I am literally a water chugging machine.
Always have been, always will be.
The fact that my little sister actually got water toxicity at one point in her life (a legit life-threatening thing) tells you that it’s likely genetic. Plus, I’ve always been an athlete, and now, a nursing mom.
But whatever the case, I’m definitely NOT the norm, because up to 75% of the American population may be under hydrated. Sadly, for general health and for performance, proper hydration is one of the most underrated.
Drinking water is important for muscle growth as it helps to transport nutrients and oxygen to the muscles during exercise. Water also helps to remove waste products from the muscles, maintain proper hydration, and prevent muscle cramps.
Thank God for 40 oz. Contigos, which make it so easy to stay hydrated wherever we go.
Hydration is one of those underrated keys to health! Some fun facts:
1) We are 50-70% water (the more muscle you have, the more water you are!).
2) A 1% drop in body water can affect cognition, endurance, heart function, strength, etc.
3) Water delivers nutrients and removes toxic waste products, regulates our temperature, helps balance blood sugar, etc.
.
How do you know you’re hydrated!?? Check your pee. Light yellow is best (like lemonade). Darker pee= underhydration (like apple juice or darker). It can take up to 24 hours to rehydrate, so stay on top of it!
.
Baseline hydration needs = 1/2 your body weight in ounces (I.e. 75 ounces for a 150-lb. person). If you’re an athlete (or a nursing mama), you’ll need more depending on intensity and length of training sessions. To make sure we give our best when we exercise, in addition to being properly hydrated, we can take advantage of legal anabolic steroids that will help us grow our muscles and also recover in a better way.
Stick to filtered water and add lemon, lime or cucumber slices! I add lemon or grapefruit essential oils sometimes for an alkalizing flavor kick. 🍋Unsweetened coconut water, kombucha, and herbal teas are other great options!
.
For a natural electrolyte replacement after intense and/or long duration exercise, skip the nasty/sugary/chemical-filled Gatorades and Powerades and add 1/4-1/8 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp maple syrup, and lemon juice to 16 oz of water!
.
Stay hydrated, my friends! Summer is coming! 💦