The role of water is nothing less than miraculous. It affects us on a number of levels and can literally make the difference between life and death.
Water’s Role
- Supplies body’s tissues with oxygen and nutrients
- Flushes toxins from the body
- Is essential for circulation
- Regulates the body’s cooling system
- Protects cells from diseases and viruses
- Acts as a lubricant around joints
- Maintains proper muscle tone
- Improves skin tone, texture and resilience
- Is a natural diuretic
- Acts as a natural appetite suppressant
- Helps metabolize stored fat
- Is necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption
- Helps prevent premature aging
Nothing can replace our bodies’ need for water and despite our bodies’ water requirements, it has been estimated that 75 percent of North Americans are chronically dehydrated and fail to drink the recommended amount of at least eight cups of water (250 ml X 8) a day. In fact, studies show that the majority of people only drink about two-thirds of what they need to replace their ?uid loss. Keep in mind that if you drink only when your mouth is dry and you feel thirsty, you’ve already put your body through dehydration. 
That being said, water isn’t exactly the most delicious of drinks. Many of us our tempted by the various flavors of soda, juice, and so on. Though liquid, these drinks do not have the same benefit as drinking water. In fact, many of them can dehydrate us. The good news is this: Water doesn’t have to be boring. You can make water delicious by adding a few ingredients you probably already have in your house!
We’ve been making our own flavored water at the clinic by adding various fruits, vegetables, and herb mixes to filtered water. The result is absolutely delicious! Add pineapple, lemon, lime, oranges, watermelon, mint, rosemary, berries, cucumbers, or whatever your taste buds desire for an awesome tasting, healthy beverage!
What’s even better is that the kids seem to love it! Add your child’s favorite fruit to a glass pitched of water and they will be sure to drink their daily-recommended dose.
Below are a few recipes we’ve tried and loved:
- Pineapple and Mint
- Lemon and Cucumber
- Watermelon and Mint
- Grapefruit and Mandarin (fresh sliced and mulled)
- Pomegranate and Blueberry (frozen)
- Cranberry and Orange (frozen cranberries and orange slices)
- Apple (slices – So fresh tasting)
- Mango and Kiwi (a light tropical taste)
- Lime/mint leaf (mojito flavor!
- Pineapple and Mango
If you want to spruce it up even more – try these combinations with sparkling water or coconut water.
Here’s to staying hydrated and healthy this season by making naturally flavored water!