Drinking Enough (Clean) Water?
Whenever anyone brings up a discussion about acne, one of the first things that follows is, “Are you drinking enough water?” We’ve all heard it, but how do we really know if we ARE drinking enough? And what if the water is impure? They don’t ever bring up the benefits of pure water and the detriments or prevalence of tainted water!
How Much Water is Enough? (1 oz. per 1 lb.)
The old formula used to be eight eight-ounce glasses a day; but what about babies? Certainly, they shouldn’t drink that much while high-performance athletes likely require much more than that! The new rule-of-thumb is: an ounce of water per pound of body-weight.
So, how do we know where to draw the line with this equation? It comes down to activity and environment. If you live in a hot environment or exercise a bit, then drink an equal amount; if you exercise a LOT and live in a HOT environment, then you should drink even more! Be sure to use your best judgment.
Water Filters: Just a Bottle or the Whole System?
With recent advancements in technology, it isn’t difficult to go out and buy a water bottle (or straw) that provides access to perfectly clean water, while the built-in filter does all the work. (We used to need to start a campfire and boil it!) But if you have a family to hydrate, then you should invest in a system that connects to your plumbing.
While larger water filter systems/pitchers can help, it gets old having to refill it two or three times a day. Fortunately, we have Whole House systems, which can both soften the water and eliminate any toxins which may have been present at the reservoir, well, or collected from the pipes. These Whole House systems last for years and don’t require any maintenance, so you can install it and start drinking!
Eat Your Water! Wait… What?
Maybe you just can’t stand drinking water, I’ve been there- it gets old after your 100th ounce! Fortunately, we can get the dual effect of eating healthy and drinking water by eating foods that have a high water-content: that means fruits and vegetables. (Professional Tip: The Institute of Medicine suggests 20% of your water intake from food.)
Tasty ‘Waters’ you can try are: Coconut Water, Grapefruit Juice, and Watermelon Juice (these are low in sugars but high in nutrients); consider soups (but don’t boil your veggies, because you lose most of the nutrients when you drain the water); and foods like: avocados, strawberries, yogurt, and tomatoes.
Time to Hydrate!
It’s time to get serious about hydration. Not only will it help you flush toxins from your body and clear up your acne, but it will improve every aspect of your health! From helping you digest your food, to craving less, and having more energy; water is the key to healthy living. But make sure it’s clean! And don’t forget you can have your cake and eat it too by eating delicious foods and drinks with a high water-content.
