Are You Hydrating Correctly?

You may be getting 8 glasses of water per day, but in this heat, are you sure your water bottle isn’t hindering your hydration?

Recently, I stopped at a convenience store to find some refreshment from the store’s cooler section. A splash of flavor was in order to liven up the mundane sipping I had been engaged in while stopped for 90 minutes on the interstate in 95 degree weather due to a 5-car pile-up ahead.

I started perusing labels, just to check whether the flavor was natural or artifical. I was stunned to see carbohydrate counts at 15-30 grams per serving. This was water, right?! Even with electrolytes added, water should still be 0 carb.

Now, I’m not anti-carb. I do believe in whole fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, and legumes in their unrefined form. But I understand that pouring carbohydrates into my body un-modulated – without fats, proteins, or fiber to buffer them – will create an insulin surge that has disturbing ripples. I strive to keep my carbohydrate calories around one-third of my daily intake. I certainly don’t need hidden sugars in my water! Their effect is actually dehydrating!

My solution was to put a couple of ounces of pure coconut water into my quart-size Klean Kanteen, just enough to give my filtered water a hint of flavor. Here are some other strategies you can use to revive your hydration and yourself!

• sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt
• splash in a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice
• drip in some trace minerals, such as Concentrace Liquid Mineral Drops
• grind in a teaspoon of crushed chia seeds to help retain water
• float berries, fruit slices or herbs, such as basil leaves, in your water
• substitute a chilled herbal tea, such as fresh peppermint (or put a couple ounces of herbal tea in with your water)
• quench yourself with a juicy melon slice, complete with vitamins and fiber
• use bone broth in place of water in your cooking, or even for sipping