Hydration 101

By: Barb Lands70% of our body is made up of water so staying hydrated is one of the most important things we can do to keep our bodies healthy. Drinking water regularly helps to :

• Nourish your skin
• Improve your energy and decrease fatigue
• Improve digestive disorders
• Slow down the aging process
• Speed up body functions and repair

Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even make you eat less. Drink 16 oz first thing in the morning and get in 1/2 your body weight in ounces during the day. Add in lemons (or a drop of Lemon essential oil) to your water for an extra boost. Lemons are known for their detoxification properties but also help to:

• Cut through adipose & cellulite tissue to assist weight loss
• Help your liver digest fats
• Maintain teeth & mouth health
• Reduce sweet, pastry & gluten cravings
• Detoxify and alkalize acidic conditions which cause disease
• Nourish and relax tight fascia tissue & connective tissue
• Maintain glowing, moisturized healthy skin & boost immunity

Try to consume your water before and after your meals (in between meals) rather than during the meal, as too much water during a meal can inhibit the natural juices your body excretes during digestion process to assist your body in breaking down what you eat.Remember thirst isn’t a great indication of your hydration status if you fell thirst you are already dehydrated. some additional signs you are dehydrated include:

• Bad breath
• Dry skin
• Muscle cramps
• Fever and chills
• Food cravings (especially sweets)
• Headaches

How to Check If You’re Dehydrated

• Try this skin test.First, use two fingers to grab a roll of skin on the back of your hand (between where your watch sits and where your fingers start), Pull the skin up about ½ to one centimeter high and then let the skin go. The skin should spring back to its normal position in less than a couple of seconds. Skin bounces back slowly, might mean you are dehydrated.
• Check your urine.If you’re well-hydrated your urine will be mostly clear with a tinge of yellow, When your body is about three percent dehydrated your urine will be noticeably yellow. When your body is about five percent dehydrated, your urine will appear chardonnay-colored. When your body is more than five percent dehydrated – which is considered severely dehydrated – your urine will appear orange. Adapted from:EveryDayHealth

Tips to Stay Hydrated

• Drink water first thing when you wake up
• Keep a water bottle with you
• Drink Herbal teas
• Eat more veggies