“When we are well hydrated, we look and feel our best.”
Benefits of Hydration
We often hear how important it is to stay hydrated. And it’s true! When we are well hydrated, we look and feel our best. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to help improve your health on every level. Let’s take a moment to explore some of the benefits of drinking enough water:
Benefits of Hydration
You will have more energy – Dehydration will sap you of energy quickly!
You will have more muscular strength – Fluid loss in excess of 5% of body weight can decrease the capacity for work by about 30%.
You will have more luminous skin – Water removes waste materials keeping your skin clearer and more supple
You will have less water retention – Ironically, dehydration puts your body in water storage mode and proper hydration lets it know you will be giving it what it needs so it doesn’t need to stockpile fluid!
You will experience better elimination – Releasing what no longer serves you with ease:)
You will better regulate your appetite – So often people eat when they are actually thirsty rather than hungry.
How much do I really need to drink?
We need to drink 1/2 our body weight in ounces. So, a 140 lb person needs at least 70oz each day. If you live in a dry climate, use a sauna, sweat in the heat or from a workout…you will need to drink even more to be properly hydrated.
Think Mist, Not Flood
Our body metabolizes water best when we take sips (and hold the water in the mouth for a few moments before swallowing it). When we gulp down water it’s more likely to pass through the digestive system than absorb into the system as a whole. So we should sip all day long rather then down a liter a few times a day.
What About Mealtimes?
We also want to avoid drinking more than 4-6oz with a meal. Drinking a lot of liquid with meals can dilute digestive juices. This can make digestion less efficient and contribute to bloat and poor absorption. So, pause your liquids 20-30 min before and 20-30 min after a meal (except for a small amount as needed with a meal).
My favorite hydration habits
I aim for 3 liters (100 oz) of water a day! Living in a dry climate, using a sauna regularly, and exercising daily increase my need for water. I love to vary how I enjoy my hydration.
Making all this hydration more varied & interesting
In the morning, I like to mix in special things, leaving 30 minutes between each to let them work their magic before taking in another special addition. It looks something like this:
Upon Waking;
6am-16 oz room temperature water
6:30- 8 oz water + Colostrum 1 T. Powder
7am 8 oz. water+ Welleco Greens Super Elixir (2 tsp.)
Between breakfast and lunch
-10 oz water
-10 oz+ HUM vitamin C & Collagen tablet
-10 oz water + juice of 1/2 lemon
Between lunch and dinner
-16 oz plain water
-8 oz plain water + 2 tsp Welleco Greens Super Elixir
After dinner and before bed
-8 oz plain water
-8 oz herbal tea
This is what works for me….I hope it helps you find what works for you!
Cheering you on,
Rachel