HYDRATE YO'SELF PART DEUX

Our environment literally draws the water out of us. Think climate-controlled interiors, industrial lighting, and electronic equipment. Processed foods as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications are contributors as well. Essentially sitting all day is a (not-so-surprising) factor in dehydration.

Initially, our tipping point was with the excessive usage of cell phones and electrical devices. We're not living the way we were simple five or seven years ago. We spend more time sitting and scrolling on our cell phones. Here an image for you: think of yourself as a living river and the longer you sit, the more crinkling your irrigation hose becomes.

The kind of water inside our bodies is specialized, molecularly charged water. When we drink water from either the tape or from a bottle, our bodies do not experience this type of change. In order to help make this change happen and ultimately make it easier on our body, it's recommended to add a pinch of sea salt to water. Not table salt, sea salt (note the difference).

In this way, the sea salt charges the water and the molecules change shape. It turns out that plants do this too! The water percentages from fruit and vegetables vary, but they come in at over 85 to 90 percent water. However, this isn't the case with our bodies--we're able to hydrate more with less liquid.

Contrary to popular belief, drinking more water is not the most effective way to attain optimum hydration. Eating more hydrating foods and moving is a much more effective way of hydrating. However, everyone is different with varying hydration needs in regards to weight, muscle mass, activity, and environment.

To start, drinking water with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon first thing in the morning helps immensely. Both ingredients are loaded with electrolytes and minerals. Table salt is merely chemicals and sodium that lead to bloating. Keep in mind your sensitivity to salt and be sure to consult with your physician.

For athletes or active individuals, it's vital to hydrate ahead of games and physical activity. By opting for water with a pinch of sea salt, you're taking on a protective stance, fundamentally preparing your tissues for exertion and/or contact.

Here's a simple sports drink recipe:

Water

A pinch of sea salt

Chia seeds

A dash of kombucha

or

Water

A dash of apple cider vinegar

Morning smoothies work just as well. To counter those afternoon dips, opt for an apple or a glass of tea. If java is your go-to, be sure to add either coconut oil or ghee to help buffer the dehydrating effects of caffeine.

Ultimately, motion keeps you hydrated and in reality, it doesn't take much movement at all. Micro-movements, as minuscule as they are, consistently release hydration into our fascia and essentially into our cells. It's crucial to incorporate full body rotation to achieve pulses of hydration into places not normally attained (i.e. yoga).

Here's a final image: Think of yourself as a washcloth. When you twist, you're wringing out old waste water and when you release from the twist, you're soaking in fresh fluids full of oxygen.

Anyone up for a game of Twister?

#healthyliving #selfcare