Page 15 - July_August 2019 Kwasind

CREATING THE WATER HABIT
Lisa Gilbert CNP, Holistic Nutrionist
Water may not be everyone’s drink of choice, but the benefits of keeping hydrated are key to overall health. Did you know the average person can lose up to 2L of water each day through normal activity? Urine
(50%), Skin (25%), Lungs (19%), Feces (6%). We have to pay attention to maintaining adequate water levels in our bodies because at just under 3L of water loss, individuals can suffer from symptoms of dehydration such as irritability, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, headaches and nervousness.
Considering all the important functions water plays in our bodies, it’s no wonder we’re made up of 60 – 70% water. Here are some additional
Hydration Facts & Benefits:
• Helps flush toxins and waste (it binds with fibre in the digestive tract to form a gel which absorbs wastes and toxins and supports kidney function)
• Acts as a solvent in the body to improve transportation of nutrients and hormones
• Can help with weight control (increases the feeling of satiety, decreases hunger, and helps us avoid over-snacking)
• Used for digestion and can help decrease constipation
• Helps with circulation as water carries oxygen to cells
• Can help decrease headaches (by the time you’re thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated)
• Helps with joint lubrication (often popping of joints is a sign of dehydration)
• Adequate water intake can help you feel more alert and less tired or ‘foggy’
• When drinking water is not part of your normal routine however, it can be difficult to create the habit.
Tips to Create the Water Habit:
Keep It Handy – Always having water around will increase your chances of consuming it. Keep a pitcher at your desk or bottle on the counter when at home. Make water easy to grab n’go by having pre-filled water bottles in the fridge.
Travel with Water – Carry a water bottle with you. Keep a stainless steel, insulated bottle in the car (stays cool even if car gets hot) to sip on while driving or stuck in traffic.
Use A Straw – If you don’t like the taste of water or find it
bland,manyfindthattheydrinkmorewaterwhenthey use a straw. Worth a try!
Provide Incentive! Try marking time-of-day goals on thesideofyourwaterbottletokeepyouontrackand well-paced throughout the day
Accessorize – With hundreds of colourful patterns and styles available it makes it easy to show your personality through your pattern of choice. Or buy a fancy water bottle if it makes you feel good. Kids also love to express their personality so let them pick out a cool water bottle for themselves
Pay Attention to Presentation & Flavour – Studies have shown that something tastes better when it’s visually appealing so try using a clear bottle and adding colourful, fresh fruit which adds flavour and nutrients too. Some great tasting combos include:
• Strawberries & Lemon or Lime • Blueberries & Orange
• Rosemary & Grapefruit
• Watermelon & Mint
• Cucumber & Lemon
Like any new habit, it will take time to become routine, so if you’ve tried to drink more water and it didn’t work, try again. In fact, start slow by drinking just one more glass each day. Ultimately we want to strive for at least 1.5-2L daily (6-8 cups). Urine should run clear by the end of the day. The jury is still out on how long it takes to adopt a new habit (could be 21 days, could be closer to 66 days!) so just keep trying. You’ll get there and your body will thank you for it!
KWASIND • JULY/AUGUST 2019 15
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