Stay Hydrated with Healthy Infused Water
As you might be aware, the human body is comprised of over 60% water. And it comes as no surprise that hydration can influence our wellbeing in numerous ways! Correct hydration assists with processes such as detoxification, energy, concentration, immunity and healing, just to give some examples (it's vital for all physical processes!).
Our water consumption comes not simply from drinking water, which is the principal source, yet additionally from consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, which have high water content. But often our personal diets don’t always shape up and our hydration suffers, while consuming processed foods and diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, leading to lower hydration levels in the body.
With our modern lifestyles, mild dehydration is now relatively common. Some of the most noticeable signs of mild dehydration are headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps and irregularity (aka constipation).
Getting sufficient water to be appropriately hydrated?
How much water do we need every day? Regardless of the normal "8 glasses per day" rule, daily hydration needs are very individual, guided by our bio-individuality, degree of activity and what our eating habits resembles.
An overall guideline does help point us in the right direction, simply multiply your weight by 3.5, if you weigh 65 kilos, you should drink around 2.2 litres of water per day. Adding another 350 mls for every 30 minutes of exercise/moderate activity preformed. Hydration should also be increased in hot and humid temperatures, as well as when you are suffering from an illness, when pregnant or breastfeeding, and when consuming alcohol.
A straightforward old glass of water will get the job done, but infused water can add some bio health advantages as well, along with adding some excitement to the taste. Infused water is an easy way to pack more flavour and health benefits into a simple glass of water.
Tips to get you started. Prepare your ingredients, add them to a glass water jug, mason jar, or infusing water bottle, and refrigerate for at least a few hours (overnight is a great option too). Infused water can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. We recommend using filtered water and fresh organic produce.
Here are few simple and beneficial infused water “recipes.” These are suggestions to get you started, but you can adjust to your taste and preference. Feel free to experiment with new ingredients and combinations!
Lemon water
Benefits
Health benefits of lemon water, including digestion and mild detoxification. It’s particularly great first thing in the morning as part of a healthy morning routine and is a great boost to your hydration.
Method
Wash and squeeze half a lemon into a full glass of water, also if you like, including a little fresh mint adds an extra taste dimension, making this a very refreshing combination.
Cucumber infused water
Benefits
Cucumber helps to flush toxins, reduce bloating, cool inflammation in the body and keep cells hydrated.
Method
Wash and thinly slice one medium sized cucumber (peeled if it’s not organic) per 1.5 litres of water.
Cucumber mint
Benefits
Mint promotes digestion, soothes stomach irritation, and reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Simply add a handful of muddled mint leaves to the cucumber-infused water recipe above.
Lime mint
Benefits
Just like lemons, limes help to cleanse and detoxify our organs, boost immunity, aid digestion and stabilize blood sugar. Mint promotes digestion, soothes stomach irritation, and reduces inflammation throughout the body.
Method
Squeeze the juice of one lime into a glass of water, muddled mint leaves and enjoy immediately; or, add thin slices of one (well-washed) lime to 1.5 litres of water and add a small handful of mint leaves.
Strawberry lime
Benefits
Added to the health benefits of lime, strawberries are rich in phytonutrients that help to maintain proper functioning of the nervous system.
Method
Wash and finely slice about 10 strawberries per 1.5 litres of water. Add thin slices of one (well-washed) lime.
Watermelon basil
Benefits
Watermelon is high in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect cells against damage and disease. Basil also has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties protecting against disease.
Method
Use about 1 cup finely chopped watermelon and a handful of muddled basil per 1.5 litres of water.
