~by Susan McGuire~
Are you properly hydrated? Do you drink plenty of water? What about lemon water? What’s the difference?
Water is the most essential element on this earth for our survival, aside from air. We absolutely cannot live without it.
These days, more people are drinking lots of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Some get enough, some don’t. Some may be getting more than they really need.
We’ve heard many times over the years that our bodies are composed of mostly water. In fact, adult bodies are made up of about 50-65% water, on average. This is an important reminder of why it’s so critical to stay hydrated. Our bodies have such a high percentage of water that, when we lose our hydration, our bodies cannot perform optimally.
Isn’t it wonderful how we were designed to feel a sense of thirst when our water levels get depleted? That sense of thirst typically kicks in at around a 2-3% loss of body water.
What if I told you there is a way to improve your chances of staying adequately hydrated?
One easy way is by drinking water with a squirt or two of lemon or lime juice. But how is this different from pure water?
Self-Nourishment Lesson #3: How Lemon Water Can Nourish You
- Detoxes the Liver – Lemon juice enhances enzyme function, stimulating the liver and promoting detoxification.
- Aids Digestion – Lemon juice promotes efficient digestion, which helps to reduce heartburn, constipation and indigestion.
- Balances Your pH Levels – The Standard American Diet (SAD), which most people in the U.S. consume, is highly acidic. So we need to consume more alkaline-forming foods. That’s where lemons can help. Lemons are a high-alkaline food. It may seem that lemons are acidic because of their taste. But because of how it’s metabolized in the body, lemon is an alkaline-forming food.
- Aids in Weight Loss – Lemons help keep hunger and cravings down, thanks to their high level of pectin fiber. Also, a diet lower in acidity and higher in alkalinity can help you lose weight faster.
- Good for the Skin – Lemon juice has a good amount of Vitamin C, which helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. And thanks to its detox properties, it helps keep your skin clear.
- Freshens Your Breath – Often times, bad breath is caused by dry mouth. Drinking lemon water will keep your mouth feeling moist and fresh.
- Refreshing Taste – Water tastes better with a squirt of lemon or lime juice.
Tips for Drinking Lemon Water
- Drink lemon water first thing in the morning when your body needs rehydrating after a long night without water. You can enjoy your morning tea or coffee after rehydrating.
- Your lemon water should be warm, so as not to shock your system.
- Use fresh lemon. Bottled lemon juice often contains sulfites, which can be toxic to our systems, and a lot of people are allergic to sulfites.
- If you’re concerned about the citric acid eroding your tooth enamel, just rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking lemon water. The saliva in your mouth is alkaline, and if you give it a chance, it will help protect the acid from eating away the enamel.
Stay nourished; stay hydrated.
Water is restorative and critical for our health. Insufficient hydration can cause a whole host of health problems: toxic buildup, stress, adrenal fatigue, constipation, muscle aches and pains, bad breath. In fact, a decline in mental performance and physical coordination occurs at only 1% dehydration.
Whether you are busy building your business, working 60+ hours a week, raising a family, all of the above, or none of the above, you need to nourish your body in every way possible. The simple act of drinking lemon water daily can help keep you hydrated, nourished, feeling good, and feeling good about yourself.
What tips do you have for staying hydrated? Let us know in the comments!
Meet the Author: Susan McGuire
Susan McGuire
As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Lifestyle Guide, Susan takes a practical, comprehensive and personalized approach as she supports and empowers her clients to achieve their health and lifestyle goals. Coach Susan meets her clients where they are, and works with them to find the right combination of positive lifestyle and behavioral changes that they can implement with lasting results.
Are you ready, willing and motivated to take charge of your health and transform your life?
To take the next step towards achieving your health goals, schedule your complimentary Breakthrough Session with Coach Susan:
- Website: www.McGHealthCoach.com/contact-susan-mcguire
- Email: McG.HealthCoach@gmail.com
- Blog: www.HealthCoachSusanMcGuire.wordpress.com/
