Are you buying all the lotions and potions, hoping to find the secret to looking younger?
Did you know that the health of our skin is actually tied to proper hydration?
Maintaining proper hydration is fundamental to skin health and can significantly improve skin appearance, making you look younger.
Paying attention to how well we hydrate is far more effective than applying expensive products.
Amazing Water.
Water is a crucial component of skin cells, and when we are well-hydrated, our cells are plump and firm which contributes to a smoother more youthful complexion.
Drinking filtered water throughout the day maintains the skin's natural barrier function, preventing dryness and flakiness that leads to a dull and tired look.
It also enhances the skin's elasticity, reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
By keeping the skin cells hydrated, water helps to retain their shape and structure, which is essential for maintaining the skin's resilience and youthful apprearance.
Electrolytes - the King of hydration.
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and are vital for many bodily functions, including maintaining proper hydration.
They include:
sodium
potassium
calcium
magnesium
chloride
bicarbonate
phosphate
These minerals are essential for regulating fluid balance, muscle function, nerve signaling, and many other processes.
Optimal Health Requires Electrolytes.
Regulation of Fluid Balance
Electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, are vital in maintaining fluid balance within the body. They help control the movement of water and their surrounding enviornment through osmosis. Sodium and potassium work together to ensure that water is distributed throughout the body. Proper electrolyte balance ensures that our cells remain hydrated and function optimally.
Muscle Function & Preventing Cramps.
Musce cells rely on balanced electrolytes to contract and relax efficiently. Calcium, sodium and potassium are cruciual for proper muscle function. When we experience cramping, weakness and even spasms, this usually points to a deficiency in potassium. So it's important to make sure to have an adequate intake of electrolytes daily.
Nerve Impulse Transmission.
Electrolytes transmit nerve impulses through the use of sodium and potassium ions across their membranes which generate electrical impulses. These are necessary for communication between the brain and the rest of the body. When we are properly hydrated with electrolytes, we ensure that nerve signaling is opertating efficiently which supports cognitive function, coordination, and overall nervous system health.
Maintains Acid-Base Balance.
Electrolytes help to regulate the body's pH levels, maintaining the acid-base balance that's crucial for all cellular functions. Bicorbonate, a type of electrolyte acts as a buffer to neutralize acids in the blood which prevents the blood from becoming overly acidic or alakaline.
Enhances Physical Performance.
We loose electrolytes through sweat and this loss can lead to dehydration, poor endurance and impaired performance. It's important to be well-hydrated before exercise and afterwards to keep maintain proper fluid balance, prevent cramps and sustain energy.
Supports Cardiovascular Health.
Sodium and potassium are essential for maintaining normal heart function because they regulate blood pressure through the control of fluid volume and vessel tone. When these are out of balance, it can lead to elevated or low blood pressure.
Promotes Kidney Function.
Our kidneys play an important role in regulating electrolyte balance and fluid volume in our body. They filter blood, removing waste and excess water while retaining necessary electrolytes. When we are properly hydrated with electrolytes the kidneys function efficiently, preventing kidney stones.
Prevents Low Sodium Levels -Hyponatremia.
This is a condition of low sodium levels in the blood and is often caused by drinking too much water without sufficient electrolytes. Maintaining a balnce of water and electrolytes helps to prevent low sodium levels.
Rehydration During Illness.
When we are sick with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea or high fever, our body looses significant amounts of water and electrolytes. It's important to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes to support recover and maintain health.
Rehydration in Extreme Conditions.
Our body has a higher than normal demand for electrolytes in extreme tempetures or high altitudes. We loose greater amounts of water in these conditions which can lead to syptoms of excessive sweating and rapid fluid loss
What Can I Do?
Good hydration can also come from the food you eat, especially raw vegetables and fruits. The advantages of eating your hydration is that foods contain electrolytes naturally like potassium and magnesium.
Include These foods:
Cucumber
Celery
Radishes
Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Strawberries
Watermelon
Cabbage [especially cooked]
Cauliflower [especially cooked]
Zucchini
Bone broth is a great source of collagen that supports healthy skin and joints, but it's also a great way to hydrate.
Bone broth has a high water content and it's an excellent source of minerals which makes it a perfect way to hydrate. Try a cup of warmed bone broth to support optimal hydration.
Limit Alcohol.
It's true, alcohol dehyrates the body, so get creative and find some alternative options to drink. Infused water is both refreshing and delicious. Try adding sliced cucumber and mint to a pitcher of water and allow the flavors to meld and then enjoy a glass over ice. You can switch up the ingredients too.
Ginger+ Orange Slices
Strawberries + Mint
Watermelon + Basil
Blueberry + Lime
Blackberry + Ginger
These combinations are some of my favorites. I like to use sparkling water and a few splashes of a flavored vinegar to make a refreshing 'mocktail'.
My favoirte vinegars for these drink are; Acid League Living Vinegars because they are raw and unfiltered and their flavors are so delicious.
Try the Cabernet Port, Meyer Lemon Honey, or Strawberry Rose. You can find these upscale vinegars at most grocery stores and online at https://acidleague.com
Rock Grace makes delicious non-alcoholic beverages that offer a health conscious alternative to traditional alcoholic drinks. They infuse their bottles with adaptogens and botanicals that provide stress reduction, improved mood and immune support. They are also low in calories and free of added sugars. You can try them out here: https://rockgrace.com
So Many Benefits.
Water is essential and when we are well-hydrated with electrolytes, we experience so many benefits.
Just look at all of these amazing benefits!
Regulates body temperature through sweating and breathing.
Lubricates our joints and reduces friction to ensure smooth joint movement.
Transports nutrients and removes waste products to all of our cells through appropriate blood volume which depends on adequate hydration.
Improves our physical performance so we can remain energized and reduce the risk of cramping and injury.
Keeps our brain functioning optimally. We need to be well hydrated to support brain function, focus, memory and overall mental clarity.
Maintains skin health, moisture and elasticity to keep us looking younger.
Improves digestion by breaking down food and moves waste through our digestive track efficiently.
Keeps our kidneys functioning by filtering waste products form our blood and excreting them through the urine.
Improves our immune health by supporting our immune cells, the production of lymph a fluid that carries white blood cells and other immune components throughout the body which helps us defend against infections and illnesses more effectively.
Aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness which reduces caloric intake. Sometimes thirst is mistaken for hunger, so it's important to remain hydrated to keep our hunger cues working well.
When we consider how vital it is to pay attention to how much water we are drinking and how well we are including electrolytes, we will enhace our overall health, improve physical and mental performance, and support long-term well-being.
This is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle!
Embrace the habit of staying hydrated and your body will thank you with better health and vitality.
Thanks for reading,
Jan
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