Edema
From Obesity, Cancer, Depression by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.)
Basically, there are two oceans of water in the body; one held inside the cells
and the other outside. Good health depends on a delicate balance between the
volumes of these two oceans.
This balance is achieved by the regular intake of water, potassium-rich fruits
and vegetables that also contain the vitamins that the body needs, and salt.
Unrefined sea salt, which contains some of the other minerals that the body
needs, is preferable.
When water is not available to get into the cells freely, it is filtered from
the outside salty ocean and injected into the cells that are being overworked
despite their water shortage. The design of our bodies is such that the extent
of the ocean of water outside the cells is expanded to have the extra water
available for filtration and emergency injection into vital cells. The brain
commands an increase in salt and water retention by the kidneys. This directive
of the brain is why we get edema when we don’t drink enough water.
When water shortage in the body reaches a more critical level and delivery of
water by its injection into the cells becomes the main route of supply to more
and more cells, an associated rise in injection pressure becomes necessary. The
significant rise in pressure needed to inject water into the cells becomes
measurable and is labeled hypertension.
Initially, the process of water filtration and its delivery into the cells is
more efficient at night when the body is horizontal. The collected water, which
settles mostly in the legs during the day, does not have to fight the force of
gravity to get into the blood circulation when the body is horizontal. If
reliance on this process of emergency hydration of some cells continues for
long, however, the lungs begin to get waterlogged and breathing becomes
difficult. The person needs more pillows to sit upright to sleep.
This condition is called cardiac asthma and is the consequence of dehydration.
However, in this condition you must not overload the system by drinking too much
water at the beginning. Increases in water intake must be slow and spaced out –
until urine production begins to increase at the same rate that you drink water.
When we drink enough water to pass clear urine, we also pass out a lot of the
salt that was held back. This is how we can get rid of edema fluid from the
body; by drinking more water. Not diuretics but more water! Water is the best
natural diuretic that exists.
In a person who has extensive edema and whose heart sometimes experiences
irregular or very rapid beats with little effort, the increase in water intake
should be gradual and spaced out, but water should not be withheld from the
body. Salt intake should be limited for two or three days because the body is
still in an overdrive mode to retain it. Once the edema has cleared up, salt
should not be withheld from the body.
Date: Fri, Mar 2005 20:57:26 – 0600
Subject:
Update
From: “Debbie Short”
dshort@ozarkmountains.com
Bob: I had someone contact me about my testimonial. I should have written back long ago! I have lost 150 lbs. My ankles have gone from 17 to 9 inches. I am still staying on a good eating plan. I continue with the Celtic Sea Salt water. I am not the same person that I was. I sleep at night where I used to have to sleep sitting up in a chair. I run in the pool 5 days a week. I can walk all over, where I used to have to take an electric cart. I did take some time out to have some surgery done, but recovered in record time.
I am still learning and passing this book on and this website!
Thank you so much!
Debbie Short
Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 14:05:01 -0500
From: NINA NAZOR <ninanazor@hotmail.com>
Hi Bob,
Thanks for your advice through this website. My legs and feet had been swelling for almost 2 months and my doctor couldn't find anything wrong, he finally gave me diuretics. Another doctor I saw told me " don't worry, women swell" ! Thanks God I read the testimonies about edema and I began with the watercure. 5 days later I had no swelling and I feel more relaxed and with more energy, I am working out harder and I am delighted. I am a dietitian, I read all the scientific work on this water cure and I loved it! Keep up the good work!
Warm regards,
Nina Nazor
Dietitian and Diabetes Educator
Atlanta, GA
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2001
From: Helen J. Morin [idophotography@townisp.com]
To: Bob Butts
One morning at 3 AM, there was a radio program that changed my life. I was working on a video project when I heard a doctor discussing the Water Cure on the Art Bell Show. I listened with much skepticism, but when he started talking about the amount of water our body is made up of, it piqued my interest.
I conveyed this tale to a very close friend who also heard it, and bought some sea salt. My friend told me about his brother, who is quite sickly. His brother has been feeling better, and the only thing he was doing different was drinking the water and salt.
I started using the salt. I have had severe swelling of my ankles ever since going on a certain medication. They would be 2”–2 ½” thicker by mid-morning and hurt like heck. Walking was becoming a chore for me. I am only in my early 50’s and far too young for this to happen. I am a wedding a video photographer. This problem has been interfering with the number of events I could book in a year. It is very tough to be on your feet for an 8-10 hour day of work with feet that are extremely painful. I would bring 3 changes of shoes, hoping that this would ease the pain. All 3 pairs were of the comfortable – not for appearances – variety. This did not help at all, and sometimes, I was unable to put a pair back on because of the swelling.
Within the first 2 days, my ankles were normal, and I could see the bones again!!! I was in disbelief. This is something I had not expected. You know how you equate water and increased swelling. Well, the sea salt has worked for me.
I recently went on a business trip to Oklahoma City and had not brought my sea salt. Within 12 hours, my ankles were as swollen as ever and hurting like heck. As soon as I got home, I drank 2 glasses of salt water, and by morning, the swelling was going down! It has been a blessing and a miracle for me. I am so glad I was up at 3 AM that day. God works in strange ways.
I recommended it to a nurse a month ago. I just saw her yesterday. She is THRILLED! She no longer has swollen ankles or aching legs and feet.
Thank you for such a simple and inexpensive cure for my problem.
Just a note, my husband who has type II diabetes, now has NORMAL blood sugar levels. Believe me, he has not done anything to change, except for the Water Cure.
Sincerely,
Helen J. Morin
From: Debra Short dshort@ozarkmountains.com
To: Bob Butts
I have had lymph edema, and have had it for a number of years. I am frustrated that I am not getting good advice. Will the water get rid of the fluid in my legs? Is there any info that I can read before they start shoving water up my legs and into my heart? Pros? Cons?
As of March 30, 2004...
I am drinking my water with seal salt from the Salt & Grain Society. My ankles have gone from 17” to 12 ¼” on the right leg. The left leg went from 15” to 11.” I am still running in the pool for 1 ½ hours in deep water. I also have a good eating plan. I would like to get off the medications within the next couple of months. I feel better than I have in years and am really walking out the process to healing. I am also getting some manual lymphatic drainage done 3 times a week. This was very kind of you.
Thanks,
Debbie Short
Date: 8/20/01 Mon 4:22 Am
From: Tom LaBresh
To: Bob Butts
Subject: Bob, My Mother sent me this !
My Dear Son Tom,
You have no idea what you did for me last week when you first sent me the information about salt. I was intrigued and motivated by several things in there, the number one being about heart rhythm. There were other references to some of my current problems the details of which I'll discuss later when Helen gives me back my marked list.
Then came the real bombshell… Dr. Batmanghelidj's water cure information. You have no idea how timely that was! It saved me from a huge error I was making. That's why I am so passionate with my thanks.
In mid-May my right ankle began to swell and became quite large. The only thing I knew to do was to take a diuretic. After that, it went up and down like a yo-yo. As Memorial Day and our trip to Big Bear approached it kept getting much worse. I went to my doctor and he had a great idea… double the dose of lasix. He warned me that my ankle would only get worse at the 7,000 foot elevation in Big Bear. It did. Fortunately he buffered the lasix with potassium.
Then in mid-July Sally was having some problems with swollen ankles. Phylllis also was having the same problem. I told them to get a diuretic and double the dose. Then came your information about the water and the salt. I began doing it immediately--drinking half my weight in ounces of water every day. My swelling came down immediately and I quit the lasix right away. What I found out from Dr. Batmanghelidj was that a diuretic drains water out of the body and can cause serious dehydration. He says the best diuretic in the whole world is just plain water. I see the results in my own foot and I shudder to think of what might have happened had I gone on with what I was doing. I also feel bad because I was trying to tell Sally and Helen to take more diuretic. My ankle is all healed. Tom, the timing of your information was so perfect I think God used you to help me keep from making a terrible mistake.
On July 24th Dad and I together began the Atkins diet seriously. In those twelve days I have lost at least seven pounds. Howard' pot is coming down and we both feel very good.
Earlier, before we went on the diet, I was in a show and along with my ankle my right eyelid began to swell. I felt sick to my stomach and nearly got hauled off to the hospital. For five days at the show I had to wear dark glasses. The top eyelid swelled so much that it burst open. Later the lower one did too. I began to realize that I am allergic to my favorite fabric for the fall and winter shows. I put it away in boxes till this last week and didn't go near it and didn't go near it. My eye began to improve. Then one day last week I got out the fabric. The minute it was out in the open and near me, my eye and ankle began to swell. By then I had your Dr Batmanghelidj information so I went to the kitchen and drank three glasses of water and then I was actually able to work on that fabric without killing myself. The fabric still bothers me but the minute I drink enough water the symptoms are gone. My biggest hope now is to see how the water cure affects my amalgam fillings in my teeth. I still have troubles with that but I am hoping to lick it eventually.
Thank you so much for your good timing when my need was greatest.
I Love you,
Mom
Date: 06/14/01 Thu AM 10:21:16 EDT
From: Karl A. Lightner
To: Bob Butts
Like most people, I was skeptical about your "Water Cure." I thought , "What the hell." I'll give it a try. I have diabetes type 2, arthritis in my spine, high blood pressure, and in the evening my ankles and feet are bloated with fluid. Is it possible that drinking all this water starts working in about three days? I thought that my feet would get worse by drinking all this water! To my surprise, the swelling in my feet and ankles went down by at least two thirds. The pain in my back has lessened some.
I take so many medications; tenormin, capoten, lipitor, tagamet, lopid, avandia, and hallprin. This is keeping me broke and it scares me to think that when I retire (I'm 61), I wont be able to afford all these medications.
I am also using sea salt on my food. This is great since my doctor has advised me to reduce my salt intake. I thought I'd see a rise in my blood pressure and, so far, no.
I hope this is not a fluke, as I intend to continue with this program. Bless you and keep up the good work. Feel free to use this letter as a testimonial and edit it if necessary.
Date: August 14, 2001
From: Helen J. Morin
Shrewsbury, Ma. 01545
To: Bob Butts
One morning at 3:00 AM there was a radio program that changed my life. I was up working on a video project when I heard a Dr. discussing a water cure on the Art Bell radio show. I listened with much skepticism but when he started talking about the amount of water our body is made up of It peaked my interest.
I conveyed this tale to a very close friend who also heard it and went out and bought some sea salt. I was unable to find it at three health food stores or two grocery stores. After a few weeks my friend told me about his brother , who is quite sickly. His brother has been feeling better and the only thing he was doing differently was drinking the water with salt.
My friend had purchased a container of salt for me. I started using it. I have had SEVERE swelling of my ankles ever since going on a certain medication. They would be 2 to 2.5 inches thicker by mid morning and hurt like heck. Walking was becoming a chore for me. I am only in my early 50's and far too young for this to happen. I am a wedding photographer and videographer . This problem has been interfering with the number of events I could book in a year. It is very tough to be on your feet for an eight to ten hour day with feet that are extremely painful. I would bring three changes of shoes, hoping this would help ease the pain. All three pairs of shoes were of the "comfortable" ( not for appearances ) variety. This did not help at all and sometimes I was unable to put a pair back on because of the swelling.
Well within the first 2 days my ankles were NORMAL I could see the bones again!!!! I was in disbelief. This is something I had not expected. You know how you equate water and increased swelling. Well the sea salt has worked for me. I recently went on a business trip to Oklahoma City and had not brought my sea salt . Within in TWELVE hours my ankles were as swollen as ever and hurting like heck. As soon as I got home I drank two glasses of salt water and by morning the swelling was going down! It has been a blessing and a miracle for me. I am so glad I was up at three in the morning that day . God works in strange ways,
I recommended it to my nurse a month ago . I just saw her yesterday. She is THRILLED! She no longer has swollen ankles or aching legs and feet.
Thank you for such a simple and inexpensive cure for my problem. Just a note , my husband who has type two diabetes , now has NORMAL blood sugar levels. Believe me he has not done anything to change that except drink the salt water.
Sincerely, Helen J. Morin "I-Do" Photography Shrewsbury, Ma. 01545 (www.idophotography.net).
Date: 2001/06/18 Mon PM 12:50:18 EDT
From: Fermin A. Romero Jr.
To: Bob Butts
Thanks for your work. I've been advocating hydration for more than 20 years but only recently discovered why. Dr. Batmanghelidh's work is the single most important medical discovery. I'm adding links to my websites to inform people of hydration. Any suggestions you can offer are sincerely appreciated. I sent the following testimonial to Dr. B. Feel free to use it on your website.
Date: Monday, June 18, 2001 9:36 AM
From: Fermin A. Romero Jr.
To: Dr. Batmanghelidj
Dear Dr. Batmanghelidj,
I suffered from childhood neprhosis for more than 10 years. (Adrenal hormones signal kidneys to retain salt and spill protein in urine; edema.)
As an adult I suffered from allergies. I started drinking large amounts (1-2 gallons) of water daily about 20 years ago. This helped, but I still suffered from allergies and occasional bouts of edema during long gray winters when outside activity was limited. Cold hands and feet, dull aches and pains were common, mental acuity was slow. Summers were different. I felt energetic and mentally clear. My summer diet included more salt. Years of searching modern medical and alternative health information left me puzzled.
Then I discovered your work. I increased my salt intake to recommended levels and it all went away. Most significant: improved mental clarity, edema gone, dull muscle aches gone, hands and feet now warm, no allergies or nasal congestion. Increased energy. Balanced urination throughout the day. I sleep better. It is easier to fall asleep. I awake more refreshed. Sugar cravings are a thing of the past. Nervous energy transformed into productive energy. Memory improved. Athlete's foot gone. (Body PH more alkaline.)
I'm lucky that the prednisone and salt-free diet as a child didn't kill me. I suspect the hospitalization treatment, which included IVs which were the real cure. I get healthier every year and many cannot believe my age. Thanks for revealing such simple, wonderful information. I see your work as a part of the "Christ Consciousness" being revealed to help humanity.
Metaphysically, water is a step-down transducer of high-dimensional spiritual energy into the physical plane. We get the Holy Spirit more efficiently when we are hydrated. It is one of the great esoteric secrets. God Bless You!
Fermin A. Romero
From: Mike George
935 Main Street
Avoca, Pa. 18641 (717).457-7909
To: Dr. F. Batmanghelidl
Global Health Solutions
P.O. Box 3189
Falls Church, Virginia 22043
About eight months ago, I had a talk with Bob Butts, owner of Cee-Kay Auto in Moosic Pa. When Bob discussed "The Water Cure" with me I laughed, I really laughed. But, I had this leg problem. My legs used to swell up real bad, I could hardly walk because of my arthritis and gout. I went to the doctor, he gave me anti-inflammatory pills. They just ended up ripping my gut out, so I stopped taking them. Then when Bob talked to me again about your program, I decided to start it. I have kept it going for the last four to six months. Now I feel like a young person. I am 54 but I feel 20. I was ready to sell my business of 35 years and get rid of it. I figured that my legs were worn out. At least, that's what the doctors had told me. I needed joint, ankle, and knee replacements. I had one right knee done but the left one I never went back for. The first one didn't do any good. My attitude changed greatly after I started drinking water. When your living in constant pain, you're mind is only on one thing. I was just going to get rid of the business and say I can't do what I used to. I usually work 10 to 15 hours a day. I felt I might as well, get out of the business. Then I started just drinking water and adding a little salt on my food.
My health has really improved in the last four to six months. I am not saying that is all because of the water. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. All I know is that since I have been following "The Water Cure" I have made "The Water Cure" a habit. I really feel much better and my wife will also tell you that. I used to be nasty and very unpleasant to live with and now all that has changed. I have no problem with people contacting me about my health. They can call me at my business number (717) 457-7909, Mike's Service Station. I will be glad to tell them how I feel.
When I talk to people about this, they laugh at me. Well, I laughed at it in the beginning too. Why water? Water has been around since the beginning of time. Instead of drinking coffee in the morning or milk like I used to, I go home for breakfast and I have a 12 oz. glass of water. I don't drink coke or beer with my meals or anything else except for a 12 oz. glass of water. If I want a beer later then I'll have one. I can't say that my complexion brightened up or wrinkles diminished, but at 54, 1 don't look too bad. It is funny, people with swollen legs are told not to drink so much fluids and to stay away from salt, but I did the opposite and my legs are just about down to normal. I can wear cowboy boots again. I haven't worn cowboy boots since I was 42 or 44 years old. That's when my gout got real bad. It was pill after pill until I ended up with ulcers from them. Now I don't take any pills. My joint pain is just about gone. It'll flare up now and again. It's the kind of work that I do. It depends on the stress, especially in the shoulders. I do a lot of heavy work, a lot of pulling, picking up heavy tires and parts. Its all I do all day. Some days you go home and your shoulders hurt, but that's from normal wear and tear.
Before I started on "The Water Cure" a scale from one to ten, I felt like checking in, a zero. I wanted to die but now at least I am a seven or eight. When I get to ten I'11 let you know.
R.R. #2 Box 1645
Honesdale PA. 10431
(570) 253-2259
To: Bob Butts
Cee-Kay Auto
4949 Birney Ave.
Moosic, PA. 18507
My life changed after two months on the "Water Cure." As the result of an accident on Oct. 5,1954, I suffered a broken back, dislocated shoulder, dislocated knees, a smashed foot and a fractured skull. I've had severe pain and discomfort ever since. I was taking Lasix, a diuretic for edema of both legs. I also took atenolol and lisinopril for high blood pressure and was told to use no salt. I was a heavy consumer of alcohol most of my life. It got to where I was drinking one or two six-packs of beer each day and sometimes as much as a full case. I prayed to God to help me stop drinking.
I first heard about the "Water Cure" on "Positive Press on the Air." My wife and daughter went to Cee-Kay Auto and spoke to Bob Butts about the "Water Cure." I sat in the car. It wasn't easy for me to come in. I read the literature and it made sense to me, so I tried the "Water Cure." The day I started drinking a gallon of water a day while using sea salt liberally, I quit drinking alcohol. I've had no desire for any since, even when in the company of others drinking alcohol. My pain is diminished to the point that I don't park in handicap spots. I am now off all pain medication. The edema in my ankles disappeared in two days. In two weeks my blood pressure returned to normal and I've been off the medication since. Before going on medication my pressure was 166 over 126. On medication it would be about 156 over 83. Now it is 141 over 78. My energy also greatly improved. It's incredible how much my life changed for the better in just two months.
I recommended the "Water Cure" to my daughter Kelly, who was suffering from compacted bowels. In five days she was restored to health. Her complexion also greatly improved. She had very severe blemishes and skin texture that was so bad it resembled alligator hide. It returned to almost normal in five days. She now feels like a million dollars Feel free to share my success with your listeners and readers. You may use my name, address and telephone number. Our E-mail address is Mike_Krol@onebox.com