Did you know that hydration is an important part to your overall health and body function? Adult bodies are made up of 60-65% water. Hydration is a key function of the entire body, heart and other organs.
In the summer, we think about hydration because we’re often in the sun or high temperatures that make our body sweat. Keep your body hydrated to prevent dehydration.
Make Hydration Easy
The best thing to keep your body hydrated is simple water; however, many people want something with a little more taste to not only hydrate them but tickle their taste buds.
Hydration Techniques
Take advantage of plentiful fruits and vegetables to add a light touch of flavor to your water. It’s simple and easy:
- Wash Produce – a natural bath of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water
- Squeeze Produce – items with thick skins (oranges, lemons, cucumbers, blueberries, and kiwi) need to be rolled on the counter top while putting pressure on them to get the juices flowing. More fragile produce such as berries should be placed in a sandwich bag and gently massaged to start the juices flowing.
- Use Frozen Produce – when seasonal fruits and vegetables are no longer available the next best thing is frozen. Using frozen produce keeps the water colder as it acts as both ice and flavoring; however, the frozen versions will have to thaw in order benefit from their flavor.
- Container – there are a variety of water infusing pitchers available and drink jars (large jars with a spout & decorative base); however, you really only need a pitcher to get the same results.
Infused Water Recipes
Lemon Berry Water
2 Sliced Lemons (pre-washed in a vinegar water bath)
1 cup of seasonal berries (or a combination of berries)
2 Quarts Filtered Water
1 Cup of Ice Cubes
Roll the lemons on your counter top, before cutting.
Cut 1 lemon into quarters, squeezing the lemon juice into the water.
Cut the 2nd lemon into slices.
Place berries in a sandwich bag, squeeze gently to allow the juices to begin to come out.
Add all ingredients to a large pitcher, jar, or water infusing pitcher.
Pour over ice and serve.
Cool Cucumber Water
1 Fresh cucumber, sliced
1 Lemon Quartered
1 Lemon, Sliced
2 Quarts Filtered Water
1 Cup of Ice Cubes
Using the same technique listed above, prepare your produce.
Add produce to your container & let steep for at least 1-2 hours
The idea is to always have cool, fresh tasting water available for use and to encourage everyone to drink water often, before they become thirsty. Dehydration is especially dangerous in seniors and youth.
Live Your Life wants you to enjoy summer! Live Your Life HYDRATED & HAPPY!
Dr. Eva Norman
President & Founder
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Live Your Life Physical Therapy, LLC
