HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE

Water surrounds us everywhere. Around 71% of the world consists of water. It is vital for all forms of life.

In fact according to Leonardo da Vinci “Water is the driving force of all Nature”

But still we forget…

…to drink enough.

Is the reason real forgetfulness? Or is it that we have started to perceive it as not being cool enough? Unless it is about a soap or a shower, water is never made to look that good (yes not even in the bottled water ads, the emphasis there is on the bottle)

I started to realize this fact unfortunately only after I developed my allergies. Since I couldn’t drink anything else when I went out I would always ask for water when asked the perennial question ‘What will you drink?’

If like me, you have ever answered ‘water’ you would be amazed at the reactions.

From downright horror to cajoling you to drink something else to some people unfortunately even getting offended (this happens all the time in restaurants) people’s view of water has changed.

Leading to a rise not just in dehydration but also in all the lifestyle diseases that go with it.

For a lot of us with gut issues however the reason for staying off water is often the fact that after going to the loo so much we can’t bear the sight of water let alone drink it.

So I have come up with some fun ways to help me ‘remember’ to drink water.

Step 1

Asking people to remind me

(this is a fun one cause they say whaat?)

Step 2

Setting Phone alarms to go off every 30 mins

(with a message saying drink water)

Step 3

Surrounding myself with filled water bottles in all rooms and nearly all tables

(my house nearly looked like a water bottle store)

Step 4

Feeding in how much water I have had into Fitbit.

(makes me track intake and feel accomplished for reaching my goal for the day)

Step 5

Drink water in different funky glasses

Step 6

Coming up with a fun mantra

(this really makes a difference)

Mine is as the title suggests ‘Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate’

I also at this point imagine a giant Hydra/ octopus who is holding water glasses out to me. This makes me crack up and rush to go drink water.

Bottom line – come up with your own fun way but do drink enough water every day.

H₂O not just clears up toxins from our body but it also carries nutrients to our cells making it the very essence of us.

Headaches, Hypertension, Obesity, Diabetes, Arthritis, Hives, Sinusitis, Acidity, Gastritis, Bladder Infections and  Constipation are just some diseases that can be benefited by drinking of water.

The thing to keep in mind though is don’t drink too much and don’t drink it too fast as it can cause oedema of the brain.

So how much is enough? There is no clear formula as it depends on how active you are and the climate you stay in.  The institute of medicine recommends about 3 ltrs for men and 2.2 for women but the popular formula is 8-10 glasses a day as it is easy to remember.

The important thing is don’t drink only when you are thirsty, make it part of your routine.

I also started Water Therapy sometime back and it has helped me tremendously.

Water Therapy Steps

Wake up in the morning

Drink 1 to 2 glasses of water before doing any other work

Drink how much is possible for you according to your body the limit you can go up to is 1 litre.

If you can’t drink all in one shot you can space it out and then drink some more

For the next 45 minutes do not drink or eat anything else.

Note: Do not do any exercises till you finish drinking the rest of the water. The first few days of starting this had me running to the loo to pee so that’s normal. Some people even have loose motions but everything becomes normal in a few days. While practicing water therapy always drink water 2 hours after meals and not before that. Also do check with your doctor before doing this.

I only do water therapy for a few days at a time as my body can’t take more of it right now.

Instead I try to drink a glass of water as soon as I wake up every day. This gives me continued energy and also works as a great cleanser and detoxifier.

To set your own limit, as I always say trustyourgutinstinct and Live Healthy, Live Gutsi.




DISCLAIMER: This blog is about my health experiences.The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with their doctor.