Beating the Heat

It would be an understatement to say it’s hot here. It has been in the upper 90’s for a few days and it is expected to be a couple more before we see some relief. It’s important everyday to stay hydrated, but it’s even more important on days like this because we more easily lose fluids through sweat. And along with those fluids we lose salts like sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Left unchecked, dehydration in the extreme heat can lead to heat exhaustion or even worse, heat stroke.

The CDC has an Extreme Heat Prevention Guide that can prepare you for the rising temperatures and explains how to recognize heat related illnesses. Some of the obvious things we can do to prevent being affected by the heat are:

• staying indoors in the air conditioning,
• earing light, loose-fitting clothing,
• keeping outdoor activities to a minimum in the middle of a hot day, and
• wearing sunscreen and protective clothing if you are out in the blazing sun (I like using an umbrella if I need to walk in the sun. You'd be surprised how well it works to keep the heat and rays off!

In addition, it goes without saying that you should stay properly hydrated. Even on days when the weather is less severe, we should drink half of our body weight in ounces of water. This goes doubly on super hot days and we may require more if we’re sweating. To replace electrolytes, it’s a great idea to eat hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables, and foods like watermelon and celery that have a very high water content and are high in minerals may actually be more effective at restoring hydration. Here are 30 hydrating foods to include in your diet with this extreme weather.

I hope you’re all staying cool!!

Changing the World with Water

You’ve heard this many times before. Drink more water. Yet, as a species, we are chronically dehydrated. The planet is ~75% water and our bodies are roughly the same. Water hydrates our cells, helps to keep our mucus membranes moist, flushes toxins as well as excess salt and water from the body, keeps our digestion running smoothly, and supports organ function.

It promotes clear skin, fresh breath, and sharp, alert minds. It also keeps hunger at bay and helps to keep our energy levels up. Yet most of us are not getting the recommended “half of our weight in ounces” on a daily basis. So I’m sending out this reminder–because it really does make a difference when we drink enough water.

In fact, I sometimes wonder what positive changes would occur on the planet simply from everyone being fully hydrated. I imagine more energetic, happy, healthy, and motivated people making positive changes for the good of all people, creating a ripple effect and raising the frequency of our planet. Sound silly? Well, I believe that every single positive change we make impacts everyone, so why not the same with drinking more water? Here are some ways that I believe we can save the world with water : )

- Start your day with a glass of filtered, clean, room temperature water. Add the juice from half a lemon to help detoxify the liver and keep your pH in balance.

- Drink a glass of water 30-45 minutes before a meal to help manage your hunger.

- Have a bottle (preferably glass) of clean, filtered water with you at all times to sip.

- If plain water is unappealing, add cucumber or lemon slices, or a small shot of juice, like pomegranate.

- Eat lots of vegetables and fruits that are naturally high in water.

- Remind everyone else to drink more water!

Here’s to a happy, hydrated day!! <3