body to absorb the water we are consuming? The intake of fibre and electrolytes is paramount. Fibre in fruits, nuts, vegetables helps your body absorb more efficiently, and you will rehydrate much faster, without the need for more water. In addition, for proper hydration, drinking water rich in electrolytes in addition to plain water, is of the utmost importance.
Next draw date is August 31.
What You May Not Know About Hydration
H
ow do we know if the body is properly hydrated? That might not be a question that you’ve thought of before. You might say, yes I drink plenty of water, but, are you also urinating a lot during the day, are you exercising a lot and sweating? Have you been sick? Have you had a lot of diarrhea? All of these things can cause the body to lose water. You might not realize that you need a little bit more hydration than what you are taking in, especially in these circumstances. When we think of dehydration the first thing many of us think of is, are we drinking enough plain water? But more importantly, are you actually absorbing that liquid and keeping your cells hydrated?
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About 30% of our hydration comes from what we eat, and the rest comes from what we drink. Proper hydration requires not only taking in enough fluids, but also being able to absorb them. Drinking regular water, even at high volumes, may not internally hydrate cells when poor absorption is present. Simply put, if you are drinking water, and it’s just going right through you and it’s not being fully absorbed through the gut wall, then it’s not being used by your cells. It’s just going in and going out. What can we do to help get our
Functions in the body that require water: • maintain the health and integrity of every cell in the body • help eliminate the by-products of the body’s metabolism • regulate body temperature through sweating • moisten mucous membranes such as those of the lungs and mouth • lubricate and cushion joints • aid digestion and prevent constipation • moisturize the skin to maintain its texture and appearance A little pinch of salt in your water can help your body to absorb water more efficiently. One of the most prevalent symptoms of dehydration is a headache. So, water, not aspirin, is likely your best defence against mild headaches. Other symptoms include impaired mood and cognitive function, increased fatigue, tension and anxiety, allergic responses, dark coloured urine, constipation and acid re-flux. Consider using electrolyte powder, as a way of supplementing hydration support, especially for higher activity days, or in hotter weather. You can book a consultation at sageheartnutrition@gmail. com or visit my website at sageheartnutrition.wordpress.com Silvia Graber, Registered Nutritionist and Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in digestion and mental health.
