Drink at least half a pint of water one half hour before you eat. The water passes through stomach and into intestine and within half an hour, it is secreted back into stomach and into mucous barrier. This barrier retains sodium bicarbonate that is required to neutralise acid as it attempts to pass through mucus. Those that are suffering from dehydration have inefficient mucous layers. The acid creeps through and causes pain.

Immune dysfunction Dehydration can result in body producing excess histamine which can trigger allergies. This of course, interferes with body's ability to resist infections, a common pattern with chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

So what is Dehydration? It's common for our bodies to experience dehydration when we have chronic fatigue syndrome. Dehydration can interfere with our natural thirst reflex - many who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome are dehydrated and don't even know it.

Our bodies are about 70% water. Vital organs like kidneys, brain, and heart can't operate properly without a certain minimum of water and salt. Dehydration is caused by a loss of water and important blood salts like potassium and sodium.

When your body experiences dehydration, it results in subtle tension in your tissues, muscles and organs. This restricts blood flow. Because your blood flow is restricted, it becomes a dumping ground for toxicity. The result is that you feel as though you are hung over and your muscles ache...common to chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

How to get Hydrated You have probably heard phrase 'hydration therapy'. There's nothing mysterious about it. It simply means increasing your intake of fresh clean water to avoid dehydration. This is so important for chronic fatigue syndrome sufferers.

When you drink sufficient water, blood flow is not restricted and toxins can be flushed out of your tissues and into your blood stream. When you are in a state of dehydration, your urine is dark in colour. But when your liver and kidneys are processing toxic waste and you are well hydrated, your urine is clear.

Experts say that an adult needs a minimum four pints of water for optimum efficiency. Dr. Batmangheldidj, author of Your Body's Many Cries for Water suggests that chronic fatigue syndrome is directly related to constant dehydration.

He states that drinking a minimum of eight large glasses of pure water a day will help to improve ravages of chronic fatigue syndrome. Only pure water will do. Other beverages like tea, coffee, fruit juices, alcohol and soft drinks are processed in body as food and in some instances, can actually cause dehydration.

Start slowly with your re-hydration regimen and increase slowly over a few weeks to about 5 or 6 pints per day (providing you don't have kidney/renal problems) of non-carbonated water: bottled or filtered. You'll find yourself visiting bathroom more frequently, but it does pay off. Your chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms will be less severe.

Summary Water is one of key ingredients for our bodies to work normally. It's essential to drink enough fresh clean water daily to prevent dehydration - especially when you suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. So what are you waiting for?

©2005 R.Amir Norris B.Sc.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Friendly Disclaimer All material presented herein is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical or psychological advise or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on contents herein; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and wellbeing. This information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on best judgement available to author. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume risk of any injuries. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Herbal remedies are another excellent alternative to sleeping pills and also to melatonin. Consumed in form of herbal teas and supplements, or even as aromatherapy, herbs like valerian root and chamomile have been lauded as effective sleep-enhancers for centuries. Unlike melatonin or sleeping pills, chamomile does not have to be consumed over a period of time before it becomes effective. Chamomile tea can be used on an as-needed basis and many people have used its sleep-enhancing qualities to successfully combat bouts of insomnia.

Slightly stronger than chamomile and usually taken in pill form, valerian root is another well-known herbal sedative recognized for its ability to overcome insomnia and promote quality sleep. Valerian's sleep-inducing properties are so effective that it is actually medically recognized as herbal equivalent of Valium™. Indeed, it is said that name Valium™ was derived from Valerian, although Valium™ itself is not otherwise connected with valerian in any way.

As with all adjustments to your sleep cycle or sleep routine, you should choose one natural sleep remedy and use it consistently for two weeks before making any other changes – this gives your body time to incorporate and respond to sleep enhancing benefits of remedy you have chosen.

Copyright © 2005 Donald Saunders

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