Because we’re moving into the warmer months, this is a great time to talk about water.
Most of us don’t think of water as a nutrient, never mind a vitally essential nutrient. A quick internet search will tell you that water is an inorganic compound comprised of two molecules of hydrogen and one molecule of oxygen, and it’s the life force of this planet—yourself included. There are countless articles and apps on our phones to help us remember to drink up. So why is it so easy to forget to get enough water in a day?
Many of us are familiar with the standard advice of drinking eight cups per day. As a holistic nutritionist, I know that every person has different needs at different times, depending on our environment, the food and drink we consume, and what kind of and how much exercise we get.
A great rule of thumb to remember is if you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. Proper hydration is crucial to keep your blood thin and reduce strain on your heart; it also keeps your outermost protective barrier—your skin—intact and aids in healthy digestion. In addition to having a glass or two upon rising (you’ve just gone through eight hours of no liquids), eat lots of foods with high water content, which will make it easier to stay hydrated. I love to add frozen grapes or berries to my water to give it a little hint of flavour and cool it off.
Water can also be a part of your yoga practice. In yoga, instructors often speak of your “off-the-mat” practice. This involves incorporating some of the philosophies of yoga into your daily life. These are called the yamas and niyamas; I’ll delve into those more in coming articles. For now, as you think about drinking water, know that it can also be a wonderful mediation tool.
We’re blessed to be surrounded by water here on Vancouver Island; I invite you to visit the ocean or one of our many lakes and give yourself a quiet five to 10 minutes just listening to the sounds of the waves, inhaling the smells, and noticing how the water is moving. A mindfulness meditation like this helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms and relaxes the body.
Until next time, keep it real and keep hydrated.