Hydration through the Lens of Acupuncture
Water is life. Without it, humans can only survive for a few days. Although it's great to see that many people now carry reusable water bottles, it's important to remember that staying hydrated involves more than just drinking a few glasses of water each day.
Scientific research suggests that we aim for around eight glasses a day as our bodies are composed of at least 70% water. As the heat of summer increases, water intake is critical. When the body is lacking in fluids, symptoms arise such as headaches, migraines, muscle and joint pain, and constipation.
Water provides nutrients to every cell in the body
Physiological Process of Water Regulation
The body's fluid balance is mainly regulated by homeostatic processes that respond to the body's water levels. These processes are sensitive and precise and can detect even minor deficiencies or excesses of water. For instance, the sensation of thirst is a physiological sign that your body requires water.
It's essential to drink enough water every day for several reasons. From a western-science perspective, water is necessary to:
Provide nutrients to every cell in our body
Help regulate our internal temperature through sweating and respiration
Transport and metabolize nutrients like fat, protein, and carbohydrates through the blood
Flush waste out of our bodies through urine
Provide shock absorption for the brain, spinal cord, and fetus
Help produce saliva
Lubricate our joints
Green Tea for Hydration
Hydration from a Chinese Medicine Perspective
According to Chinese Medicine, the temperature of the water, time of day, and daily food intake are all important factors that contribute to proper hydration. The temperature at which we drink water is just as critical as how much we drink. Consuming cold water and fluids can be harmful to our digestion. Our stomach needs to use its digestive fire to cook and process our food adequately. This natural fire is diluted when we consume cold fluids and food, leading to poor digestion and energy storage as fat.
Cucumbers offer a high water content and provide hydration
The timing of when you consume fluids can impact the digestive process. Drinking large amounts of water or other fluids before or during a meal is not recommended, as it can dilute the stomach acid and enzymes in the small intestine, making them less effective in breaking down food. Instead, eating plenty of vegetables with high water content is better during your meal. Limiting dry foods like crackers, chips, and processed foods can reduce fluid demand. Also, sugar demands a lot of water to rehydrate and metabolize. Drinking water and warm fluids between meals is best to stay hydrated.
Some tips to Stay Hydrated during the Hot Summer Months
Eating hydrating foods
Watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, celery, and dark leafy greens can all keep the body cool and well hydrated as they are high water content food sources.
Steamed or boiled vegetables retain more water than roasting or pan-frying.
Reduce processed foods (pre-packaged boxed foods) and refined sugar, as these lead to inflammation and dehydration.
Soups and broths are a great source of hydrating nutrition. One of my all time favorite summertime recipes is Watermelon Gazpacho Soup.
Boost Your Fluid Intake
Try adding some cucumber slices to your water to improve your hydration.
For an electrolyte boost, add a pinch of sea salt and lemon (my favorite). Sea salt has trace minerals that help your body retain water. You can also consider adding trace mineral drops to your water.
If you enjoy coffee or alcohol, drink a glass of water before each cup to counteract their dehydrating effects.
Green tea offers an alternative to coffee, as it is hydrating and contains powerful antioxidants. The flavonoids in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties and, aid digestion, relaxation, weight loss, and help dissolve plaque in blood vessels.
Eating seasonally means consuming some delicious, hydrating, and cooling watermelon. According to Chinese Medicine food therapy, watermelon has “damp-heat” clearing properties and can provide relief from the summer heat while hydrating the body. Watermelon Smoothie - Use this recipe as a base for creating a fun summertime hydrating drink for you or the kiddos.
If you are interested in learning more about food therapy and diet and lifestyle wellness, book a 30 minute complimentary consultation visit or contact Dr. Jen at 941-499-7775.
Cheers to a hydrating Summer Sarasota!
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