Water, An Essential Nutrient Missing In Our Lives
We are a dehydrated nation. We simply do not drink enough water, especially in the winter months. Did you know our bodies are made up of 73% water and our blood is over 92% water? To achieve optimal health, we need to hydrate to keep our systems working properly.
You could be eating an amazingly clean diet but if you are dehydrated, you are not going to get the maximum benefit of the diet. The blood is not circulating optimally when dehydrated and essential nutrients are not being delivered to the cells and organs for fuel and energy. Stay hydrated to get the maximum value out of the nutrition you are consuming.
It is so interesting, in my practice I see many symptoms clear up with simply drinking more water. I can see a lot of improvements in digestive symptoms, headaches, energy, and brain fog.
Water performs many roles in our body. Here are a few:
It helps flush out toxins and supports our detox pathways which is why it can help alleviate headaches and improve digestion.
It keeps cell membranes juicy and thriving. You don’t want raisins for cells. You want grapes! The cells can communicate much better when hydrated.
It helps lubricate your joints.
You need ample water to make neurotransmitters and hormones. If dehydrated, your body can’t make them and you will not feel very good.
Water regulates body temperature
How much water should you drink? A safe place to start is half your body weight in ounces. If you are consuming way below that, please add water slowly. You know you are drinking too much if you are going to the bathroom more than 1x/hour. Slow down because too much water can actually be a stress on your body. I also want to encourage you to sip water, not gulp it. Your body can only absorb so much at once. Ideally you would drink ½ of your water intake before lunch and the other half before 7pm or 2 hours before bedtime.
Find a water container you love, keep it with you at all times. I like to say treat it like a baby!
Strive to start your day with 8oz of water before coffee! You become dehydrated overnight and one of the worst things you can do is drink a diuretic (coffee), first thing. This is one of the most healthy improvements you could start doing now, start your morning off right!
If this seems a bit overwhelming, take it one day at a time and strive for improvement. Health is definitely a journey, not a destination. We are always working on it!