Hydration. It’s one extremely important component of our health. Did you know that around 65% of our body is made of water? This is synonymous with the earth we live on, showing just how connected we are!
Not being properly hydrated may lead to brain fog, headaches, dry skin, tiredness, constipation, premature aging, weight gain, and even acne!
That’s why this is one of the first things that I look at when assessing a new client. Something as simple as not drinking enough water could be the culprit to some of your nagging health issues.
Proper hydration helps clear out toxins from stress, our environment, processed foods, and conventionally grown foods. It also helps our blood maintain proper pH as well as our digestive system, so that we are able to maintain hydrochloric acid levels that allow our bodies to digest food properly.
Feeling the afternoon slump? Instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, try drinking a glass of water, taking a 10 minute walk, and even having a blood sugar balancing snack!
I recommend that people drink at least half of their body weight in ounces. So if you weigh 15o pounds, drink at least 75 oz of water per day! That’s a little over half a gallon water. If you are an active person, you are definitely going to want to increase that. But, is just water enough?
I have always been a huge water drinker and as a very active individual I would put down a gallon or more of water per day. However, I wasn’t retaining as much water as I should and my mineral reserves were pretty low.* I would consume warm lemon water in the morning or add a tbsp of ACV to my water on occasion, but other than that I was on the water only train (because sodas, sports drinks, and high sugar ‘healthy’ drinks are so not ma thing). In order to increase my mineral reserves and aid in better fluid retention, I began implementing a few hydration strategies.
**Low mineral reserves cause fluid imbalances, fatigue, low blood pressure, and even weakened bones. In order for our bodies to utilize and absorb water, adequate mineral reserves are necessary. Without the necessary minerals, water isn’t able to enter our cells as easily and may cause us to become dehydrated, even while consuming plentiful amounts of water.
Drink REAL spring water.
Tap water contains fluoride and a whole bunch of other shit that messes with our bodies (chlorine, aluminum, arsenic, prescript and OTC drugs…GROSS). Seriously though, these things put as at an increased risk for cancer, are hormone and endocrine disruptors-poor thyroid :(- they can damage the liver and so much more. (Read more about this here.) Plus, spring water naturally contains minerals that help your cells take in water so that your body can function at an optimal level. Ditch tap water by getting a high quality filter*, finding your own natural spring, or having spring water delivered to you!
**Other filters that remove minerals, such as distilled water, will actually leach our bodies of minerals. This is because de-mineralized water is extremely acidic, so in order to bring it back to a neutral pH our body uses its own minerals.
Minerals
Add a pinch of pink himalayan sea salt or other mineral salt to your water to provide the minerals your body needs to utilize the water you are drinking. This is a great addition to warm lemon water.
You can also add minerals to your water with a supplement such as ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops. This is super easy to add to your water and has very little flavor.
Infuse your water!
Add citrus and other fruits to water. If you know me, I can’t go a morning without my warm lemon water…there are so many reasons why and you can check that out in this post! By adding citrus, you are actually alkalizing your water, which makes it more absorbable and it also provides you with a boost of vitamin C, plus other vitamins and minerals! Fruits, such as berries, can also add some great flavor to water to make it more palatable to drink. This is a much better option than flavored water and vitamin waters that contain artificial sweeteners and other bullshit!
Drink herbal teas.
Not only do herbal teas contain phytonutrients and so many amazing plant properties that nourish your body in SO many ways, they also help you stay hydrated. Herbal teas are mineral rich, which helps your body absorb water, while nourishing your organs! Nettle tea is a great herbal tea because it is extremely mineral rich if you’re looking for somewhere to start. A more palatable and less green tea is our Love C Tea.
Drink kombucha or other fermented beverages.
The benefits of fermented foods are absolutely insane (if you don’t believe me, read more here) and drinking kombucha is a way to get them in while feeling like you’re having a treat. Just make sure you’re not getting one that’s loaded with sugar! You can also add raw apple cider vinegar ACV to your water for a probiotic boost. Many people don’t like that flavor though, so amp it up with some other ingredients too if you need. I love this recipe.
Carry a water bottle!
Having a water bottle with you at all times is another fantastic way to help you stay hydrated.For me, having a cool one definitely helps. I prefer glass or stainless water bottles that won’t leach into my water! Some of the water bottle brands I love are:
**These will keep your drinks hot or cold for long periods of times
How do you stay hydrated? What tips have you learned along the way that work for your body? Were some of these new to you? Comment below or tag us on instagram @holisticrendezvous and share your hydration tips!
Blair is a Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health through a holistic approach that focuses on body, mind, and spirit. 
