A Fresh Twist on Hydration

Staying hydrated, while seemingly simple, is something that lots of people struggle with. From forgetting to drink it, to a downright dislike of the taste of water, many of us live in a chronic state of dehydration.

Any number of bodily processes can be helped by drinking more water: digestion, energy production, sleep (although the timing of water intake matters with this one!), and even a tendency towards lightheadedness can all be alleviated by staying properly hydrated.

A common recommendation for adequate water intake is ½ of your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 150 pounds, you should drink 75 ounces per day. Many variables affect hydration, including environmental temperature and humidity, as well as activity level, and health. For example, if you’re running a fever, your fluid needs are clearly higher. Mayo clinic suggests that if you are not thirsty, and your urine is nearly colorless, you are most likely well hydrated.

If you are one of those people that dislikes the taste of plain water, you want to help your body detox, or you just want to mix things up, try these suggested additions offered by Geraldine Olivo in her book Detox Waters (Quadrille, 2017).

Purifying Water

• Black radish: Cleaned and thinly sliced. Black radish is said to support the liver function.
• Peppermint: Put a teaspoon in a tea ball. Peppermint may stimulate digestion and help to calm intestinal discomfort.
• Lemon: Juice of one lemon. Lemon supports liver function and it’s vitamin c supports the immune system.

Put all ingredients in a quart jar filled with water and infuse in the refrigerator for 12 hours.

Immunity Water

• Eucalyptus: 2 tablespoons dried, torn leaves. A traditional herbal remedy for respiratory ailments.
• Rosemary and Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 3 sprigs of dried rosemary. General tonic herbs with antibacterial properties.

Refrigerate with water in a quart jar for 12 hours, serve with lemon and honey to taste.

Revitalizing Water

• Pears: Core two pears and chop in pieces. Pears are rich in vitamin c and copper
• Parsnips: Medium sized parsnip, thinly sliced. These root vegetables can aid in energy production in the body, and are high in manganese which is essential for bone health.
• Lemon: Juice of one lemon. Supports emotional health and is commonly used in traditional medicine as a detoxifying agent.

Infuse all ingredients with water in a quart jar refrigerated for 12 hours.