It never ceases to amaze me how rich nature is in effective remedies and how little we know about them. Among natural remedies, one of the first places is occupied by mineral waters. Their correct use gives excellent effect in the treatment of many diseases.
In this article I am going to tell you about the principle of the action of mineral waters on our body and how to use them to prevent various pathologies.
But before referring to its medicinal effect, it is important to know what types of mineral water exist and what their characteristics are.
Mineral waters can be divided into several groups depending on their composition. According to its ionic composition, water can be: chloride, hydrocarbonate and sulfate. The degree of cation content and their concentration per liter of water creates another classification: sodium, magnesium and calcium mineral waters. Many mineral waters are divided by the presence and nature of the occurrence of gases in them into: carbon dioxide, nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide.
It's a little tricky, isn't it?
To make it clear to everyone, I decided to divide mineral water into 2 categories:
- Mineral table water. This water with a salt content of not more than 1 g / liter is recommended for daily use. This water can be used for cooking and drinking in unlimited quantities. However, people suffering from any medical conditions should consult a doctor before drinking it.
- Mineral medical waters. The salt content in these mineral waters can reach 10 g / liter. This water is not used for cooking, but has a whole group of useful properties. A doctor's consultation before using such waters is required.
What is the secret of the healing action?
- Mineral water has a positive effect on the body already in the mouth. In case of diseases of the oral cavity, it is recommended to rinse with water with a high concentration of mineral salts.
- Carbon dioxide entering the gastrointestinal tract stimulates the secretory and motor activity of the stomach and intestines, increases the secretion of gastric juice.
- Waters containing carbon dioxide increase appetite and quench thirst better.
- Prescribing a course of treatment with drinking mineral water has a significant impact on the course of tissue regeneration processes.
- Mineral water influences the regulation of food processes. Reduces excessive destruction of cells in the gastric mucosa. Under the influence of mineral water on the body in the liver, when it is damaged, intracellular recovery improves.
- Under the curative effect of mineral waters, the activity of internal gastric hormones, as well as insulin, changes. Reception of mineral water increases the pH of gastric juice, increases blood flow in the stomach, intestines, pancreas, liver. This improves the function of liver cells, increases the secretion of bile, improves its composition, increases the amount of pancreatic juice and the content of enzymes in it.
How to drink mineral water correctly?
Healthy people without serious illnesses and drug treatment can use water without restrictions, ideally half an hour before meals. For prophylactic use, both table and medicinal water are suitable. Mineral water prophylaxis is usually divided into courses. Within 3-4 weeks, taking warm non-carbonated water 40-50 minutes before meals in an amount of 100 ml, you can stabilize the stool and supply the intestines with useful elements.
The ideal water temperature is 20-24 ºС. Gastric patients with reduced gastric secretion should drink water half an hour before meals, in small sips. On the contrary, if the patient suffers from gastritis with increased secretion and experiences bouts of heartburn, belching or has peptic ulcer disease, liver disease, then mineral water should be drunk warm (40-45 ºС) and consumed after meals one to two hours later. In case of stomach ulcers, gases should be released from mineral water. Patients of this kind are categorically contraindicated in carbonated drinks.
In general, the dosage, frequency and time of admission directly depend on the individual characteristics of the person and his disease.
For example, to maximize the effects on kidney function and metabolism, water is best taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
For diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, it is usually prescribed three times a day before meals. With reduced gastric secretion, water should be taken 15-30 minutes before meals; with normal – 45-50 minutes, and with increased secretion – 1.5 hours before meals.
For constipation, a small amount of laxative water or sodium or potassium sulfate (1-2 teaspoons per glass of water) is added to low-mineralized water. Laxative waters need to be drunk quickly so that they quickly enter the intestines.
For the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, alkaline or saline-alkaline waters are prescribed mixed with warm milk.
For people facing serious health problems, it is very important to undergo a specialized consultation before starting a course of mineral water treatment.
The dosage of mineral water can only be prescribed by a doctor who accurately determines the daily dose, as well as the duration of the course.