#3 FAVE HEALTHY TIP = STAY HYDRATED

 This week I'm blogging about the third of my eight, essential healthy living tips-stay hydrated. This is the one habit with which almost everyone needs a little help. Here are some reasons why hydration is so high on my list and some simple tips on how you can get the water & mineral balance right in your life. 

WHY DEHYDRATION COULD BE MAKING YOU FAT AND SICK-HERE ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Joint Aches/Muscular stiffness: Many times I’ve had a client complain of sudden, inexplicable*back ache. Once I out rule a possible strain or injury I ask, “Are you hydrated?” Nine out of ten times the response has been, “No, in fact I haven’t had anything to drink all day.”  After a couple glasses of water and some electrolytes the ache almost always disappears.  All joints have cartilage padding, which is composed mainly of water. When the body is dehydrated, cartilage is weakened and joint repair is slow resulting in pain and discomfort.

          * Meaning they’d not injured themselves or had a history of back pain.

• Weight gain a result of insatiable cravings for sugar and other processed/unhealthy food-especially ice cream  and/or sugary drinks.  

• Constipation - Click HERE for details on this and the below MNN’s fabulous “what dehydration can do to your body” Infographic

• Fatigue

• Asthma and Allergies

• Digestive disorders

• Bladder or kidney problems

• High Blood Pressure

• Skin Disorders

• Premature Aging

BENEFITS OF HYDRATION:

• Feel better: have more energy
• Skin looks better

• Make better food choices
• Weight loss as a result of improved digestion, reduced cravings, increased energy/higher likelihood of working out.

FAQ’s RECOMMENDATIONS & TIPS:

Q:  How much water/liquids do YOU need?

A:   Approximately ½ your body’s weight in ounces.  Green veggie juices and herbal teas count.  The average adult loses about 10 cups of water every day simply by breathing, sweating, urinating and eliminating waste.   However the total amount one needs can vary a great deal from person to person depending upon how many veggies you eat, how much you exercise, medications you’re taking and your environment.

Q:   What do I think of seltzer water, soda water and mineral waters?

A:   I think they can cause bloating in some people and I avoid them for the most part except when out socializing (see below Q about what bevvy I reco).

---

  Add another cup to your total if:

1. You’re in extreme temps-hot or cold
2. For every caffeinated or alcoholic bevie
3. Exercising or sweating a lot

• Purchase a 16 oz, BPA-Free container
• Upon rising have one glass tea temp water with juice of ½ lemon  
• Try to get ⅔ in by noon &  complete by 5PM
• Avoid guzzling water during exercise. Click HERE to read reasons.
• Download and app such as the cute and clever Water Your Body to track your intake and send you helpful reminders.

Q: I'm drinking my recommended daily amount of water but still suffering from the symptoms of dehydration. What are possible causes?


A: Dehydration is often a combination of liquid and essential mineral depletion such as calcium and magnesium. I reco. you have 2TB of the magnesium supplement with calcium, CALM a day and one Nuun Electrolyte for every hour of exercise or the morning after you've had more than 2 drinks. See below for related advice on the latter.


Q:  What to drink if you want to have a cocktail when out socializing? (Most commonly asked Q.)

A: My pick to avoid hangovers and to keep you hydrated:

1. Order Patron/Don Julio or other "top shelf" tequila in tall glass on rocks filled with FRESH lime juice and seltzer  
2. At the same time 1 large glass seltzer/soda water, no ice
3. As soon as you drink a couple sips of drink fill to top with soda water. Repeat every time you take a sip.
4. Do not order another drink until you've gone through 3 tall glasses of seltzer. You will have to get a side of ice before you get through three glasses water.
5. Limit your total drinks to two per evening. Easier said than done when having a good time, I understand. See related blog for other ways to avoid hangovers.

Happy hydrating ya’ll! xoMB

---