The Power of Proper Hydration and Mineral Intake for Your Health
Proper hydration and mineral intake are not just trends in the world of health and wellness; they are essential pillars of overall well-being. We all know the importance of a balanced diet, but do we truly grasp the profound impact that hydration has on our health? In this blog post, we'll dive into the critical role that hydration and mineral balance play in our bodies and explore practical ways to ensure you're getting the right nutrients to thrive.
The Role of Hydration:
Water is quite literally the life blood of our bodily functions. It acts as a jack-of-all-trades, supporting various vital functions. As Dr. Carolyn Dean, a well-respected expert in the field of health, emphasizes, "Water is not just a beverage; it's a fundamental nutrient that our bodies require for every single function. Chronic dehydration can manifest in a myriad of health problems, from fatigue and headaches to digestive issues and more. Proper hydration is the cornerstone of vibrant health and vitality."
Here's a brief rundown of why hydration is so crucial:
Nutrient Transport: Water helps transport essential nutrients throughout your body, ensuring your cells receive the fuel they need.
Temperature Regulation: Proper hydration assists in regulating your body temperature, keeping you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold.
Joint and Organ Lubrication: Adequate water intake lubricates your joints and internal organs, promoting smooth movement and function.
Cellular Structure: Water provides structure to cells and tissues, maintaining their integrity and stability.
Protection: It acts as a cushion for sensitive tissues like your spinal cord, shielding them from harm.
Elimination and Drainage: Hydration aids in the elimination of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, a crucial part of detoxification and overall vitality.
The Consequences of Dehydration:
Unfortunately, dehydration is a common problem, with studies showing that a significant portion of the population doesn't drink enough water regularly. Chronic dehydration can lead to mineral and electrolyte imbalances, which have far-reaching consequences for our health.
Electrolytes:
Electrolytes, such as calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and bicarbonate, play a pivotal role in maintaining our body's electrical balance–hence the term “electro” lytes–These substances are essential for functions like heartbeat rhythms and nerve signaling. The brain, central nervous system, and muscular system are particularly dependent on proper electrolyte balance and hydration. These are pretty important functions of the body, wouldn't you agree?
Among these electrolytes, potassium, sodium, and chloride are considered the most essential for hydration–though all play a significant role and are synergistic. Imbalances can affect your mood, cognitive function, immunity, vision, sleep, and more.
Why Water Matters So Much:
To understand the significance of hydration, consider this: roughly 60 percent of our bodies consist of water, while 75 percent of our muscles and 85 percent of our brains are composed of water. It's clear that choosing the right type of hydration is a critical decision for better health.
Choosing the Right Water:
When it comes to water, not all sources are equal. Tap water contains harmful toxins like chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, and pharmaceutical residues, to name a few. Ideally, we would opt for naturally sourced and mineralized spring water, but it's not always accessible and can often be contaminated sadly. To locate a spring water source near you, use www.findaspring.org, a resource for locating fresh springs and checking water quality— always check water quality!
Two great options I recommend for the whole home and/or drinking are distilled water or high-quality remineralized reverse osmosis (RO) water. You can check my shop for brands I trust and recommend for both RO systems and water distillers. *Consider a whole home RO system to eliminate all contact with tap water, especially in the shower and bath as the skin is our largest organ and is also very absorbent of toxins.
Mineral Supplementation:
When we prioritize a nutrient dense diet full of real, whole foods, we aim to provide our bodies with many minerals and vitamins necessary to thrive. Unfortunately, due to soil depletion and the use of chemicals in agriculture, our food is not as nutritious as it once was. This leaves our bodies in need of mineral supplementation. There are many mineral drops on the market these days, but I have found that humic/fulvic acid-based mineral drops are an excellent, more bioavailable choice, as they increase mineral intake and restore our microbiome, which is often depleted.
As Zach Bush, founder of ION* Biome explains, "Humic and fulvic acids are nature's gift to us. They act as powerful bridges between the plant world and the microbiome within our bodies. These compounds not only increase our mineral intake but also help to restore our microbiome by replenishing what has been lost in nature."
What Can You Do Now?
Prioritizing proper hydration and mineral intake is a small yet extremely significant step you can take towards better health. Opt for high quality spring, distilled, or RO water, and incorporate mineral drops to remineralize what is lost in the filtration process. Additionally, high-quality electrolytes can help maintain proper mineral balance and enhance hydration absorption, especially for those who are active and sweat regularly. Making these changes can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. Remember to also include hydrating foods and drinks like coconut water, cultured dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Your body will thank you for it, and you'll likely notice improved energy levels, mood, and cognitive function in no time. Cheers to a healthier, hydrated you!
