Water – Nature’s Lifeline
by Krissy Caldwell
Day by day, people choose caffeinated or sugary drinks to enjoy in hopes for a boost of energy to power them through their day. The problem with this is, caffeine with added sugars (and sometimes high sodium content) in popular and desirable beverages can cause nervousness, trigger hunger and may also increase insulin levels. This causes reduced fat metabolism and many other health issues.
Choosing the wrong beverage to fuel your day can be very unhealthy and often creates bad, repetitive habits. This can also turn out to be a costly and unexpected subscription that many consumers are surprised by. Energy drinks, sweetened teas, sodas and coffees don’t contribute enough liquid we need to thrive. In fact, over 75% of Americans are left chronically dehydrated every day.
So, how often are you drinking the good stuff?
“Water is boring!” Some may say. Afterall, it can be flavorless and not as desirable as all the other options out there. In fact, it is the cleanest and healthiest liquid to flush and fuel our bodies, clear skin and improve our moods. It can even boost energy and balance our internal PH levels to help everything function properly, or better. That’s right! Clean (preferably filtered) water is a life source that can help us feel and perform our best. PLUS, it’s calorie, sugar and caffeine free! A much more affordable and healthy option to choose from.
Did you Know?
Water, mixed with sodium, electrolytes and other compounds, constitutes about 60% of your total existence. This means our bodies need a lot of hydration! 75% of our muscles and 85% of our brains are water based. This is why it is so important to make sure and get your daily intake of good, clean fluids.
Some physical signs that can indicate dehydration are:
- Dark, stinky urine- Keep in mind, some vitamins and foods can change urine color too, like B vitamins.
- Dry, sticky mouth or chapped lips
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Brain fog
- Skin that is dry or lacks vitality
- Constipation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Moodiness or excessive sleepiness
The absolute minimum amount of water one must consume every day at the very least, is one eight-ounce glass. The recommended amount of water intake for an average adult is 8 to 10, eight-ounce glasses per day. For kiddos, 3-8 glasses are typically recommended, depending on age.
But your water intake should really be gauged on aiming for about half of your body weight, in ounces. For example, a 130-pound person should drink at least 65 ounces per day to properly hydrate. This would equal
out to (8) eight-ounce glasses.
This may seem like a lot to some folks, but this hydration is so important to gain all the proper body functions needed to be healthy and flush our systems of all the bad stuff that can inflame the intestinal tract, junk up our joints that causes stiffness and soreness, fight off virus’ and even impair brain functions.
Let’s start making some healthy habits
To make this amount of water intake easier, start off the morning with a big, tall drink. Try to take a few big gulps at a time vs small sips and pace yourself. Make a routine of having your water at every meal and before snacking. Doing this will help curb appetite and improve alertness and focus that will start the day off right.
It is best to choose an drinking vessel that is made of copper, stainless steel, glass or ceramic. Even though they may be easier to come by, plastic containers have been known to leach chemicals or micro-plastics into fluids, which can cause other issues. Avoiding containers or bottles that can do more harm than good is another good goal to have. Besides, the alternatives usually keep drinks hotter or colder for longer and are more enjoyable to use.
Regular drinking habits can be as easy as keeping a large bottle or mug at your side at all times. Make sure it’s cleaned and filled regularly, then set goals to consume the right amount you need every day. Set a timer every 15-30 minutes or even document your progress in a simple daily journal. Reflecting back on daily intake can really help you realize how much water you are getting. Watch your progress, make adjustments if needed and you’ll be happy you did.
Jazz up your drink!
Try adding two teaspoons of lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best) to detoxify and refresh your body. Lemon can also quench your thirst and add extra nutrition all at the same time. It can be so refreshing, especially on a hot day or while working out. Lemon water (hot or cold) also helps with dry mouth and may even boost energy levels if used regularly or throughout the day. Drinking lemon in your water every day for two weeks will also help to detoxify your liver, kidneys and skin and can boost metabolism.
Not a fan of lemons? Try adding some sliced cucumber, lime, strawberries, kiwi’s or other fruits like oranges and watermelon. Infusing some extra health benefits into your daily routine is another way to curb appetite and add a new level of enjoyment to your glass.
During the colder months, brew some herbal tea to enjoy. This absolutely counts as your daily water intake also adds a whole new tier of health benefits as well. Avoid anything artificially flavored and shoot more for medicinal herbs, like lavender or chamomile to help with sleep and relaxation. Try black tea with mint and an orange slice for a nice boost during the day. There are many medicinal herbs out there, as well as different teas with a variety of caffeine levels to accommodate your day. Customize your cup to what you crave and what your body needs.
If you choose to go down the medicinal herb route, please be sure to consult with your physician first if pregnant, nursing or taking prescriptions. Some herbs can be conflicting in these situations. Always do your research before consuming and enjoy opening up the world of plant medicine that can also change your life.
Now, go forth and make some healthy choices. Change your life and teach others about your journey. Cheers!
Facts and helpful information sourced from:
Google – How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day? – Healthline -https://www.healthline.com
Body Into Balance (An Herbal Guide to Holistic Self-Care) by Maria Noel Groves
Weight Loss Handbook (Body Analysis) by Rogue EMC 2008 – Jump Start Cleansing – Lemon Water
