H20 and your Health
Let's talk about water, y'all. It is one of the most undervalued, overlooked aspects of wellness. Most everyone I work with suffers from dehydration: low energy, poor sleep, irregular digestion, less than stellar food cravings...etc. Staying hydrated is crucial to optimal health. Considering we are composed of about 60% water, it is easy to see how hydration governs our body’s ability to perform duties that keep us healthy. When you experience dehydration, especially on a regular basis, necessary bodily functions are inhibited. According to The Mayo Clinic, we need 2-3 liters (9-13 cups) of water per day. Think about water as a vital nutrient needed to keep you balanced.
Benefits:
Energy
Promotes healthy digestive functions
Improves complexion
Regulates adrenal glands
Adrenals relate to the thyroid and work with your organs to create energy
Adrenals regulate the body’s stress response
Adrenals aid in proper hormone secretion
Healthy muscle function - keeps fluids and electrolytes balanced in muscle cells
Helps kidneys cleanse and detox impurities
Increases circulation
Absorption and transportation of nutrients
So, what do you do about it? Try a few of these simple tips to increase your water intake and I promise you'll notice a difference!
1. Have a glass of water before every meal. It helps to control your apatite and kick starts your digestion.
2. Eat your water. About 20% of our fluid intake is from water dense foods. That's right! Eating fruits and veggies with a high water content actually hydrates your body. Ex. Zucchini, celery, watermelon, red cabbage, peppers, spinach, grapefruit, etc.
3. Infuse your water! Chop up mint, cucumbers, lemons or berries and infuse boring ‘ol water with a bit of flavor. This is excellent for anyone that "hates the taste of water." Just fill a pitcher at night and let the infusing happen while you sleep. Voila! This BuzzFeed has some tasty concoctions to try.
4. Always have it with you. I love the Camel Back bottle so much we have 4 of them. I don't care if you have to set an alarm on your phone to remember to take a bottle of water to work with you each day. Do it. In fact, go ahead and set a reminder each out to get up and refill the bottle while you're at it! :)
Happy Hydrating Folks,
Emilie