January 15th, 2018
“Drink more water” is not the sexiest of wellness tips, and for most people it falls under the category of common sense. Water is so easy, so beneficial, so free and yet constantly overlooked. Did you know that the body is made up of 70% water? Even if we are eating healthy foods and exercising, our health cannot flourish when we’re dehydrated, which means we become more prone to sickness, weight gain, fatigue, and premature aging. You may want to rethink pouring that extra cup of coffee, and fill your glass with water instead. Here’s why…
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Increased Energy and Productivity
Hitting that 3pm slump? Fill up that water bottle! One study showed that drinking enough water makes you 14% more productive, more enthusiastic while working and increases joy in living! Keep a water bottle at your desk and you may find yourself ending your work day early enough to make it an evening yoga class!
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Promotes Weight Loss
Did you know you can lose weight just by increasing your water consumption even without dieting or exercising? What?! Water has zero calories, it flushes toxins and helps you feel full, all beneficial keys to helping you lose or maintain a healthy weight.
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Improves Skin Complexion
By moisturizing your skin and flushing out toxins, keeping hydrated prevents clogged pores, breakouts, and oily skin. Water is also one of the best anti-aging treatment because it reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
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Boosts the Immune System
When we are dehydrated we are more apt to develop allergies, high blood pressure, joint inflammation, eczema, premature aging and a buildup of toxins. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent sickness, age gracefully and stay healthy!
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Benefits Healthy Digestion
Crazy fact: the body produces 7 liters of digestive juices DAILY! That means that if the body is not receiving enough water from the outside, it will obtain water from all possible sources internally. Hello constipation. Chronic constipation is one of the most common digestive disorders, and the most easily treated, simply by…you guessed it, drinking more water!
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Natural Headache Remedy
One of the most common symptoms I hear from my clients is recurring headaches, and one of the easiest way to prevent or alleviate these headaches is staying hydrated. As you boost your water intake, consider increasing your yoga practice too! More water + more yoga = less headaches!
While most of us know we should be drinking about 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, the truth of the matter is that many of us don’t follow through with it. However, there are simple, and fun ways to add more water into your daily routine.
My Simple Secrets to Staying Hydrated!
Here’s my secret truth; often all it takes to staying hydrated is finding a water bottle you love. Seriously, invest in a water bottle that you like carrying with you and you will find yourself actually refilling it!
Don’t be afraid to experiment; flavor it up! If you don’t drink water because it’s boring, try adding fruit, herbs or spices to your water! You’ll be amazed at how many exciting combinations you can create to freshen up a glass of water. My favorites: lemon slices, cucumber + mint, or blackberry + sage.
As a nutritionist, people often ask me what’s the best supplement to take or the new superfood to add to their diet for optimal health. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to find the perfect product when really one of the most crucial parts of our diet is the most accessible, affordable and easiest to incorporate into our diet and it’s good old fashioned water.
Stay tuned for next week’s blog for easy winter detox recipes!
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Written by Bailey Horner, Certified Nutritional Therapist
Instagram: @returningtotheroot
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