Another cause of premature aging is the drinking of very hard water. The
earthy matter is absorbed into the blood stream with the water, and a
part of it is deposited in the various tissues. People beyond middle age
should drink water containing only a small portion of salts. Those who
partake of fresh fruits or fresh vegetables daily get all the salts that
the system needs. Even the young should not drink water that is
exceedingly hard. We can well illustrate the harm that comes from the
excessively hard water by referring to the disease known as cretinism.
This disease is quite prevalent in some parts of Europe. They say that
the disease is hereditary, which is questionable. What is inherited is
the environment and the habits of the parents. The chief cause is
without doubt the superabundance of earthy matter in the drinking water.
The cretins are ill-favored in face and figure. They do not reach normal
mental or physical maturity. They are old long before the normal person
has reached his prime. They die young, rarely living to be over thirty
years old. The bones are completely ossified early, which is the cause
of their small stature and their stupidity.
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