Recently, one of my clients was struggling to get her pH and hydration levels up on her urinalysis. She assured me she was drinking half her weight in ounces, but after further discussion, she mentioned that she had gotten overheated while cleaning her pool. That was the problem; she wasn’t compensating for the additional water and electrolyte loss.
First off, do you know the symptoms of dehydration without looking it up on your phone?
They include fatigue, muscle cramps, dark-colored urine, headaches, decreased urination, and mental confusion.
A quick way to test for dehydration is to pinch the skin on your arm; if it stays raised, then you are likely dehydrated.
Unfortunately, the most popular drinks have a diuretic (dehydrating) effect that causes your body to lose more water and electrolytes.
The following is a list of dehydrating drinks that should be avoided.
- Neon-colored sports drinks are problematic due to their high sugar content, toxic dyes, and synthetic additives.
- Coffee is also a diuretic and acidic, which can lower pH levels and hinder digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Sweet Tea is popular here in the South and typically adds more caffeine and sugar.
- Soft Drinks contain high levels of sugar (or artificial sugar) and caffeine, along with many other toxic ingredients. Drinking soft drinks in the heat can lead to a buildup of uric acid, which can result in hot, painful joints. Do you have gout? This could be why!
- Electrolyte powder that uses synthetic ingredients like sodium chloride (table salt).
Hydration is crucial for many bodily functions, and in the summer heat, it can be challenging to maintain adequate hydration. One of the most significant roles that water plays in the body is regulating internal temperature. The body’s ability to stay cool in hot weather depends on proper hydration. However, hydration isn’t maintained solely by water consumption.
Water is vital, but electrolytes are also required for hydration. The body cannot fully absorb the water you drink without electrolytes. Additionally, electrolytes are essential for nutrient absorption. You must have sufficient electrolytes (that means a balanced pH) to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. So it’s a big deal!
Electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and aid in rebuilding damaged tissue. So, what is the easiest way to introduce electrolytes to your body? Sea salt. Seriously! Sprinkle some pure non-iodized Celtic Sea Salt into your water. You will barely notice it is there.
Tips for Proper Hydration
The general rule of thumb for holistic health is to drink ½ of your weight in ounces of water daily, if you have healthy kidneys. For instance, if you weigh 150 lbs, your goal for a normal day is 75 oz. I typically cap this at a 1 gallon because that’s a lot of work for your kidneys! This amount may take a few days to work up to, but you will see amazing health benefits in just a week or less.
Another way I like to get my electrolytes in is by using the YL Vitality Drops or Mineral Essence Drops. They are packed with electrolytes (sourced from the Great Salt Lake, which contains over 70 naturally occurring ionic trace minerals), which are essential for our bodies to function correctly.
Some water rich foods that make good snacks include: cucumbers, watermelon, coconut water, and citrus fruits. Be aware of the sugar content in these if you're trying to lose weight or are insulin-resistant.
Electrolyte Drink Recipes
A simple electrolyte drink can be made with ¼ tsp of unsulfured Blackstrap molasses to 14 oz of water. Molasses contains many beneficial minerals.
When you're so dehydrated that your muscles are cramping because you've been in the sun for hours, this spritzer recipe is excellent.
Lastly, an Epsom salt bath is beneficial for replenishing magnesium and easing muscle cramps. Typically, 2 cups for the average size tub. For an extra boost, add essential oils like peppermint, wintergreen, or Deep Relief to the salt before adding it to the warm bath water.
Your body will thank you in many ways if you start implementing these hydration tips this week.
Do you know the other 6 fountains of health? Click here to get my 7 Steps to Renewing Your Health guide.
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