One of the most common things we see during a live blood analysis appointment is dehydrated cells. These cells look like raisins instead of healthy round red blood cells, making it harder for them to move freely through our plasma.

Water makes up at least 60 per cent of our body weight and is critical for our body’s overall function and health. Water helps our blood to move better, taking nutrients to our cells and tissues. It helps us to digest food better, getting more nutrients out of the food while moving the food more easily through our intestines. Water helps to regulate our body temperature. It helps with detoxifying dangerous toxins from our body and assists our kidneys to work more efficiently.

Red blood cells may still be dehydrated, even if someone is drinking a lot of water (2-3 litres/day), because the water isn’t being absorbed – it just gets peed out. This may be due to unbalanced minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium and/or calcium or electrolytes. It is best to sip water throughout the day rather than drink large quantities at once. Some early symptoms of dehydration are headaches, fatigue and stiff joints. If you have a headache, try drinking a large glass of water. You may be dehydrated.

Since we lose water through sweat, urination and breathing, it needs to be replenished daily. The rule of thumb is to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day at a minimum or about half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, a 150-pound person will need about 75 ounces of water (9.375 cups or 2.22 litres) at a minimum per day. Keep in mind, both caffeine and alcohol are diuretics so they decrease hydration levels. For every alcoholic or caffeinated beverage consumed, add another glass of water to your daily count.

One of the most important times to have water is when you wake up. After 6-8 hours of sleeping our bodies are naturally dehydrated. Start your day with a large glass of water, add lemon juice and a pinch or two of unrefined Celtic, Himalayan or Redmond salt to your water to replenish important minerals for better absorption.

Besides plain, filtered water, there are other options to increase your hydration levels: pure coconut water (watch out for the shelf stable varieties because of added sugars and preservatives), herbal teas, watery fruits and vegetables (ex. watermelon, cucumber,) as well as, bone broth, soups and stews.

If you’re looking to increase your electrolytes, there are many formulations on the market or you can make your own. When choosing electrolytes, watch for added sugars, colours and preservatives.

Easy Electrolyte Recipe

Serves 1 adult or 2 children. Recipe can be doubled or tripled and stored in a glass jar in the fridge for up to a week.

Mix together in a large glass mason jar:

Shake ingredients together until well mixed.

Enjoy.

Laura Hughes

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