Sharing Good Health: Drink up!

The importance or drinking enough pure, clean water cannot be stressed enough! It is one of the first things I ask and review with my clients. Water constitutes approximately 60% of the adult human body weight. On average, we should be consuming approximately 96 ounces (3 quarts) of water per day. If your goal is weight loss then add an additional 8 oz of water for every 25 pounds above your ideal body weight. And of course increase water intake when exercising and for those of us that live in the desert.

When we drink an adequate amount of water many wonderful things happen, including:

Our Endocrine gland function improves
Water retention is alleviated
Liver function improves (increasing % of fat used for energy)
Appetite decreases
Metabolic functions improve
Nutrients are distributed throughout the body
Body-temp is regulated

It is also important to pay attention to the water that you are consuming...

Did you know?

✔ An Environmental Working Group (EWG) study found a total of 316 contaminants, including 97 agricultural and 204 industrial contaminants, in the tap water of 45 states. More than half of the contaminants de- tected have no drinking-water safety standards.

✔ According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public water utilities have violated the Safe Drinking Water Act more than 700,000 times in the past seven years.

✔ Unlike public water utilities, the bottled water industry is not required to publicly disclose the results of any contaminant testing it conducts.

✔ Bottled water may not be contaminant free. The EWG found a total of 38 contaminants in the water of 10 popular brands.

✔ In 2007, 1.64 million tons of bottled water packaging materials were produced in the U.S.; only 34% of those materials were recycled.

✔ According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ resolution, it takes 1.5 million barrels of oil every year to facilitate the production of water bottles made for use in the U.S. That’s enough oil to power 50,000 cars for a year. ..put down that plastic water bottle!! ;-)

I definitely do not want to be drinking the glass on the left. It is a harsh reality.. our water supply is contaminated with everything from lead and BPA from plastic bottles to industrial pollutants and pesticides. Which is why it is so important to do your research and choose a water filtration system that will eliminate these contaminants (as well as your concern about them).

Shaklee's Get Clean water is certified to reduce 99% of lead (Brita and PUR are not), filter 80 gallons (twice as much as Brita and PUR), and uses the first ever pitcher with a refillable carbon block pitcher filter system - which means less waste in our landfills.

See below for comparison:

So now that we know what water to drink and how much .. add a lemon to it!

We start every morning with a big glass (12-16 oz) of water and half of a lemon squeezed in it! Why the lemon? I'll tell you...

Lemons:

Boost you’re immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain & nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

Balance pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they’re alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). And an alkaline body is the key to good health.

Help with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster.

Aids in digestion

Warm water stimulates the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen toxins in the digestive tract. It helps flush out unwanted materials, encourages the liver to produce bile which is an acid that is required for digestion. Efficient digestion reduces heartburn and constipation.

Act as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

Hydrate the lymph system

It helps to start the day hydrated. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can’t function properly, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, the list goes on. Your adrenals are two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid they create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response.

Other great additions to your water are sliced cucumbers, fresh mint leaves, sliced oranges and limes.. mix and match, just drink your water!!