decongestion. Also recommended is gargling salt water, and inhaling
moist air, possibly through a humidifier.
In natural medicine, colds are
looked at as the body's way of detoxifying. During the autumn and winter, our
bodies actually attempt to harmonize with the season. The body then condenses
waste and cleanses excess mucus and congestion's from tissue, which will improve
circulation and get the blood pumping to keep us warm. However, this process
gives flu like symptoms. Drinking more water will help the body detoxify.
Exercise and sweating can also help keep the body clear of toxins.
In the way of coughs, drinking
the proper amount of water will keep the mucus lining in the lung area thin and
lubricated, making it easier to have a productive cough. Water will also help
loosen phlegm, and just plain soothes an irritated
throat.
Not only can water help
prevent a cold, but it can also help sufferers feel better. More water in
essence can build a stronger immune system, so drink up and stay healthy, and
actually enjoy the cold season.