I DRINK SO MUCH WATER
80% of my new client’s skin presents as dehydrated- because they are on a cellular level.
Proper hydration is essential for optimal health, often people overlook its importance at the cellular level. The greatest formulated serum or cream only supports the hydration already within you. Hydrate from the inside out.
I drink SO much water is the response during our skin consultation. I know- it doesn’t seem fair, drinking water can be a chore. So where is my plump hydrated skin if I am drinking so much water? For tissues to absorb water, they must possess electrolytes and minerals essential for proper hydration. Our cells lose water as we age. Strong cells that can retain water is one of the keys to vibrant health, and aging well.
So how do we do that? It is a multifaceted approach that relies on a balanced antioxidant water-rich, high fiber, anti inflammatory diet, paired with daily movement and relaxation techniques. A simple 15 minute deep diaphragmatic breathing session, mid day stretch or walk all stimulate lymph flow which improves cellular hydration. Lymph is made of 96% water.
Our environment makes it a challenge to become and remain hydrated and it is hard to get the appropriate amount of minerals and electrolytes as our food supply continues to grow in nutrient-depleted soils. We may eat all organic food, but it lacks vital minerals. More people are eating on the go, processed foods, high in sodium which has a dehydrating effect on the body.
If we’re not getting enough minerals that are electrolytes, we are not getting enough electrolytes either. Whole foods are the best source. The bioavailability of water in cells and tissues depends on the presence of minerals and electrolytes.
So it is said to eat your water.
Cucumber: 96% water
Iceberg lettuce: 96%
Broccoli 90%
Celery: 95%
Radish: 95%
Red tomato: 94%
Zucchini: 95%
Carrots 90%
Bell Peppers: 92%
Green cabbage: 93%
Cauliflower: 92%
Spinach: 92%
Strawberries: 92%
Grapefruit: 91%
Raspberries: 87%
Blueberries 85%
Women go through monthly hormonal changes and experience nite sweats- this is easily overlooked yet contributes massively to how we feel daily and places us in a vulnerable position with our health. Vital nutrients are lost in sweat, and if you exert yourself in a workout class earlier in the day, sweat that nite you’ll especially need to replenish yourself with the electrolytes lost. The role of magnesium is essential in all hormone regulation, and potassium helps to offset some of sodium’s harmful effects on blood pressure. Sweet potatoes, avocados, beets, dates are rich sources of both.
A few sneaky ways to get more minerals in your body is with herbal teas, broths made of veggies and kombu-kelp a sea vegetable rich in the bioactive polysaccharide fucoidan. Fucoidan is known to have anticoagulant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The image above is of a kelp forest, they are among the most productive ecosystems in the world, allowing them to support the diverse assembladges of life that inhabit them.
Mineral rich teas are Dandelion, Nettle, Chamomile, Rose Hips, Tulsi, Mint, these all support digestion, are immune boosting, and have a calming effect on the nervous system. Fresh herbs are also loaded with vitamins and minerals. Basil, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and cilantro are potent in antioxidants.
Whenever I speak about cellular hydration EFA’s are always in the mix. They are so important and why they are called Essential Fatty Acids, because our body does not make them and are essential to all cellular communication. They must be sourced from our diets.
Research has shown that when the cell membrane is compromised, it may also lead to disrupted metabolism and affect the overall function and health of the body. The cell membrane acts as the gatekeeper, controlling what enters and exits the cell. A healthy cell membrane ensures cell waste is effectively released and optimal nutrients enter for cell metabolism.
The Nordic Naturals Omega 3 is a good place to start if you are not currently supplementing with an EFA now. My client’s skin immediately responds with better hydration and less inflammation once an EFA is introduced and I always know when they have stopped taking them, because the skin shows a decline in function, and vitality.
In the past few years I have given up drinking tons of water, and cut out stevia- it had a negative diuretic effect and now enjoy more broths, teas, with a few cups of plain water, also take magnesium daily, and noticed the shift in my health for the best. There are benefits to eating a mineral rich diet that helps hydrate the body. To my surprise I discovered that when we are dehydrated our body produces higher histamine levels and that drives allergies, and can trigger immune responses.
A great book to read that explores this topic of hydration is Quench. Being optimally hydrated is the foundation to our overall wellness, and discusses how to beat fatigue, and heal the body through the science of optimum hydration.