One of the biggest factors responsible for accelerating the aging process is dehydration. Your body is made up of 70-75% water. Your body needs it to survive and function property and effectively. Being adequately hydrated helps with digestion, mental focus, healthy looking skin, curbing your appetite, and shedding those pesky unwanted pounds.
Hunger is often confused with dehydration. Before you reach for that snack, have a glass of water instead. Drinking before meals can help promote weight loss. Multiple studies show those who drink two glasses of water before meals feel fuller and eat less.
Try to start your day with a glass of lemon water. Lemon helps hydrate the body and stimulate the liver’s detox process. Lemon water is high in vitamin C, which helps to ward off colds and infections; it’s a natural detoxifier, it aids in digestion, it keeps your skin youthful and glowing, it freshens your breath, it promotes healing, it alkalizes the body, and aids in weight loss. What’s not to LOVE about lemons? Here is a recipe:
Lemon Water Elixir
1 cup of filtered water – warm or room temperature
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon raw honey
Dash of sea salt
Dash of cayenne pepper
Ideally, you should be drinking half of your body weight in water each day, plus additional water if you exercise or live in a warmer or drier climate. For example, if you weigh 150lbs, aim for 75 fluid ounces of water daily. You will also need to drink more water if you consume coffee, tea, alcohol, soda, or salty foods as they can be very dehydrating. Proper hydration is also very important during the heat of the summer months; we need to replenish lost minerals. Other drinks to enjoy to help you stay hydrated include herbal teas and vegetable juices. Here is a recipe for a natural Gatorade.
Natural Gatorade
20 ounces of filtered water
½ teaspoon of sea salt
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of raw honey
Try not to drink with your meals because the liquid dilutes your digestive enzymes and can prevent your body from assimilating nutrients.
A good measure for seeing if you’re amply hydrated is to check your urine. If you’re sufficiently hydrated, your urine should be fairly clear and shouldn’t have an offensive odour. If it’s dark yellow, you need to drink more water. Your lips are another indicator. If they are chapped or parched, you could be dehydrated.
Don’t forget that foods such as watermelon, tomatoes, yoghurt, cucumbers, and berries can also be hydrating.
Please browse through The Environmental Working Groups site to find a safe and effective water filter for you and your family.
Staying hydrated is important for everyone. Your body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to work correctly. Your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate joints. Water is essential for good health.
Drink UP!!!
Thanks for reading and keep well.