Today lets take a look at hydration how it can benefit your mental health and wellbeing.
Many people reading this are under lockdown due to Covid-19, so many of us are rediscovering the big outdoors.,How many of us remember to take water out with us and remember to hydrate as much as we should?
Why should we hydrate?
Scientific reviews have researched the effects of mild dehydration on cognitive function in both men and women. These studies found that women were more likely to be dehydrated than men, with women reporting headaches and confusion while being mildly dehydrated. Men are affected too though. If you are experiencing feelings of tiredness, headaches and are perhaps struggling to focus it might not be just the current situation and the stress of it all. It might be that you are dehydrated, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Perhaps you are not used to drinking much water, so if you suddenly start drinking two litres a day you might find that you are running to the bathroom rather too frequently. If you garden at all, think about what happens if you forget to water a pot plant. The compost dries up. The first few times you water the plant, the water goes straight through. Then after a few times of a good soak, the compost slowly expands again. Well the body works in a similar way. But you might want to slowly increase every few days, starting with a pint of water and building up from there.
Good Hydration
Is water just too boring to hydrate?
I speak to many people that think drinking water is boring, but what could be better that pure, clear water to hydrate with? Still not convinced, well lets jazz it up a bit. Get a nice jug, add your water and put some slices of lemon or a bit of mint, or even both. Leave in the fridge to chill and you have a nice refreshing beverage. It looks so nice too and feels more like a treat.
Taking time over presentation of what you eat and drink can totally trasnform how you feel about it. The benefits of adding lemon is anecdotal but it could also give you added vitamin C, be good for your skin and may wake up your digestive system. Good to have first thing in the morning. Mint is also considered a good digestive aid. Vitamin C also boost immunity. Boosting immunity is also a key to staying health both emntaly and physically.
If you want to vary it maybe add orange, limes or cucumber, with of without mint. For a bit more flavour add tumeric or cinnamon and if you want a little bit of sweetness, add a little raw hone, which may also boost immunity. Make sure it is raw though.
If that does not float your boat how about adding some fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries? You can even freeze them and add them for some extra chill as the weather gets warmer.
If you want a bit of a tang add some raw apple cider vinegar. Again health benefits are anecdotal, but certainly it adds flavour and does no harm. If it gets you drinking more water then totally worth it.
Add some fizz to hydrate
Lastly how about a little fizz. Either using natural carbonated water like Perrier or San Pelligrino or using something like a soda strea, without adding the sugary sweetner. Carbonated water works just as well with all the above to hydtrate, and has the added benefit of making you feel full, may improve swallowing and has benefits of digestion. Carbonated water may have beneficial effects on your cholesterol, inflammation, and blood sugar levels, potentially reducing your risk of heart disease and boosting immunity. However, more studies are necessary.
So enjoy the sunshine and go make some liven up you water.
HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
