What We Get Wrong About Hydration

Introduction

Drinking a lot of water is not the same as hydration. Unfortunately, there is no perfect way to measure optimum hydration so we have to count on signs and symptoms like:

• the color of our urine;
• how many times we pee throughout the day;
• whether we move fluidly;
• fatigue;
• brain fog;
• constipation;
• headaches.

All of which can be attributed to low-grade dehydration.

The key is getting that water into your cells and not just running through you. That is why many people who drink a lot of water are still not quenched.

Not all water is the same. The water locked in plants and found in nature and found within our cells is structured water.

Those H2O molecules layer upon each other and create a charge when they share electrons and as such have different properties than plain bulk water. This form of "gel water" gets that water into the cells better.

Overhydration Looks Like Dehydration

When you drink too much bulk (plain) water you can end up peeing out electrolytes and not replacing them. This can lead to similar symptoms as dehydration like fatigue, and brain fog. Often you can have muscle cramps and weakness too. It can quite be dangerous if your electrolyte levels fall too low.

The best way to retain hydration is to eat more plants, like in smoothies with blended greens (and all that fiber) plus water. There are also lots of electrolyte replacement powders on the market, you can add one of those a day. I would not add electrolytes to each glass of water you drink. I am on the board of one called “Cure Hydration”, and I think it is great.

Eat Your Water

The best way to hydrate is to have a plant-centric diet! Lots of greens and healthy fats. Some water too - how much depends on the individual.

Smoothies are life-changing! Chia seeds are the start of the hydration show! Loaded with fiber, healthy fat, and structured water.

It’s time to Hydrate

The best times to drink water - and to stop drinking water too - also depends on the person.

Older people have lower levels of a hormone called ADH (antidiuretic hormone) so they tend to wake up more in the middle of the night to pee. They will have to find the perfect times and amounts of hydration that won’t disturb their sleep so much.

I tend to advise on front-loading your water. Something we know desert people do. So drink a big glass of water in the morning - 8-16 oz with a squeeze of lemon for minerals and maybe a little pinch of real salt for even more electrolytes.

I also advise drinking a glass of water about 20 minutes before each meal. Some interesting studies about weight loss with this practice. But I believe it is a good rule to get some hydration in.