I am a water bearer both figuratively and literally. My sun sign is Aquarius (water), I never leave home without my water bottle in hand and I love nothing more than visiting waterfalls and watching waves crash the shoreline. Oh, and I am constantly reminding my son and wife to drink more water! They know if we all head out for the day that I will bring water for everyone. It’s just my nature and what I do.
I had suffered with chronic constipation since birth and it was not until my mid 20’s that I learned about the healing powers of water. I not only began to drink more water but also introduced a fiber supplement (Fiber Smart by Renew Life), probiotics and fermented foods to support my bodies release of toxins, better known as, poop.
The more I learned about how to manage my delicate digestive system the better things got. I attribute a lot of my healing to my increase in water intake, alongside other changes to my eating and stress management. It’s always a combination of things that lead us to illness and therefore, it’s a combination of things that help us get back on track.
Now, 15 years after starting my journey to better health and healing I am happy to say that I am feeling better, have less digestive upset and my bowels are functioning better than ever. A total win!
Given our bodies are made up of 60% water, maintaining hydration is so important to many of our bodies functions and ultimately our survival. But, there are also many other ways that water improves our health and quality of life.
Here are five of my favourites:
1) H2O for Health
Staying hydrated is important for proper digestion, absorption of nutrients, the vitality of our cells, our skin, our brain and so much more. Check out the recipe below for an awesome homemade electrolyte recipe.
2) Calmness & Clarity
Toxins can easily build up in our bodies from the air we breath, the food we eat, and bowel conditions. Build up on toxins can cause fogginess and add to our stress level. There have been studies done on the benefits of staying hydrated and its positive effects on anxiety and stress reduction.
3) Lakes, Oceans & Rivers, oh my!
There is nothing more enjoyable then hoping into a cool lake on a warm day. Things like swimming, kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding offer great exercise benefit and it helps connect you more to nature.
4) Floating for health
Float tanks are becoming more common and offer endless health benefits. Some of the top reasons to float are; relieving stress, anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue caused by insomnia and jet lag, stimulate creativity, accelerate mental clarity and learning, deepen meditation practices, soothe chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, back and neck pain, inflammation and tendonitis. Need I say more?
5) Colon Hydrotherapy
Just as the name states, this is a water therapy for your colon. There are practitioners specialized in helping folks with digestives disorders cleanse their colon from the inside out. I have had treatments like this for the past 18 years and have found great benefit.
Water in all its many forms can change your life if you let it.
To add more water to your life and that of your kids without all the sugar and chemicals, check out this super simple but healthy recipe. It’s an electrolyte boost that I love in the hot summer months. It replaces things like Gatorade or Powerade, two very sugary and artificially flavoured drinks.
Homemade Electrolyte Boost Drink:
Ingredients:
- 1 quart liquid such as herbal tea, coconut water, or plain water
- 1/8 -1/4 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tsp calcium magnesium powder (optional)
- ¼ cup or more 100% juice (optional but omit sweetener if you add juice)
- 1-2 Tbsp sweetener such as honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
- Brew tea if using, or slightly warm base liquid.
- Add sea salt and calcium magnesium and mix.
- If using, add juice and sweetener and mix or shake well.
- Cool and store in refrigerator until ready to use.
- Will last up to four days in the refrigerator.
Great made into popsicles too! Enjoy.
Please share, what is your favourite way to enjoy water?