Your Cells Are Thirsty

When it comes to optimal health, you cannot overlook your body’s basic needs. As a Naturopathic Doctor, I believe in giving each of my patients the tools that they need to feel their best. Proper hydration is overlooked and misunderstood by a landslide. Most people are not drinking nearly enough water. Nor is the quality good. Let’s get all of the facts straight here, so you and your family can give your body the delicious liquid of life correctly.

So why is proper hydration so important? Our body consists mostly of water. Age plays a factor, but on average more than 60% of our body is water. Muscle contains more water than fat. More muscle = more water. More fat = less water. Get fit and hydrate! Seems so simple, yet it is astounding how this advice is difficult to follow.

I see a lot of health complaints in my practice connected with a lack of adequate water consumption. Constipation, weight gain, depression, anxiety, insomnia, brain fog, fatigue, muscle/joint pain, dry skin, dry eyes, sore throat, dizziness, and digestive upset may all be remedied by drinking more water. Our nervous system actually finds relief and relaxation when properly hydrated. It is stressful to be dehydrated. Our bodies confuse hunger and dehydration too. Blood sugar dysregulation can occur. When dehydrated, we will be more prone to reach for a sugary snack. So, drink a glass of water and get your metabolism functioning properly.    

Choose excellent quality water. Get your water tested if you are unsure. Avoid plastic bottles at all costs. The chemical processing of plastic bottles plus nanoparticles of plastic seep into the tissues of your body which creates toxic load. Toxins get stored in fat tissue within your body. This is a major factor with weight loss. Toxins get stuck in adipose tissue and then fat cannot get burned off. BPA does not matter – any form of plastic is harmful for your health because the water absorbs its plastic contents.  

The answer:­ use glass or stainless steel water bottles. Remember to clean your water bottles and the tops regularly. Bacteria can get caught in the lids and straws which contaminates the oral microbiome which is your mouth and gums. That bacteria  travels into your gastrointestinal tract which can lead to major digestive dysfunction.

The amount of water you drink is key. Drink half of your body weight in ounces. For example: If you weigh 120 lbs, then drink 60 oz of water. On those hot and humid days, don’t forget to add electrolytes to your water. Workout and drink up for your health!