Posted by M.I.K. (216.58.69.109) on August 23, 2001 at 15:56:49:
In Reply to: Why water might work - just a theory posted by Flash on August 23, 2001 at 13:06:46:
As far as I know, water is absorbed from the intestines into the blood. As your body won't let your blood get diluted beyond set limits, it must increase the blood flow to your kidneys to eliminate any excess water. Therefore, water works because its absorbtion (and elimination) places a high demand on blood supply. In response to this demand, blood flow is reduced elsewhere by way of constriction of blood vessels including your carotid arteries. Other methods that tend to divert blood flow (i.e. exercise, mind control, etc.) work on the same priciple.
As for salt, a healthy kidney will filter out only toxins, excess water and surplus chemicals. The key word, here, is "surlpus". It does not eliminate salt or any other chemical needed by your body. Salt pills are only needed when your salt intake is less than what you lose through perspiration or disease. As the diet of most people in the Western Culture contains far more salt than their bodies need, salt pills have gone the way of the Dodo Bird even in hot climates.
So in a nut shell, if water works for you and you are otherwise in good health, drink as much of it as you like.
Cheers