Staying Hydrated Maximizes Your Body & Brain Function
Warm, sunny weather is here to stay! At least we hope so since many Green Goo team members have planted our gardens. Good weather means you’ll be spending a lot more time outside and a lot more time sweating. So whether you’re getting your tomato seedlings into the ground, repairing your chicken coop, or hiking or climbing in the mountains, it’s especially important to stay hydrated. Why? So many reasons:
Water helps you burn calories. A 2003 study revealed that participants who drank just over two cups of water temporarily boosted their metabolism, causing them to burn an extra 24 calories. Drink two liters per day and burn 100 calories! (Livestrong.com)
Water ensures you have better digestion because it helps you break down foods so your body can better absorb nutrients. Plus, it alleviates constipation by softening your stools.
Water increases blood circulation and is essential for normal brain function. A study published in the Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow and Metabolism found that dehydration induces neuromuscular and cognitive dysfunction, and it can be a stroke risk factor. It adversely affects athletes’ physical performance; can reduce concentration alertness and short term memory in children and young adults; and can compromise cognitive function in the elderly and increase their susceptibility to cognitive decline. Yikes!
Your muscles won’t absorb sufficient electrolytes unless you drink lots of water. If you start feeling fatigued while digging your flower beds, take a break and take a swig.
Stay hydrated if you want your metabolism to function at its highest ability. The amount you need to drink depends on many things—exertion, body size, medical issues, for example—but most experts recommend you drink six to eight glasses per day.
If you can’t bring yourself to drink that much water, try these different tips to get more fluids into your body:
- Get an insulated water bottle and add ice; cold agua is more enjoyable to drink, and you’ll likely drink more on a hot day because it feels refreshing. Green Goo makes a super sweet tumbler that keeps drinks cold for an amazing 20 hours.
- Add some Emergen-C (preferably the sugar free version) or Skratch Lab natural recovery powder to your water bottle. The electrolytes—sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphate—in these products carry electrical charges that stimulate your muscles and nerves. Electrolytes also regulate the amount of fluids throughout your body, which affects cellular function, blood volume and blood pressure, according to SFGate.com.
- Drink bubbly water with a bit of lemon. It’s fun, and takes the place of more sugary drinks. Our favorite is the 100 percent natural La Croix; it comes in numerous flavors, and is free of calories, sweeteners, and sodium. But, don't make this your only beverage. Some studies show that excessive consumption of the carbonic acid found in carbonated water can wear aware your tooth enamel. Don't get too caught up with this, however; if you're drinking two, three or four cans per day you'll be just fine. And it's far better than drinking sugary sodas. As well, carbonated water does not dehydrate you, weaken your bones or hurt your stomach; those are busted myths. (Learn more).
What are some tips and tricks you have to stay hydrated? Share them with us on Facebook, or send us an email.
