Quench your thirst!

Did you know that nearly 75% of American’s may suffer from Chronic Dehydration? Chronic dehydration, even in its mildest form can have deleterious effects on the human body. Chronic pain, headaches, brain fog, weight gain, insomnia, gut issues and even autoimmune disease can now be linked back to dehydration! Mild dehydration, just a 2% decrease in water, has the same effect on blood vessels as smoking a cigarette does! Low levels of dehydration ups your chance of a heart attack…thicker blood is not adequately hydrated. Chronic dehydration has also been linked to Alzheimer’s, lowered mood in women, issues with memory and focus, as well as diabetes.

But what about all that water you drink daily? Remember the old rule, of 8, 8oz glasses of water a day? Well, that isn’t necessarily giving you the proper hydration that you need. I have countless clients that say “I drink a TON of water” yet their skin presents a very different story. Dr. Dana Cohen, co-author of “Quench” states, “Yes, even in this era of Poland Spring many of us are dehydrated due to moisture lacking diets, artificial environments, medications, and over-dependence on water as our only source of hydration. For this reason, that new diet or exercise plan may fail because our body doesn’t have enough moisture to support it.” So….what now? Where else can you get the water that you need without, well….drinking water? This might come as a shock to you….but… PLANTS!! Ground- breaking studies on a new water form that is not liquid, solid or gas, but GEL water is the answer! Gel water or structured water that comes from drinking and eating plants with a high- water content can nourish our bodies down to the cellular level better than guzzling that bottle of water sitting next to you. I highly recommend reading “Quench” or listen to it on Audible, which is what I am doing now and adopting the daily smoothies and micromovements into your healthy lifestyle. The book includes a simple, 5 day plan with your daily beverages and micromovements to achieve optimum hydration.

How do I combat dehydration? I love to start my day with 16 oz of warm temperature water with the juice of a lemon and pinch of Himalayan sea salt. A few other great additions are adding a teaspoon or two of organic apple cider vinegar, fresh mint or rosemary or a chamomile tea bag. These additions release essential oils and substances that can help our body absorb more water. Drinking 1-2 cups of water before every meal is also a crucial piece to your dehydration strategy.

Be sure to add a tablespoon of chia seeds into your smoothie for that extra “gel” water! Chia seeds are considered a “Superfood” and have incredible health benefits! They are packed with powerful plant protein and Omega 3 Fatty Acids, fiber, manganese, potassium, calcium and plenty of antioxidants. Some other incredible health benefits include: the support of healthy skin, promote digestive health, improved heart health, balance blood sugar, boost energy and exercise performance, build stronger bones, aid in weight loss, fight cancer growth, and enhance oral health. (For more information on Chia seeds benefits, visit draxe.com)

Here’s one of my favorite smoothie recipes!

The Pineapple Zinger

8 oz water and handful of ice

1 cup organic frozen pineapple & blueberries

2 stalks of celery

¼ cucumber (or I measure a hand length)

Chunk of ginger, peeled

Handful of spinach (can substitute kale or other green lettuce variety)

Handful of cilantro

Chunk of Jalapeno

½ avocado

Grind of pink Himalayan sea salt

Drizzle of local honey

1 tbsp of Chia Seeds

BLEND WELL and ENJOY! I have a Ninja Blender and choose to enjoy all the nutritious plant fiber instead of just juicing.

MOVE! GET UP AND GET MOVING! It’s no secret that we must move our bodies in order to feel good! Our fascia is a hydration super- highway that helps to deliver water through our body! In “Quench” you will learn small micromovements that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine that will help lubricate your spinal cord, fascia and joints to get your body in an optimal state to move and receive hydration.

You can purchase “Quench” by Dr. Dana Cohen and Gina Bria on Amazon or other book retailers as well as Audible.