Enjoy the Gift of Life-Giving Water

“Lord of Life, You have given us the gift of water, source of fruitfulness, freshness, and hope. It quenches thirst, nourishes the earth, and heals wounds.”
— Pope Leo, For the Care of Water, September 2026

Pope Leo invites us this month to pray that water be protected. He asks us to thank God for this sacred gift, explaining that water is a symbol of God’s grace and love that renews us through Baptism. We must be sensitive to the plight of the millions of people across our planet who do not have access to clean sources of this God-given resource.

While caring for this divine gift of water, let us ensure that we use water responsibly to care for our body which is the “temple of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

How should we make water an intrinsic part of our daily routine?

Just the Facts

·         Roughly 60% of our body's weight is comprised of water.

·         About 20% of our daily water intake comes from food.

·         Our body loses 2 to 3 litres of water a day through elimination, urination, perspiration, and respiration — more during illness, intense exercise, or pregnancy.

·         An adequate intake of water for men is roughly 3 litres (about 13 cups) and for women 2.2 litres (about 9 cups).

·         Water does not need digestive enzymes to be processed.

·         Pregnant women and breast-feeding mothers require additional fluids.

·         Water intake should vary with body weight, physical activity, and geographic climate.

Why Treasure This Life-Giving Liquid?

Water helps to:

·         Thin the blood naturally: so it flows more easily through the arteries and lungs, carrying nutrients throughout the body.

·         Promote weight loss and raise metabolism: all with zero calories.

·         Improve skin health: it moisturizes, keeping it fresh, soft, and glowing. (Try washing your face with rainwater; it helps improve your complexion.)

·         Aid digestion: promotes smooth bowel movements and prevents constipation.

·         Flush out toxins: sweating and urination lower the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

·         Prevent cramps and sprains: proper hydration keeps joints lubricated and muscles elastic, making joint pain and stiffness less likely.

·         Relieve and prevent headaches: headaches are often triggered or worsened by mild dehydration.

How to Drink Your Water

·         Drink Pure, clean water whenever possible.

·         Drink 1–2 glasses of water each morning before brushing your teeth.

·         Drink before you feel thirsty — by the time thirst kicks in, you are already mildly dehydrated.

·         Sit and sip water in a calm, relaxed manner.

·         Drink most of your daily water during the daytime and taper off before bedtime.

·         Drink enough water when taking medication, since some medicines suppress vomiting and can cause the body to retain toxins.

·         Drink a glass of water before a hot shower — it can help prevent a sudden spike in blood pressure.

A Few Home Remedies

·         Ease nasal congestion through hot water inhalation with a few drops of eucalyptus oil.

·         Apply ice packs to injured joints and sprains for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day to reduce swelling and pain.

·         Relieve pelvic cramps through a hot water bag fomentation.

·         Heating compress remedy: Dip a handkerchief in cold water, wring it out completely, and wrap it around the neck (covered first with a woolen cloth). The compress will feel warm, soothe throat tissues, and ease hoarseness and neck stiffness.

·         Gargle with warm salt water three times a day for sore throat relief.

What to Avoid

·         Drinking water during meals: it dilutes the digestive juices needed to properly break down food.

·         Drinking cold water immediately after meals: it solidifies fats and oily foods, slowing down the digestive process.

·         Over-hydration: consuming far more water than your kidneys can excrete can dilute blood sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.

·         Reusing single-use plastic bottles: they can break down and release harmful chemicals or microplastics over time.

Let us be mindful of the innumerable gifts of water, while defending the right of every brother and sister to drink without fear and without inequality.