Hydration really is key when it comes to so many things in the body, yet almost 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. That means 3 out of every 4 people you know are dehydrated even though we have endless access to clean and healthy water.
Why is this?
Well, in many studies it's shown we are drinking enough fluids but not enough water. Your hydration is set back by caffeinated beverages, high sodium levels, and potentially alcohol. Meaning it's easy to become dehydrated as a normal person, then you mix in something like Crohn's or Colitis it because so much harder to stay on top of.
Signs your body is dehydrated:
feeling thirsty
dark yellow and strong-smelling pee
feeling dizzy or lightheaded
feeling tired
a dry mouth, lips, and eyes
peeing little, and fewer than 4 times a day
What happens to a chronically dehydrated body:
Brain Fog
Slow recovery time
Consitpation
Impaired kidney function
Even Anxiety gets heightened
As I'm sure you can tell.. being dehydrated is no joke, and your body will not be happy. If you have IBD or IBS it can get SCARY pretty fast. I've ended up in the ER for being dehydrated. (I'm sure at one point and time you have too so you understand) Drinking water is important. It helps your body flush toxins, keep up energy, and overall stay healthy.
So if you're not getting enough water into your daily life, try by including more water throughout the day (not just around mealtimes) Have a water bottle near you at all times.
Okay, now that we've talked about dehydration let's talk about water.
Yes, WATER. Such a fun topic for me.
Did you know there are roughly 25K different types of chemicals in your water and water bottles you purchase? Yes, 25,000 DIFFERENT Types. Yikes.
Some of these dangerous chemicals include…
Fluoridric acid (commonly known as Flourine, or Flouride.)
Trihalomethanes
Salts of Arsenic,
Copper
Lead
Nitrates
Hormones
Sometimes even Industrial run-off
I don't know about you but that's a little freaky to me. I've basically become a water snob investing in QUALITY water filter systems. No, I'm sorry your Brita water filter doesn't count.
Here are a few tips and tricks I've learned to help stay hydrated even when I'm flaring.
So with all that included.. how do you find quality water sources and stay hydrated? Well, I'm glad you asked!
1) Find a Good Filter
We do this part by finding something that backs your values and what you are looking for. For me I wanted the cleanest water, I wanted something portable, and something I could travel with to still get clean water.
I know it's a lot to ask, but the good news is the Purtii Company does all that and more! This amazing BPA/BPS/EA chemical-free bottle and filter uses activated carbon filters made from coconut shells to remove even the smallest of particles, including 42% of Fluoride which is very difficult to remove from water because it clings to water molecules.
With just one PURITII filter, you will be able to avoid using 450+ bottles of water! And filtering over 60+ gallons of clean and safe drinking water on the go. Literally taking this everywhere and never having to worry about getting water again. The filter is right in the bottle and it's stylish too!
For anyone that is interested in this water bottle YAY! From this post I'm giving everyone 15% off when they order their Purtii water bottle because I'm a fan of helping people, saving the environment, and supporting healthy drinking habits.
If you are in the USA Purchase here: https://ariix.info/a/Nf6Rr2
If you are in a different country please email coachshayrigg@gmail.com and I'll get you all set up!
2) Liquid IV
Some days with a crappy colon there's not enough water in the WORLD to keep me hydrated. Therefore I need a little more support with electrolytes and sodium, and all the goodness to help with hydration.
I rely on Liquid IV can be found on Amazon, Target, Costco, and many other places.
Hydration Multiplier is a great-tasting, Non-GMO electrolyte drink mix powered by Cellular Transport Technology (CTT®) to deliver hydration to your bloodstream faster & more efficiently than water alone. 1 Liquid I.V. can provide the same hydration as drinking 2-3 bottles of water & contains 3x the electrolytes of traditional sports drinks with 5 essential vitamins.
It's easy to mix into a cup of water and drink. Also, the company Liquid IV does a TON of donations to 3rd world countries, and places in the USA to help those who are suffering. (HUGE fan of that)
3) Elite
Elite is a revolutionary formula designed to improve your overall wellness. This powerful supplement uses the power of superherbs, antioxidants, and nutrients. All without SuSucralose! Using Elite daily helps you promise a strong immune system, reduces your stress, and improves cognitive function. Other fun side effects are it assists win exercise recovery, helps promote hair growth, and clears your skin.
Some of the goodness contained in Elite is
Indian Gooseberry- most commonly used for high cholesterol, abnormal levels of cholesterol, and heartburn.
Red Clover- supports in cancer prevention and indigestion. As well as SO many other things.
Evening Primrose- Works for heart health, skin health, and more
Aloe - injury healing, canker sores, constipation, and even dental plaque.
Ashwagandha- It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, and even boost brain function.
Astaxanthin- helps avoid stroke, high cholesterol, liver diseases, and preventing cancer.
You can watch an awesome video of my partner and I chugging Elite here.
Or to purchase go Here
4) Set Reminders
I get consumed in tasks. I get distracted with movies, I forget to drink water. Sometimes it's okay, and other times it causes other problems to happen. So I started with my Fitbit, I set reminders to go off every 20 minutes. Then every time my watch buzzed I took a sip.
Every 20 minutes seems too much.. but here's a better thing.. you should be peeing AT LEAST 4 times a day. If not, something is wrong. Taking small sips every 20 minutes is key to maintaining your hydration. Now, this is JUST for water, so if you are drinking other things, it doesn't count on those 20-minute blocks. Just remember, it's not "drink fluids", it's DRINK WATER.
Find a schedule that works for you, but don't neglect water just because you don't want to pee a bunch. Coming from a girl with Crohn's peeing 5 times a day is not nearly as terrible as going to the bathroom 20 times a day. Save yourself future medical problems by staying hydrated.
It's the only body you've got, and science isn't far enough along to do anything different. Take care of your body and your health. You deserve it. If it's as simple as drinking water, hopefully, this helped.
Let me know what you think of these ideas.
Follow along on Instagram @shayrigg
