Adequate hydration is essential for the human body as much of our body is made of water. The brain and muscles in our body are approximately 75% water, while the blood in our body is about 82% water.
Unfortunately, most people are dehydrated. This can lead to a number of problems in the body. To begin with,
even very mild dehydration can slow down a person’s metabolism by as much as 3%.
It is also believed to be the number one trigger of daytime fatigue. On a deeper level, it becomes more difficult for nutrients to access the cells and for toxins to be removed by the lymphatic system when a body is dehydrated. This can lead to a break down of the immune system and chronic illness.
Interestingly, children can be at an increased risk of dehydration as their bodies do not regulate body temperature as well as adults. As children do not sweat as much, it is important to ensure they are drinking adequate amounts of water to cool their bodies.
Our hydration capacity is determined by a matrix of carbohydrate chains that permeate our body and this is predominantly determined by our diet. To rehydrate the body, we must increase our fluid intake to approximately 2 litres per day. However, not all fluid is equal! Water, herbal teas and vegetable juices are best. Black tea, coffee, alcohol and soft drinks are diuretics, which actually leach fluid from the body. Therefore, it is best to refrain from drinking these sorts of drinks or keep them to a minimum.
If you do not normally drink 2 litres per day, then at first you may find that you are always passing water. However, as your body rehydrates this will change. It is similar to watering a potted plant that has completely dried out – most of the water passes straight through until the soil learns to absorb it again.
Diet is also very important in hydrating the body. There are certain foods that are high in water content or have the ability to retain water such as high fibre foods. A diet containing plenty of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits will aid the rehydration process. Foods that hinder hydration include animal protein (a by-product of protein is urea, which is a diuretic) and dry processed foods. At the other end of the spectrum salt draws fluid into the cells, which can cause fluid retention. With either dehydration or fluid retention the results are similar - stagnation of bodily fluids.
A wholesome vegan diet including a variety of beautiful foods that Mother Earth provides for us is the key to optimal health. This has been proven time and time again. May we all enjoy this wonderful diet and ensure we drink plenty of fluids during these hot summer months. Be Love – Be Peace – Be Vegan.
Much of the information in this article was sourced from a wonderful book called Dietary Healing: the complete detox program, by Kathryn Alexander.
