HYDRATE! And it doesn’t have to just be with water either!

It’s true and we hear it ALL. THE. TIME.

“Drink your water!”

Ugh.

I have all the good intentions in the world.  I can preach it…but let’s just be honest here for a minute (well, actually we’re always honest here, but let’s get a little more transparent).   I’m not a fan.  I don’t drink my water like I should.

I like the taste of my clean mountain well water just fine.  Actually, it is the only water I really like the taste of.  Even my oldest son will only drink water when he is at home.  Funny thing when we got a new ‘fancy’ fridge about 3 years ago, it had in-the-door water and ice dispensing.  The same son asked explicitly if that was “good mountain water” coming out of that door before he’d fix himself a glass.  He even assures his friends when they come up that our water is better than any they’ve ever tasted.

So, in terms of having an abundant source of fresh, clean water, we are extremely blessed.  I am grateful.  Really I am.

I KNOW I should be utilizing this great resource that I’ve been given much more than I am.

According to research and studies drinking plenty of water has numerous health benefits.

• It energizes all functions of the body.

• It bonds cell membranes.

• Helps eliminate bladder, bowel and migraine problems.

• Helps relieve anxiety attacks and food tolerance reactions.

• Relieves colitis pain, hot flashes and headaches.

• Required for metabolism and digestion.

• Keeps kidneys functioning well.

• Helps with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

• Regulates body temperature.

• Helps lubricate joints.

• Flushes toxins from the body.

• Helps reduce risk of certain cancers.

• Helps suppress appetite and thus aids weight-loss.

• Helps relieve stress.

Experts suggest drinking 1/2 oz of water daily for every pound that you weigh.  Drink regularly throughout the day, not just when you are thirsty.  Drink a glass of water about 30 minutes prior to a meal to help with digestion.

If you carry a water bottle around with you, check the label.  Not all bottled water is alike.  You want one that is more on the alkaline side of the pH scale (7+). You can even enhance your water with supplements that will basically help you do double duty.  I add this to my water and gain the benefit of 50+superfoods & 30+fruits/veggies while I’m drinking one of my bottles per day!

In addition to pure, clean water you can also hydrate with caffeine free herbal teas, fresh squeezed juice, bone broth or milk/milk alternatives.

So let’s put down the excuses and hydrate our bodies so they can flourish and be as healthy as they were designed to be.  And when we fall short of drinking the ideal amount, we’ll allow ourselves the grace to start again tomorrow and do better then without beating ourselves up over it.

In health and grace,

Lynn