Are You Chronically Dehydrated Without Even Knowing It?

By Gina Gibbons

 

Many of us live in a chronically dehydrated state without even knowing it. We're made up of around 80% water and it's crucial for our wellbeing that we replish what we use throughout the day. Our cells need water to function properly, and we want healthy cells. (Bonus: having healthy cells gives us a youthful look, energy and proper assimilation of nutrients.) 

Many people know they need to drink more water, but aren't sure how to change their habits. Some ideas: 

1. Write post-it notes all over your office and work space.
2. Carry a beautiful reusable water bottle with you. (Decorate it with your favorite stickers so you want to look at it and use it.)
3. Add different flavors to your water to make it enticing! Try a drop of flavored Stevia, fresh mint or lemon balm leaves, cucumber slices, different types of citrus (grapefruit, orange, lemon, lime), a tablespoon of rose water, ginger slices, etc. Get creative! 

Find pure water. 

I highly recommend FindASpring.com to locate a natural water source near you. Each month, my man and I make a pilgrimage to fill our barrels with fresh spring water. It tastes amazing, truly hydrates and is as close to nature as you can get. If you can't get spring water, do the best that you can. There are several filter systems out there, so do some research and find one that best fits your life.  

Start your day with fresh water. 

The benefits of starting your day with fresh water will amaze you. It sets the tone for your entire day. I like to have a small meditation around my first glass of warm lemon water in the morning by giving thanks for the nourishing water and sending it love for keeping me alive. Sip slowly and enjoy.

How do you know how much water is enough? 

There are several factors that contribute to how much water we should get per day, (including: the climate in which you live in, pregnancy, living in high altitude, etc), but the typical formula to figure out how much water you need is to multiply your weight by .67, and that will give you how many ounces you should drink throughout one day.  

I suggest figuring out how many mugs or glasses this is, so you can have a ballpark goal each day. Of course, if you're exercising, you'll need to increase the amount by about 12 ounces per 30 minutes of exercise.  

Don't wait until you're thirsty. 

Another key is not waiting until you are thirsty, because that means that you're already dehydrated. Keep a steady stream of water going into your system, savor the sips and find gratitude. No doubt you'll be glowing more than you already do in no time.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

Published January 21, 2013 at 7:05 AM

About Gina Gibbons Gina Gibbons is a lady who loves to sing and dance in the kitchen and throughout the world.  She is a Certified Natural Chef and Holistic Nutrition Educator and teaches people how to create healthy meals both virtually and within their own kitchens.  She is Certified Danyasa-Inspired™ Yoga Instructor which is a beautiful fusion of yoga and expressive movement.  She also has a passion for recycled fashion and raw chocolate that can be found in her Etsy shops: Circle of Love Vintage and Pura Vida Comida.
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