Why Plain Water Isn’t Actually Keeping You Hydrated

I bet many of you can relate to this…

You’ve been told that you need to drink 2-3L of water a day.

You go out and buy one of those comically large bottles (or was this just me😅?) and start chugging away.

Your urine is clear as ever so you figure you MUST be hydrated…

It’s normal to be running to the washroom every hour & through the night, right?!

You may be relieved to hear that it doesn’t have to be this way (& in fact shouldn’t be).

Let’s step away from the advice of just drinking at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day…

The evidence is increasingly suggesting that effective hydration goes beyond simply increasing water intake; it involves ensuring the delivery of water and electrolytes directly to the cellular level through cellular hydration.

You may take this more seriously when you understand the consequences of poor hydration status:

• Reduced energy levels and stamina

• Weakened immune function

• Increased inflammation

• Impaired nutrient transport and detoxification

• Digestive issues and constipation

• Joint and muscle discomfort

• Cognitive impairment

• Skin problems and premature aging

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Disruption of overall physiological processes

Picture the mitochondria as the cell's engine—it's what keeps the cell running smoothly. For this engine to work well, it needs the right fuel…

• hydrogen molecules (from water) 

• and electrolytes (like sodium and potassium)

Electrolytes help the cell attract water and once within the cells, hydrogen is used to generate energy.

Without the right balance of electrolytes, water doesn't get absorbed efficiently. Instead, it tends to linger between cell walls, in the blood, and the plasma.

When your cells are well-hydrated, your ability to combat and decrease inflammation improves. Hydration serves as a powerful defence mechanism against inflammation in the body.

TIPS FOR PROPER HYDRATION:

1. Enhance your water: Skip the overpriced electrolyte mixes and add a pinch of high quality sea salt to filtered water (if it tastes salty, you’ve probably put too much). Not all sea salt is created equally, here are the 2 that I recommend: Celtic Sea Salt & Redmond Real Salt (high in minerals, no fillers, no microplastics). I also like to add some lemon juice for taste & extra trace minerals with BioFulvic's MultiMineral Fulvic & Humic MicroNutrient Blend.

2. Prioritize mineral rich foods in your diet: salt your foods to taste, eat water-rich foods (fruits & vegetables), include foods high in minerals like potassium (bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, avocados, etc.)

3. Sip on mineral rich beverages: drink herbal teas (I recommend the brand Traditional Medicinals), meat & vegetables broths, coconut water, & high quality dairy

4. PERSONAL FAV: I love having pure coconut water (not from concentrate) with a pinch of sea salt around my workouts and when I use the sauna to help replenish the electrolytes lost in sweat and avoid dehydration