Did you know that 75% of people are chronically dehydrated? If that is you, then you are slowly killing your heart and liver and aging much faster than you want. When you are dehydrated, your blood is thick and toxic. The heart has to work harder and the liver is working double time. Not to mention your kidneys which are trying to flush out toxins too. This causes you to feel sluggish. If you are constantly dehydrated, you won't even recognize what it is like to feel "good." Whether you are looking to lose weight, have undergone a weight loss procedure such as the gastric sleeve, or are looking to maintain your goal weight, hydration is key.
We sat down with Winslow Passey, founder of Vibrant Health Evolution, to get the low-down on that H2O.
What happens when I am hydrated?
1. According to the Annals of Family Medicine journal, findings show that higher hydration correlates with a lower body mass index (BMI).
2. You heal from injuries faster.
3. Your heart and liver functions improve.
4. Your blood pressure lowers.
5. You'll ave more energy to do all the activities you need to accomplish, such as exercise.
6. Ladies - you won't age quickly and your skin will look more radiant.
In order to stay hydrated, you need to consume one gallon of water per day.
One gallon? That's a lot!
Not really. When you break it down, it's only eight 8oz. servings per day. You can also "get hydrated" from another source- veggies!
Vegetables such as cucumbers, celery, and tomatoes are mostly water, and a great source of fiber as well.
Okay, but water is still boring. What can I do to jazz it up?
You're in luck. Today, our water is robbed of some of the "good stuff" our bodies need because of all the chemicals we use to treat it. However, when you add lemon to your water, you replenish it with electrolytes, minerals, and calcium. Lemon makes water more absorbable, allowing your body to take in vitamins and minerals more effectively. It also helps to detox your liver.
The best time to drink lemon water is first thing in the morning. Ideally you want to drink 32 oz. of water with lemon, however we recommend starting with 16 oz. and work your way up. The rule of thumb is for every 16 oz. of lemon water, squeeze the juice from one half of a lemon. If you aren't a lemon lover, you can also opt for using a lime, or put thin slices of grapefruit or orange into your water. The grapefruit and orange juices have a much higher concentration of sugar, so use sparingly.
For the rest of the day, the best way to make sure you drink enough water is to carry a re-fillable bottle with you. It's cheaper and better for the environment compared to constantly buying plastic bottles. Before bed, you can drink herbal tea which helps to hydrate and detox you. However, this may cause you to use the bathroom while you're trying to catch the zzz's.
How do I know if I'm hydrated?
Your urine will be clear.
On that note, raise a glass of water, and cheers!
Keep up with Winslow on social media:
Instagram: @vibrant_health_evolution
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winslow.passey
To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Korman, contact us here or call the office: 310-577-5540.