Here's to Healthy Hydrating!

Important Note: Please be aware that electrolyte imbalances can be caused by impaired kidney function, fluid retention, and kidney stones.

There are lots of ways to hydrate!!  The main thing is finding ways that motivate you to be consistent with hydration and ensuring sufficient potassium, sodium, trace minerals, etc. with quality ingredients. If flavored drinks help, you have options, (just NOT Gatorade). 

Regarding Gatorade, according to Dr. Livingood:

“Outside of being extremely toxic, Gatorade is absolutely loaded with sugar. The bottle is deceiving. It says that it has 21 grams of sugar. If you go back to the serving size (12 fluid ounces) you’ll find three servings in this one bottle. That makes over 60 grams of sugar! This drink has been marketed as a “sports drink”, but the reality is that this much sugar will actually decrease your performance and deplete your body of nutrients every time it’s consumed.”

Notice the ingredients in Cherry Glacier Gatorade, which has 0 grams of sugar. Avoid these in bold!

WATER, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVOR, SODIUM CITRATE, SALT, MONOPOTASSIUM PHOSPHATE, MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, MIXED TRIGLYCERIDES, SUCRALOSE, GLYCEROL ESTER OF ROSIN, ACESULFAME POTASSIUM

For individuals who may be sensitive to citrus or acidity, read nutrition labels before buying or consuming drinks. Citric acid is a prevalent additive, according to Toxicology Reports, and it is the second ingredient after water in some energy drinks. The citric acid can erode tooth enamel.

Important on Sugars - Look for hydrating drink options with clean ingredients and less sugars.

• AVOID all of the artificial sweeteners (Sucralose, Saccharin, Aspartame, Advantame, Neotame, Acesulfame Potassium (Ace-K))

• LIMIT sugar alcohols (Erythritol, Xylitol, Mannitol, Sorbitol) 

• LIMIT/AVOID natural flavors

• BETTER to reduce quantities of regular table sugar. A new sugar substitute on the market that so far doesn't seem so bad is Allulose. 

• BEST natural sweeteners include organic maple syrup, coconut sugar, stevia, monk fruit, fruit purees and raw honey. 

Everyone’s taste preferences are different and evolve over time with what we eat and the status of our gut microbiome bacteria. Experiment to find what works best for you and remember, if you don't like the flavor, you can return the product. Personally, I like coconut water (no added sugars) and as an alcohol evening substitute, I also like Kombucha.

Here are a few options I found online you may want to check out:

• https://www.amazon.com/Kirkland-Signature-Organic-Coconut-Water/dp/B07R7XH68Q

• GTS LIVING FOODS Organic Synergy Kombucha

• https://sturdrinks.com/

• https://www.amazon.com/Enhancer-Calorie-Packets-Flavoring-Powder/dp/B004RZ63K

• Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Packets- 20 Count- Keto & Sugar Free- On the Go Convenience- Feel Replenished, Revitalized- Non-GMO & Vegan Electrolyte Drink Mix 

• Dr. Berg's Electrolytes Powder Packets - Travel Size Electrolyte Packets Drink Mix - Boost Energy & Keto-friendly - Hydration Powder Packets No Sugar & No Maltodextrin - 7 Flavors 28 Stick Pack

• https://essentialelementsnutrition.com/

• https://banadrink.com/

• https://store.drlivingood.com/products/livingood-daily-energyze-strawberry-lemonade

• Dr. Berg's Original Keto Electrolytes Powder (50 Servings) - Sugar Free Electrolyte Powder - No Maltodextrin - No natural flavors - Hydration Powder - Strawberry & Lemonade Flavor 

• Organic Coconut Water. Sold at Costco.

• Essential Oils:  https://www.revive-eo.com/ and https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy

• Sole water – made with Himalayan Sea Salt (only the kind from Pakistan).

  • Here's how:   https://nourishedkitchen.com/sole-water/

  • How to use the sole solution: Mix 1 teaspoon of the concentrated sole in a glass of water and consume on an empty stomach every morning. Do not use metal equipment to measure or touch the sole with metal objects.

Mornings

First thing in the morning, have at least 17 oz. water. You can do 8 oz warm water with 1 tsp to 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon for liver detoxing. Just be sure to rinse your teeth afterwards so the acidity doesn’t have a negative impact on your enamel.

Alkalinity Drink - First thing in the morning or before dinner, 8 oz. water, 1 Tbsp ACV, 1 tsp Lemon Juice, 1/4 tsp baking soda. Helps lower acidity in your body and create alkalinity. PH Strips can be used to check levels. 

Caffeine Intake - wait 90 minutes after waking to give your body time for all adenosine to dissipate. This helps your natural biological functioning and chemical messengers for optimized metabolic functioning. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/adenosine-and-sleep

(NOTE: If caffeine sensitive, avoid caffeine up to 8 hrs. before bedtime to deter blocking natural adenosine for evening rest.)

Food Intake – wait at least 12 hours after your last food intake from the night before. Fasting has many benefits, which will be outlined in a separate paper.

Afternoons

Try Macha tea, which has fat to quench afternoon sugar cravings. Or a cup of green tea instead of coffee. Pique Life is a trustworthy quality brand without pesticides, etc. https://www.piquelife.com/collections/all 

Evenings

Allow 2 hours after your last meal before bedtime.