Summer Hydration and its Importance
Alexandra Nucci, Register Holistic Nutritionist, shares with us FIVE reasons to drink more WATER!
Staying hydrated is a critical component of health and is even more important during the hot summer months. While most people are vaguely aware that drinking water is an important aspect of health, for many people the simple act of drinking water is not viewed as enough of a priority.
Here are 5 reasons why staying hydrated is so important!
1. We ARE water!
The human body is made up of 60-70% water! Literally every cell, organ, and tissue in the body needs it to function properly - there is a reason water is known as the source of life!
2. Bye-Bye Brain Blah’s
Since our brain is made up of about 75% water, keeping it hydrated is critical for energy regulation and reducing fatigue. It also helps improve concentration and alertness allowing for better focus and mental clarity.
3. Flush Out the Junk
Water helps flush out wastes and toxins through urination, poops, and sweat. This helps the immune system stay strong and ward off illness. Without sufficient hydration our bodies cannot release toxins as efficiently, which can lead to symptoms and disease.
4. It Helps you Poop!
Water aids in the digestive process as well as keeps stools lubricated and easy to pass. Come on, everybody loves a good poop!
5. It Keeps you Beautiful
Water hydrates the skin keeping it soft and smooth and wards off unwanted blemishes and wrinkles. Think of what happens to a grape when it dehydrates – uh oh!
This is just a short list of the benefits of adequate water consumption. The benefits of water are truly endless.
Of course, nobody wants to keep a running tally on how many cups they drink in a day (who has time for that?) I find the easiest way to keep track is to purchase a 1L water bottle and aim to finish it at least once to start, gradually working your way up to one or two refills per day.
Also be sure to take advantage of the summer bounty by loading up on water rich fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, lettuce, zucchini, strawberries, bell peppers and tomato!
Plain old water too boring? Spice it up with a squeeze of lemon, some fresh mint, cucumber slices or fresh berries!