Detoxification: Water Therapy

Cleansing with Water
More than 60% of the human body is made of water. Just like periodically changing water in a fish tank, water in the body should be replenished by fresh, clean water. This replenishment cleanses the body of toxins and nourishes the cells, tissues and organs. The toxins come from either ingested toxic chemicals or from the by-products of metabolism and hormonal reactions. The liver converts many of these into water-soluble chemicals which are expelled through urine by the kidneys. If not expelled on time, the toxins accumulate in various parts of the body and cause disease. See the post on detoxification for more information on how toxins affect our health.

In the treatment of PCOS, cleansing with water helps in the following ways:
- Improves metabolism of the body and functioning of the gastro-intestinal tract by removing accumulated toxins; this helps in controlling obesity.
- Improves the efficiency of the liver and kidneys, the major toxin clearing houses of the body.
- Controls acne; water hydrates the skin, cleanses its pores, prevents accumulation of toxins and inflammation of skin.
- Prepares the body to react efficiently to natural, holistic and herbal therapies by eliminating toxins.

Water-Therapy
Water-therapy advocates the following procedure for detoxification.
- Drink about 1.5 liters (0.4 gallons) of clean, lukewarm water on waking up every morning (having rested and fasted for 6-8 hours).
- Do not eat anything for about 1 hour after ingesting water.
- Be moderately active after drinking the water.

Women with PCOS are strongly encouraged to incorporate this therapy in their treatment protocol. It is inexpensive and simple to follow. Many women report increased energy-levels, weight-loss, decreased craving for food and relief from anxiety within just days of employing this therapy.

Caution!!!
- Women should start the therapy with 2-3 glasses of water and gradually, over a week or two, increase the intake to 1.5 liters.
- Do not drink water in excess of 1.5 liters. Drinking excess water can cause the body to lose vital electrolytes.
- Those suffering from serious liver/heart/kidney problems that cause water-retention should consult a naturopathic/Ayurvedic physician before starting this therapy.