Water:
The Secret of Life
How to Drink It Correctly to Protect the Brain and Fight Cancer
Water is the essence of life and one of the most vital elements for human survival. As the Qur’an states: “And We made from water every living thing” [Al-Anbiya: 30]. Yet, many people underestimate the importance of drinking pure water the right way.
In her well-known lectures, Barbara O’Neill – researcher and natural health educator – emphasizes that many chronic diseases such as headaches, ulcers, constipation, depression, and even cancer can be directly linked to chronic dehydration.
She summarizes five golden rules for drinking water that ensure proper hydration, brain protection, digestive health, and disease prevention.
Why Do We Lose Water Daily?
Our bodies lose large amounts of water every single day through:
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Kidneys: about 1.5 liters.
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Skin: around 0.5 liters (even without sweating).
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Colon: about 300 ml.
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Lungs: almost 2 liters through breathing.
That means we lose about 2.5 liters daily which must be replaced. The body has no “backup tank” of water, so it fully depends on what we drink daily, in addition to fluids from fruits and vegetables.
Ignoring this fact leads to dehydration of vital organs and forces the body into a crisis management mode by releasing histamine, which redistributes water to keep us alive—often at the expense of other organs.
How Does Dehydration Cause Disease?
Iranian doctor Dr. Batmanghelidj, while imprisoned in Iran, discovered that water alone could heal prisoners suffering from ulcers and chronic pain when medicine was unavailable. He later wrote books such as “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” and “Don’t Treat Thirst with Medications.”
He explained that dehydration can lead to:
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Joint pain – as water is withdrawn from cartilage.
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Stomach ulcers – due to thinning of the protective mucosal lining.
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Headaches – caused by shrinking brain cells.
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Depression and negative thoughts – due to disrupted brain chemistry.
Modern research confirms that the brain is made up of
about 85% water, making it highly sensitive to dehydration.
The Golden Rules of Drinking Water
1. Drink Eight Glasses Throughout the Day
The basic rule is eight glasses daily (about two liters). But distribution is key:
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Start the day with water right after waking up.
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Keep a bottle with you at work or in the car.
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Drink in small, frequent sips rather than large gulps.
This acts like a gentle internal shower
hydrating cells without stressing the kidneys.
2. One Glass Half an Hour Before Meals
Drinking water before eating helps to:
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Strengthen the stomach’s mucosal lining.
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Prevent ulcers and acid reflux.
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Prepare the digestive system for food.
3. Do Not Drink Water During Meals
Water taken with food dilutes stomach acid (HCl), which is essential for killing harmful bacteria such as Helicobacter pylori. When acid is weakened, digestion suffers and ulcers worsen.
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Avoid drinking water with meals.
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If thirsty afterward, take only a few sips.
4. Avoid Dehydrating Beverages
Tea, coffee, soda, and energy drinks are not substitutes for water. In fact:
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Caffeine and sugar act as diuretics.
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They worsen dehydration.
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They increase constipation, pancreas stress, and even diabetes risk.
Even athletes relying on sports drinks must remember:
nothing hydrates like pure water.
5. Add a Touch of Celtic Salt
Celtic Sea Salt is rich in 82 natural minerals, especially magnesium, a “water-hungry” mineral that enhances cellular hydration.
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Take a small pinch before drinking water.
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It activates sodium-potassium pumps in cell membranes, improving water absorption.
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Unlike refined white salt, Celtic salt provides essential trace minerals.
Water and Chronic Diseases
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Migraines – often linked to dehydration; water reduces attacks.
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Diabetes – pancreas needs water to produce insulin efficiently.
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Constipation – results from excess water absorption in the colon.
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Depression & Memory Loss – brain dehydration disrupts function.
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Cancer – well-hydrated cells resist abnormal growth better than dehydrated ones.
How Much Water Should You Drink?
A practical rule of thumb:
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For every 50 pounds (22 kg) of body weight → 4 glasses of water.
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A person weighing 150 pounds (70 kg) needs around 2.5 liters daily.
This requirement increases with:
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Hot weather.
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Exercise.
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Excessive sweating or illness.
Practical Tips for Daily Hydration
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Set hourly reminders on your phone.
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Use a clear water bottle to monitor intake.
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Add a slice of lemon or mint for natural flavor.
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Teach children to drink water instead of processed juices.
Conclusion
Water is not just a beverage; it is a natural medicine that nourishes the brain, protects the stomach, boosts digestion, strengthens immunity, and prevents diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
To achieve this, follow Barbara O’Neill’s five golden rules:
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Eight glasses daily in small sips.
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One glass half an hour before meals.
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Avoid drinking during meals.
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Limit coffee, tea, and soda.
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Use Celtic salt to enhance absorption.
With these simple habits, you can keep your body well-hydrated, your brain sharp, and your life healthier and longer.