Fereydoon Batmanghelidj

Fereydoon Batmanghelidj (1931–2004) was an Iranian medical doctor best known for his book, Your Body's Many Cries for Water, and his advocacy of drinking water as a cure for many human health conditions. His theories, often summarized as "you're not sick, you're thirsty," have been largely dismissed by the scientific community.

Early life and education

Batmanghelidj was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1931. He attended Fettes College in Edinburgh, Scotland, and later studied medicine at St Mary's Hospital Medical School at the University of London, where he graduated in 1958.

Career

After completing his medical education, Batmanghelidj returned to Iran where he played a key role in the development of hospitals and medical centers. He also helped establish sport projects for youth in Iran, including the creation of sports clubs.

Water cure theory

In 1979, during the Iranian Revolution, Batmanghelidj was imprisoned in the infamous Evin Prison. It was here that he first encountered the idea that dehydration could cause serious illness. According to Batmanghelidj, he discovered the medicinal value of water when he was able to relieve a fellow prisoner's peptic ulcer pain by encouraging him to drink water.

After his release in 1982, Batmanghelidj fled Iran and moved to the United States. He began to promote the idea that water could cure a variety of human health conditions, including asthma, allergies, arthritis, hypertension, depression, migraines, and diabetes. He published his findings in the book Your Body's Many Cries for Water in 1992.

Criticism and legacy

Batmanghelidj's water cure theory has been criticized by the medical community for lack of scientific evidence. Critics argue that while hydration is important for overall health, it is not a cure-all for the range of conditions Batmanghelidj claimed.

Despite the criticism, Batmanghelidj's work continues to influence alternative health circles. His books have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be read worldwide.

See also

• Alternative medicine
• Dehydration
• Water therapy

References

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