A drink of water, please.

Jen here :) Are you thirsty and feeling drained? ...feel a headache coming on? Do you need a rescue? Dehydration can profoundly impact our energy, headaches, muscle recovery, detoxification, and even our skin's vibrancy! So, reach for your favorite glass and sip some water while we review the good things water can affect in us!

Water helps flush toxins which in turn helps the skin to be pure. It is that simple. The more you drink, the cleaner your body systems and clearer your skin will be.

• Water is needed for digestion, energy, blood cleansing, detoxification, immune function, joint lubrication, tears, and collagen production.

• Specifically, water is needed for optimal kidney function. This is where toxins and inflammatory agents are filtered out of the blood, and proper balance of salts, glucose, and other chemicals is achieved.(1)

With only a little dehydration, brain function, thinking capacity, and energy begin to plummet. Some immediate changes are:

• Decreased brain tissue fluid, which can change brain volume.

• Increased blood viscosity, which adds strain to the cardio vascular system, and increases risk for thrombogenesis (blood clot formation). (1)

• Compromised ability for body to regulate temperature.

• Decreased skill performance, with even low levels of dehydration (professional athletes).

Chronic dehydration can also affect your organs and lead to kidney stones, constipation and electrolyte imbalances that lead to seizures. (1)

So, what leaves us at risk for dehydration?

Strenuous exercise, like mountain climbing and hiking, sweating, or various illness related conditions can leave us vulnerable to this simple problem (Diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes, alcohol consumption, taking antihistamines...) 

So, find a pretty glass you’ll take everywhere with you! :) A simple quart mason jar will suffice, but have fun with this!

• Drink 2 to 3 L per day. Or half your body weight in ounces, as a baseline amount. Optimal is closer to 3L. (4)

• Drink a couple sips at a time, and before you’re thirsty.

• Always bring with when you exercise. Sip between sets.

• Sports drinks and sweetened beverages won’t do the trick... they aren't absorbed as quickly.

• If you are sweating a lot and need to replenish electrolytes, here are some DIY options:

• Simple homemade electrolyte drink:  1/8 t. Each baking soda and pink salt, 2 T apple cider vinegar (Braggs), into one qt. Water. (5)

• Electrolyte-Energy formula: 1 T apple cider vinegar, 1/2 t. Ground or fresh ginger, 1/2 t. ground cinnamon, 1 c. Water, optional 1 ml liquid magnesium. (2)

• Add one cup of carrot celery juice to your water.

There are varying opinions regarding what the optimal ‘water’ choice is. Herbal teas, while very effective and good for one to consume, should not be the primary source for our thirst quench. Also, lemon water is very alkalizing (which may be very good for you), so listen to your body; if you are feeling good, go ahead and continue. Another option is to Vitamix one cup of berries with your water (yield 1 quart). This adds color and taste along with antioxidants, making your drink more inviting. Raw, organic green juice, without a lot of fruit is also excellent! Coconut water is anti inflammatory and contains antioxidants.

Tap water can have chlorine, industrial or agricultural contaminants, so purchasing a water purifier may be best, for you. (2)

The key to all of this, and most important, is to listen to your body. Are you sweating? .. thirsty? Drink up!

#listentoyourbody #dontoverthinkit #hydrateyourself

 I hope you have a beautiful day!!!

Jen

1. Dr. Mercola  https://articles.mercola.com/dehydration-symptoms.aspx,
2. Dr. Hyman, https://drhyman.com/blog/2017/01/26/drinking-clean-water/  https://drhyman.com/blog/2018/01/23/boost-hydration-brain/
3. Pure Skin Organic Beauty Basics, by Barbara Close    https://www.amazon.com/dp/0811843483/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_2AQ9V2C78JD788QQS5S3
4. Beth Delaney BCND https://instagram.com/thewellniche?igshid=ecefevqtqs7l
5. Dr. Nathan Olsen ND