Don't Medicate! HYDRATE

You probably already know that 70% of the human body is made up of water, and it's absolutely essential to human life.  Water is a liquid shuttle bus that transports elements like nutrients, proteins, hormones and other chemicals to where they are needed the most.  The problem is most everyone is dehydrated.  How much water do we need?  A good rule of thumb is half of your body weight in ounces (140lbs= 70 ounces of water - this should the bare minimum).  Not many of us revel over the neutral flavor of plain water.  There are many ways to not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutrient value of plain H2O.  In our household we mostly drink naturally infused water or Zinger tea (both pictured above).  Celestial Seasonings offers many different flavors of hibiscus tea, which are very high in antioxidants according to studies.  A glass of cold filtered water with a Zinger tea bag and a half pack of stevia, (if you prefer sweetened) will definitely do your body good. It is a much better alternative to sweetened flavored water drinks like Dasani, Nestle or Sparkling Ice brands which are sweetened with sucralose .  Sucralose, aspartame and saccharin is very disruptive to our gut microbiome. To learn more about how important a strong microbiome is please check out my series on Gut Health.   

When infusing your water, there is only two requirement: a glass container of filtered water and creativity!  The combination of fruits, veggies, herbs and spices are endless.  It can be tailored to your own tastes and health benefits you hope to achieve.   

*Berries and fruit- loaded with antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals they help in:

*Balancing free radicals

*Decrease inflammation

*Prevents cancer

*Prevents DNA damage

*Helps to regulate insulin levels

*Citrus- lemons ,limes, oranges and grapefruits all help with:

 *Iron absorption

*Shortens durations of colds

*Helps with detoxing the body

*Inhibits bacteria strain growth

*Ginger and Herbs-

*Helps in digestion

*Reduces inflammation

*Decreases fatigue

*Veggies- Aids in replenishing electrolytes and transferring minerals and nutrients into the water. 

  Use those that have a high water content like:

*Cucumbers

*Cantaloupe

*Celery

*Pomegranate

*Watermelon

Benefits of Drinking Water

*Increases energy & relieves fatigue

*Promotes weight loss

*Flushes out toxins

*Improves skin complexion

*Maintains regularity 

*Boosts immunity

*Natural headache remedy

*Prevents cramps and sprains

*Mood booster

*Saves you money! STOP BUYING CRAP DRINKS

Here are a few blend ideas:

*Lemon, Lime and Orange

*Raspberry and Lime

*Strawberry and Basil

*Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

*Blackberry and Ginger

*Peach, Lemon and Thyme

You will feel the difference once you're properly hydrated.

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

It's Hot Out, Drink Up!

IT'S HOT OUT, DRINK UP!

Did you know that water makes up two-thirds of our bodies?   Water is the major component of every kind of tissue we have from blood to bone and everything in between.  We need to be hydrated at all times or else our bodies do not function properly.  Around three-fourths of our water is in inside the walls of our 70-plus trillion cells.  Water is involved in every system and every event in our bodies.  Nothing happens without it.  Inside our cells is where salts, electrolytes and water combine to create the electrical energy that fires up our mitochondria, the power plants of our cells.  Water controls our body's temperature,  responsible for removing waste matter produced in our cells past the cell membranes to be filtered and removed by our liver and kidneys, it keeps our joints cushioned in the form of Synovial fluid.  Water operates our immune system, transporting white blood cells from our bone marrow to our tissues to fight off disease. The lymphatic fluid carries toxic substances and carcinogens to the lymph nodes where they can be destroyed.  Our brains and nervous systems are nearly 85-90% water!  All "electrical" events that happen there need water to work.

We need to stay hydrated!

As much as we need water, we are constantly losing it.  Through normal bodily functions like sweating, urine, tears, saliva and even breathing we lose about three quarts of it per day.  And we don't store it, so we need to replenish it constantly. 

How much do we need?

A good rule of thumb is 1 ounce per 2 pounds of body weight.  The most important thing is to drink more than our thirst seems to require.  The more we drink, the more our bodies will use and the more we will crave it.  After your first pee of the day your urine should be clear or pale yellow.  It will be darker the first pee because your body is removing the waste from detoxing the night before.  If it is darker during the day, you are not hydrated enough!  Most important is you need to be drinking water, not sodas or even store bought flavored waters( which are usually high in sugars and artificial colors).  Drink filtered water or for something different try filtered water with a tea bag of green tea, No sugar, your taste buds will grow accustomed to and even crave it in a very short time.  Green tea is very high in antioxidants, which helped in cell hydration.  We like to use any type of tea that has Hibiscus flowers in its blend.  Hibiscus tea has been shown to contain an even higher concentration of antioxidants.  Celestial Seasonings  brand can be found most everywhere and there "Zinger" flavors have Hibiscus in them. One tea bag can be used over the course of the day. 

Because I work outside and its usually hot and humid, I try to consume 1 gallon of distilled water with 1/2 teaspoon of  Pink Himalayan Salt daily. I feel amazing and hydrated.  For more information on that, here is an excellent article by Darin Olien on the benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt.   And another one from Natural News.  

By drinking good clean water all day long, you will be amazed at how great you will feel!

Thirsty?

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Recommended Reading 05/06/18

It's recommended reading time again.  I hope you enjoy these posts as much as I do.

Last week I did not post anything as I was busy volunteering at the North Florida Spartan race.  The week before I volunteered to help build/setup the course, always a great time.  Last Sunday, only my grandson raced so I helped with the kid's race.  It was very rewarding seeing the determination and enjoyment those kids were having.  they were covered in sweat, plenty of mud and most had smiling faces.  This my grandson with a high five as he crossed the finish line.

So my first article is on how kids need to get:outdoors as often as possible.

So with getting outdoors and exercising: Are Sports Drinks Safe and effective? 

I have done a few posts on the importance of staying hydrated: Thirsty?, Drink Some Water

Most people don't have any idea how much food is wasted every year in the U.S., here is a way we can reduce that amount:10 multi-functional foods to reduce food waste.

Also on the environmental side, back in 2013 a young college dropout, came up with an idea on how to rid the oceans of plastic.  His idea The Ocean Cleanup,  is almost ready.  Five years in the making, its ready to set sail.  Here's another idea on cutting down on plastic bottles in our landfills.  This is the coolest idea ever, meet "Ooho"

The Vegan Junction just published a list of the Top 20 Plant-based Health Professionals to Follow

If you haven't heard of Gary Vaynerchuk, I encourage you to do so.  A hard-driving motivational, media giant he tells it like it is.  Check out a recent post from him: Cheering For Optimism and The Internet

Here's a great video recipe from Happy Pear: Creamy Vegan Casserole

I hope you enjoy the recommendations this month.

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Importance of Hydration

Did you know our bodies are approximately 60-70% water.

And our brains are 80-90% water.  That is why it is so important to 

stay hydrated.  During this time of the year we lose 10-15 cups of water daily,

through sweating, urinating,and even breathing. How much do we need to drink

to replace and replenish that what we lost?

It is a good rule of thumb to at least drink half of your bodies weight in water.

(ex. 130 lbs= 65 oz. water)

This alone would not match what you lose during any exertion or exercise.

By eating a lot of fruits and vegetables that are have a high water content.

Watermelon, cucumbers and iceberg lettuce are all 90-95% water! Eat Your Water

I work outside 10-12 hours a day. And in the summer heat, I consume a lot of water.

I don't consume any sports drinks because of all the added sugar and food coloring, etc.

Gatorade is just not like it was in the 70's.

Here is a recipe for my own alkaline-hydrating/electrolyte replenishing drink:

4 cups warm filtered water.

Juice of 1-2 lemons or limes.(oranges work great also)

2 tsp honey or agave.

1/4-1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan salt.

Mix well

Chill

That's it!

I put them in a mason jar or BPA free plastic bottle and keep them in my cooler.

It's amazing how refreshed and energized you feel instead of plain water.

If you are into non-flavored water, I always have a gallon of distilled water with 1/2 teaspoon of Pink Himalayan salt mixed in, and chilled in the cooler.  Your body will thank you for replenishing those lost nutrients and electrolytes. 

Here's a few links to more information:

The Truth About Water

Water Cure

Why You Should Drink More Water

16 Health Benefits Of Drinking Warm Lemon Water

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd

Drink Some Water!

"Drink Some Water!"

About a month ago I did a post on the importance of staying hydrated "Thirsty?" 

It has been very hot and humid pretty much everywhere and I just want to make sure we all are drinking water through out the day.  I drink at least one gallon of water per day and usually more.  Even if you don't work out in the heat like I do, it is very important to still stay hydrated.

Here's a great article on "The Truth About Water". 

Have a great week.

Be kind.

Judd