While hydration is important all year round, as the summer sun blazes down, our bodies are especially tested. The heat and humidity of the summer months can lead to rapid dehydration, which is why staying hydrated is more important than ever. Dehydration can cause a myriad of health problems, ranging from mild headaches and dizziness to severe heatstroke. Understanding the importance of hydration and finding effective, natural solutions to maintain it can make all the difference in enjoying a safe and healthy summer.
HYDRATION IS CRUCIAL
Water is essential for nearly every function in the human body. It regulates body temperature, maintains skin health, aids in digestion, and keeps our joints lubricated. During the summer, we lose water at a much faster rate due to increased sweating. If this lost fluid isn't replaced, it can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration can manifest through various symptoms including dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, dark-colored urine, and in severe cases, confusion or unconsciousness. Plus, adequate hydration helps in maintaining energy levels and cognitive function, both of which can be adversely affected by even mild dehydration.
NATURAL SOLUTIONS
Drink Plenty of Water: The most straightforward way to stay hydrated is to drink water consistently throughout the day. The general recommendation is to drink about half your body weight in ounces of water daily (example: 120lbs = 60oz). However, this can vary depending on individual needs and activity levels. It’s helpful to carry a reusable water bottle to give yourself ready access and as a reminder to sip frequently.
Infuse Your Water: If plain water doesn’t excite your taste buds, try infusing it with natural flavors. Adding slices of fruits like lemon, lime, orange, or berries can make water more enjoyable. Herbs like mint and basil can also provide a refreshing twist. I personally appreciate the ease of using quality ingestible essential oils. I use doTERRA Lemon in my water daily. As an added bonus for citrus oils, it doesn’t affect the enamel on your teeth.
Eat Water-Rich Foods: Incorporate foods with high water content into your diet. Cucumbers, watermelons, strawberries, and oranges are excellent choices. These foods not only hydrate but also provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Coconut Water: Coconut water is a fantastic natural hydration solution. It's rich in electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, which help replenish the body’s electrolyte balance lost through sweating.
Limit/Avoid Caffeine: While caffeine is not as detrimental to hydration as once thought, it's still essential to consume it mindfully, especially during the summer months or when engaging in physical activity. One of the primary reasons is that caffeine has a mild diuretic effect. It stimulates the kidneys to expel more sodium and water from the body, leading to an increase in urine output.
Solé Water: Solé pronounced “so-lay,” is a drink made from water and natural salt. It’s believed to offer numerous health benefits, such as improved hydration, better digestion, and enhanced mineral intake. Celtic sea salt is particularly popular for making sole water due to its high mineral content and purity.
Here’s an easy recipe to make your own solé water at home:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of high-quality Celtic sea salt
- Filtered water
- A glass jar with a plastic or non-metallic lid
Instructions
- Fill the Jar with Salt: Add the Celtic sea salt to the glass jar. The amount of salt should fill about 1/4 of the jar.
- Add Water: Fill the rest of the jar with filtered water, leaving some space at the top. Make sure the water completely covers the salt.
- Mix & Let it Sit: Stir the mixture with a non-metallic spoon (wood or plastic) to combine the salt and water. Cover the jar with a plastic or non-metallic lid and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
- Check for Saturation: After 24 hours, check to see if there are still salt crystals at the bottom of the jar. This indicates that the water has become fully saturated with salt and can’t absorb any more. If all the salt has dissolved, add a bit more salt and wait for another 24 hours. You want to see some undissolved salt at the bottom of the jar, which means the solé water is saturated and ready.
- Store & Use: Once the water is fully saturated, your solé water is ready to use. You can leave the salt in the jar and simply refill with water as needed to maintain the saturation. Store the jar at room temperature.
How to Use Solé Water
To enjoy the benefits of solé water, add about 1 teaspoon of the solé water to a glass of filtered water. Drink this first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Recharge & Hydrate with doTERRA MetaPWR Recharge
In addition to these natural solutions, incorporating products designed to boost hydration can be extremely beneficial. One such product is doTERRA MetaPWR Recharge. This unique supplement is formulated to support hydration and energy levels, making it an excellent addition to your summer hydration routine.
MetaPWR Recharge is designed to provide a balanced blend of essential electrolytes and vitamins. These components are crucial for maintaining proper hydration, especially during physical activities and hot weather.
The supplement includes:
Balanced Electrolytes: Includes potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate. Offers a unique one-to-three ratio of sodium to potassium, ensuring optimal hydration for anyone.*
Magnesium: Supports the nervous, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems.* Impacts neurotransmitters like serotonin (needed for melatonin), noradrenaline or norepinephrine, and dopamine, meaning your body can struggle to produce these mood-related hormones without magnesium.*
Baobab Tree Extract: May enhance the expression of the AQP-3 gene, facilitating water transport between cells, based on preliminary research.*
Deep-Ocean Minerals: Provide the body with over 75 essential nutrients for hydration, including magnesium, sodium, potassium, calcium, molybdenum, and vanadium.*
Ginseng Root Extract: Has been used historically to encourage healthy cognitive performance and promote mental energy levels and focus. Possibly helps improve VO2 max and aids mitochondrial activity, based on modern research.*
To use MetaPWR Recharge, simply shake a sachet to activate. Pour the electrolyte concentrate into 16 ounces of cold water and enjoy. Its convenient form makes it easy to carry and use whether you’re at the beach, hiking, or just enjoying a day out in the sun.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated
Set Reminders: Use phone alarms or hydration apps to remind you to drink water at regular intervals. This is a feature in my Wellness Spoiled app, when it eventually becomes available.
Hydrate Before, During & After Exercise: Ensure you drink water before starting any physical activity, continue to hydrate during the activity, and replenish afterwards.
Monitor Urine Color: A light-yellow color typically indicates good hydration, whereas darker shades suggest the need for more fluids.
Carry a Water Bottle: Always keep a reusable water bottle with you. It serves as a visual reminder and makes it convenient to drink water wherever you are. If you’re using pure essential oils in your water as a flavor enhancer, you’ll want to ensure that you use a stainless steel or glass bottle as over time the essential oils can react with plastic causing it to degrade and lead to the leaching of harmful chemicals in your water.
Staying hydrated during the summer months is vital for maintaining good health and enjoying all that the season has to offer. By drinking plenty of water, consuming water-rich foods, and using natural solutions and tips, you can ensure your body stays well-hydrated and functioning optimally. Remember, hydration is a continuous process, so make it a habit and enjoy a healthy, energized summer.
xoDanette