Summer Hydration Tips

HYDRATION & HORMONES & DIGESTION

With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July coming up fast, I thought we should dive into some hydration tips! Not only does staying properly hydrated keep us thriving (and alive!!!!) it also is key to proper hormone and digestive function.

Dehyrdation is stressful on the body. If you are working towards improving hormone balance or fertility, you want to limit physical (and mental stress) as much as possible. Too much cortisol in the body leads to hormone imbalance and adrenal fatigue. While dehydration alone would not necessarily directly lead to these imbalances, it would be taxing on an already stressed out body. Staying properly hydrated is also crucial for regular digestive function. It’s essential for regular bowel movements! Studies have also found that proper water intake supports a reduction in IBS symptoms.

Dehydration has also been linked to:

• An increase in hunger hormones which can lead to excess fat storage

• Decreased sex hormone production (testosterone and estrogen) resulting in moodiness, fatigue and low libido

• Insulin resistance which effects blood sugar balance and inflammation

• Bloat, constipation, and acid reflux.

OK so overall, STAY HYDRATED!! But how?

Not only do you want to be drinking enough fluid but you want to be drinking electrolyte rich fluid! Electrolytes are where the magic is. A few important electrolytes are potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium.

Electrolytes are minerals that conduct electricity in your body. They are interacting with neurons to help your nervous system perform bodily tasks like proper muscle and nerve function, balance blood pressure, rebuild damaged tissue, and of course hydrate your cells.

Here are my favorite ways to stay hydrated AND get enough electrolytes:

1. Add a pinch of mineral rich salt like Himalayan pink salt or Redmonds Real Salt to a big glass of water first thing in the morning

2. Have a hydration goal! I aim to drink 3 to 4 - 32oz tumblers a day. I add a pinch of real salt to each refill as well. Aim for at least your body weight of water in ounces

3. Add a sugar free electrolyte packet to your water. I love the LMNT brand! The citrus flavors are my favorite.

4. Drink coconut water! Coconut water is naturally electrolyte rich. I know the taste isn’t for everyone so try dressing it up in a smoothie or mocktail!

5. EAT YOUR WATER! Incorporate more water rich foods to your diet like cucumber, watermelon, celery, and zucchini. PS the fresher the produce, the more water content!

6. Make a low sugar, hydrating green juice! Rich in minerals, vitamin, and phytonutrients. This will make you feel incredible! Check out the recipe below.

HYDRATING GLOWING SKIN GREEN JUICE

I use the NamaWell J2 juicer! Its a cold press juicer which maximizes the micronutrients in the juice. For 10% off your juicer use code ABBY10

Ingredients:

1-2 heads of celery

2-3 english cucumbers

1-3 inches of ginger (depending on your tolerance!)

2 lemons

big bushel of parsley

handful of mint

Method:

Juice according to your juicer! Or blend with filtered water in a high speed blender and strain. Enjoy!