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.

Coconut oil has been demonized in the past…   because it contains saturated fat.

Yes, coconut oil is almost 90 percent saturated fat, but not all saturated fats are created equal. The saturated fat in coconut oil is mostly lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that appears to have a more neutral effect on heart health when compared to longer-chain saturated fats found in meats and dairy products.

Coconut oil products are credited with numerous nutritional properties, among them anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory.  It is also said to promote weight loss, a healthy digestion, and provide immunity support. Not to mention a great moisturizer for your skin and hair.

Dr. Josh Axe explores the many uses for coconut oil and its benefits in this article.

I use this tropical oil for so many things because it has a wide array of health benefits, and it is one of the most versatile and healthiest substances.

I personally use it daily for cooking as it has a high smoke point and it doesn’t go rancid due to its high heat tolerance. It is great for baking, stir-fry’s or as a dairy free replacement for butter. I also add it to smoothies for energy. In addition, I add it to my Chicory Cup (coffee substitute) as a coffee creamer. I know you are probably thinking I have gone mad. Actually, the first time I heard about adding oil and fat to coffee, I’m sure the look on my face was a mix between confusion and disgust. Well, I was pleasantly surprised, it is delicious and it doesn’t dilute the flavour. It provides a rich and creamy consistency. Using a blender or mini bullet blender, blend the coffee or coffee substitute and coconut oil on high for about 5 seconds, and Bob’s your uncle!

I also use it to condition my hair. I comb it through my hair and let it sit for about an hour before I shampoo. This is known as pre-poo, nothing to do with your bowels 🙂  “pre-poo” is usually an oil treatment applied to your hair prior to shampooing or conditioning. This adds moisture, helps get the tangles out, add shine and improves the overall health of your hair. You can also add a tiny dab rubbed on your hands and then through hair, it makes a great anti-frizz treatment.

Lastly, I use coconut oil for oil pulling (oral detoxification procedure) – I use 1 tbsp. swish it for 15-20 minutes first thing in the morning. Please remember to spit it out into the rubbish bin to avoid any clogged pipes. Then rinse your mouth with salt water to remove any bacteria. Here is a link to learn the benefits of oil pulling.

 
Refined or processed coconut oil can be bleached, over-heated, and chemically processed to increase its shelf-life. Processing the oil changes the chemical makeup and the fats are no longer good for you! Make sure you buy extra virgin coconut oil for the greatest health benefits.

Thanks for reading & keep well,

Tara