Get extra hydration with these greens!
Hydration is something we normally do not think about during the winter months- unless you exercise daily and work up a serious sweat or you happen to live in a hot climate. But hydration should be high on your checklist since most people are chronically dehydrated.
Chronic dehydration can be the cause of numerous symptoms including insomnia, low energy, migraines, lack of mental clarity and concentration. Even depression and anxiety can be heightened with dehydration. Our immune systems can take a hit with dehydration. Without proper hydration, our immune systems can not properly flush out toxins. It makes sense why you should drink lots of fluids when feeling ill.
Things that dehydrate us:
Coffee: a natural diuretic that makes you urinate more often plus the caffeine speeds up the dehydration process.
Alcohol: is responsible for low energy the next day because it depletes your cells of water.
Asparagus and Parsley: contain an amino acid that has a diuretic effect. This does not mean avoiding these healthy plants; they are still part of a healthy diet. Just be aware to drink a little more water.
High Protein Intake: If you are on a high-protein diet increase your water intake. Your cells will become water depleted because your body uses the water to metabolize the naturally occurring nitrogen in the protein.
Salty foods: water is needed to eliminate all of that extra sodium from the body.
High-sodium foods:
Soy sauce
Popcorn
Sausages
Fried foods
Fast Foods
Canned/frozen foods
Condiments
Salad Dressings
Sugary foods: sugary drinks create an acidic environment in your body. This environment diminishes enzyme function and decreases your body's water storage capacity which is mandatory for metabolizing all the extra sugar.
Foods that hydrate us:
Fresh greens from the farmer’s market
cucumbers
celery
watermelon/cantaloupe/honeydew
strawberries
all types of lettuce- iceberg has the highest water content
tomatoes
bell peppers
radishes
zucchini
bok choy
Did any of those surprise you?
The "average" person should consume half of their body weight in ounces. But these needs can change depending on activity level, outdoor temps, and of course your food and fluid intake. If you are consuming dehydrating foods/beverages (I see you, coffee lovers), remember to increase your H2O for the health benefits!
Bonus:
Not only is it important to keep the inside of our bodies hydrated but the outside as well. Many people experience extra dry skin in the winter. A few ways to combat that aside from drinking extra water is using products like the following:
Hyaluronic acid: Although naturally occurring in the body, it increases hydration of the skin by holding 1000 times its weight in water.
Moisturizer: Yes, a product that should be used year-round, however the importance of a thicker moisturizer during the winter is key.
Balm: There are many balm-like products made naturally that should be applied after moisturizer to lock the moisture in.
Lip balm: (natural, of course), since lips seem to be most chapped in the winter!
Speaking of hydration…
The REHC Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with your very own insulated bottle. Clients in the 3-month and 6-month program get one plus a goody bag!
I absolutely love it!