Few things as simple as hydration have such a profound impact on your health. If you aren't hydrated, you are starving every cell in your body, preventing them from working at their best. It is important for digestion, energy levels, blood volume, skin, and the mind.

Dr. Hyman explains, “Water is so essential for our brains that a loss of just 1-2% can significantly impact our cognitive function, making it harder to focus, concentrate, make decisions, or even connect with others.”

If we know how important it is to stay hydrated, why is it so hard to make it a part of our daily routine? Let's remind ourselves of the benefits and look at fun ways to stay hydrated.

Proper hydration impacts

1. Immune system - boosts your immune system and can help prevent infections.
2. Nutrients to cells - helps deliver vitamins and minerals throughout your body.
3. Kidney & liver function - vital in eliminating waste from your cells
4. Weight regulation - boosts metabolism, increases satiation, and raises sympathetic nervous system activity.
5. Brain function - increases sleep quality, improves mood, and sharpens attention, memory, cognition, and the ability to concentrate.
6. Joints & skin - keeps joints lubricated and skin supple.
7. Reduces negative symptoms - staying hydrated can help prevent headaches, irregular periods, and constipation.
8. Regulates acid levels in the bloodstream
9. Lowers your risk of anemia and heart attack

 

Fun Ways to Stay Hydrated

1. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink made with tea, sugar, and a SCOBY. That funny word is an acronym for a “symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast.” As the bacteria eats the sugar, it produces probiotics, which are good for your gut. Some brands are high in sugar, so read the label carefully before buying a jar.

2. Water Kefir
Traditional kefir is a fermented drink made from milk with a variety of bacteria and yeast. Water kefir uses the same process but uses water as the base. It is easy to make. Just get the grains, put them in sugar water, and let them ferment. Some people enjoy adding flavor to enhance the taste. You can also do a second fermentation to make it bubbly.

3. Coconut Water
Coconut water is naturally sweet, making it taste great. It is a good source of nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and potassium. In fact, it has more potassium than a banana. Look at the ingredients, though, because some companies add sugar, preservatives, or additives.

4. Mineral Water
Mineral water with a splash of juice gives you the flavor without the higher sugar levels of straight juice. You can also put a couple of tablespoons of balsamic in your sparkling water. Start with a fruity flavor such as mango, blueberry, strawberry, peach, or lemon.

5. Tea
Tea has been used for centuries for its health benefits. It is thought to decrease inflammation while improving gut health. With so many flavors, tea is a great alternative to coffee. As with most things, quality matters. Traditional tea bags may release chemicals and mycotoxins as they steep. Organic loose-leaf tea made with an infuser is a safer choice.

6. Zevia (if you can't give up soda just yet)
This soda contains only pure ingredients and has lower sugar levels than traditional soda. Many flavors mock popular drinks on the market. It can often be found at Target, Jewel, Whole Foods, and Walmart.

 

Let me know your tricks for staying hydrated.

Dr. Jamie

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