Hydrate and then hydrate some more

"One of the first signs of dehydration is headache and nausea. So if you have a headache or stomach ache, try drinking a glass of water.” — Christy Krail-Javier

Feeling thirsty? Time to reach for that water bottle and take a sip! As the summertime temperatures soar, ensuring you are drinking enough water becomes a priority, whether you are active or sedentary. 
Because the average human body is about 75 percent water, staying hydrated has a direct impact on our health. Water is vital for almost every bodily function including regulating temperature, lubricating joints, transporting nutrients throughout the body and it impacts our ability to maintain proper body weight. It plays a significant role in maintenance of health and prevention of disease. Miss a sip, and your body will start to react.
“One of the first signs of dehydration is headache and nausea. So if you have a headache or stomach ache, try drinking a glass of water before you pop that pill,” states Christy Krail-Javier, a board certified nutritional consultant and owner of Food Camp RX.

“A laundry list of serious medical conditions can be linked to a chronic state of dehydration. Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening,” continues Krail-Javier.  “A simple case of dehydration can often be mistaken. The lack of recognition can lead to mismanagement of symptoms and if left to linger, over time, long-term health conditions can develop.”
Fatigue, constipation, headaches, indigestion, muscle and joint aches and pains, high blood pressure, depression, allergies, lack of mental clarity, skin issues and excess weight all can be contributed to dehydration.
A simple rule of thumb:  When you’re drinking enough water and properly hydrated, your urine will be essentially clear.
Staying hydrated should not be a chore!  Try following these simple tips:
• Determine your daily water consumption. When it comes to fluid intake, a good general rule of thumb is to consume 1 ounce of water for 2 pounds of body weight per day. “Obviously individuals involved in heavy exercise, manual labor, or exposed to heat may require more fluid intake, along with electrolytes to help the absorption of the fluids,” says Krail-Javier.
• Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake. Begin a daily habit of having a glass of water as soon as your feet hit the floor. More than likely, you haven’t had water during the night time hours, so hydrating first thing is a great way to start your day.

"A laundry list of serious medical conditions can be linked to a chronic state of dehydration. Symptoms can range from mild to life threatening.”   — Christy Krail-Javier​

• Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day. In fact, have a few — one in your purse, in your car and at the office. Always have one on hand to make it easy to sip throughout the day to ward off your thirst.
• Keep in mind the quality of your water. Opt for clean, purified or filtered water. “Bottled waters deserve some special attention because they are not always as pure as you might expect them to be. When it comes to choosing a bottled water it must be void of impurities and pristine in flavor profile. Artesian well water and water from fresh natural springs are some of the best choices,” Krail-Javier comments.
• Limit caffeinated beverages, sugary drinks and alcohol. These liquid culprits actually dehydrate the body and increase the need for additional hydration. Substitute flavored water drops, containing only organic stevia, added to sparkling water for your soda fix.
• Consider hydration sources other than water. These choices include infused water, fresh raw organic coconut water, fresh raw green vegetable juices and herbal teas.
• Choose plant-based foods packed with water and minerals. Cucumbers, celery, radishes, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, carrots and leafy greens are some with the highest natural water content.
If you are interested in evaluating your fluid status accurately and effectively,  Krail-Javier recommends bioimpedence analysis by a trained healthcare professional.

Christy Krail-Javier , Food Camp RX, located inside Alpha Omega Performance, 490 E. Heinberg St., Pensacola; 850-291-2932; stayfitnlovelife@yahoo.com; foodcamprx.com.