Author Kim Jin-ho's Water and Health Stories (71) Winter's Paradox: The Cry of Dehydrated Cells Without Thirst

It is a season when cold northwesterly winds tighten our clothing. As temperatures drop, our bodies constrict blood vessels and reduce perspiration to maintain body heat. Paradoxically, this natural physiological response becomes a fatal "metabolic trap" for modern people. Since we do not sweat and do not feel thirsty, we stop drinking water, and the dry indoor air silently steals moisture from our skin and respiratory tract.

In winter, we may not feel thirsty, but our blood vessels and cells are experiencing a greater thirst than ever. Particularly coinciding with the "diabetes crisis" striking South Korea, this chronic winter dehydration can become a trigger for damaging the kidneys.

In today's column, I wish to examine why we are becoming sicker in an era of advanced medicine, and to re-examine the scientific value of "water" as an answer.

1. Poverty Within Abundance: Medicine Has Advanced, So Why Are Patients Increasing?

Medical care in 21st-century South Korea is among the world's best. However, the "Diabetes Fact Sheet 2024" recently published by the Korean Diabetes Association reveals a shocking reality. One in six adults aged 30 and older is a diabetic patient, and when including those in the prediabetic stage, more than half of adults have warning lights on for blood sugar control. More alarming is the explosive increase in "young-onset diabetes" among those in their 20s and 30s.

This phenomenon suggests that modern medicine's drug treatment alone cannot overcome lifestyle-related diseases. While we may be able to lower blood sugar levels with medication, we cannot restore the collapsed internal homeostasis with drugs alone.

Particularly in winter, reduced activity levels and overeating raise blood sugar while water intake decreases, making the blood thick and allowing metabolic waste products to accumulate without being eliminated. This is the beginning of "metabolic pollution," through which our bodies become sick.

2. High Blood Sugar: The "Fear of Oxidation" That Rusts Cells

So what happens to our bodies when water is insufficient and blood sugar is high?

Research led by Professor Lee Gyu-jae of Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine clearly demonstrates this process. Excessive glucose in blood vessels overloads mitochondria within cells, causing them to emit tremendous amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS).

In simple terms, it is like pouring too much fuel (glucose) into an engine (mitochondria), causing incomplete combustion, and the resulting soot (reactive oxygen species) damages the engine itself. These reactive oxygen species attack kidney cells that serve as the water purification filter of our body, causing them to "rust (oxidize)." The greatest reason why diabetic patients progress to end-stage kidney failure requiring dialysis is this "oxidative stress."

What is needed at this point is an "antioxidant hydration" strategy that goes beyond simple water supplementation.

3. Water Becomes a "Metabolic Therapeutic Agent" Beyond Simple H2O

Recently, the integrated medicine field has elevated water to an auxiliary means of disease treatment. Of particular note is the clinical utility of "magnesium alkaline water." According to a paper published in the international academic journal MDPI Processes by a Yonsei University research team, alkaline water enriched with magnesium minerals generated by a Mineral Maker water bottle significantly preserves the survival rate of kidney cells exposed to a high blood sugar environment.

The core of this water lies in two elements.

First, the "supply of magnesium."

Modern people, particularly diabetic patients, are in a state of chronic magnesium deficiency. Magnesium serves as a "key" that allows insulin to open cell doors and accept glucose. Consuming ionized magnesium through water is the most fundamental method of improving insulin resistance.

Second, "reducing power."

Active hydrogen contained in alkaline reduced water combines with toxic reactive oxygen species in the body, reducing them to water for elimination. In other words, it serves as a "firefighter" that washes away the "oxidative rust" accumulated in cells due to high blood sugar and calms inflammation.

4. Winter Water Intake Strategy for Cancer Survivors and Those with Chronic Diseases

This water intake strategy is not only effective for diabetic patients. Now, with the rapid increase in cancer survivors due to advances in cancer treatment technology, the foundation of "detoxification" to eliminate toxic byproducts remaining in the body after anticancer treatment and prevent recurrence is also water.

Sufficient alkaline water intake can alkalize urine to reduce kidney burden, help prevent uric acid stones, and improve cancer-related fatigue.

So how should we drink water this winter?

First, do not wait for thirst.

Thirst is a belated signal from the brain that dehydration is already progressing. You must drink "consciously and habitually" at set times.

Second, drink "water with living minerals."

Rather than pure water from an RO water purifier, consuming water rich in minerals such as magnesium can awaken metabolic functions. Using functional water bottles like Mineral Maker to drink water with antioxidant properties can also be a wise alternative.

Third, drink it warm and slowly.

Cold water can lower body temperature and reduce immunity. Drinking about 1.5 to 2 liters of lukewarm water similar to body temperature throughout the day, slowly in portions as if chewing, is the secret to increasing absorption rate.

In Closing: The Easiest and Most Powerful Habit to Save My Body

Of course, there are precautions to take. For patients with severely advanced chronic kidney failure (such as dialysis patients), the ability to excrete potassium and magnesium is diminished, so water intake must be adjusted in consultation with your physician.

However, for the majority of modern people, those in the prediabetic stage, and those with early-stage chronic diseases, water is the best natural remedy without side effects.

Winter is a season when vitality shrinks. However, roots deep underground draw water in preparation for spring. Our bodies are the same. This winter as we enter 2026, what we should prioritize before cutting-edge supplements or expensive tonics is a glass of water on my desk.

Within that transparent glass lies the vital force to restore our damaged metabolic systems, purify our thickened blood, and invigorate our weary cells once more. Right now, my cells are sending out distress signals. Responding to that signal is the beginning of healthy winter survival.