On a hot summer day or after a workout in any season, sometimes water alone just doesn't cut it. If you have noticed that sometimes water is not enough, you are on to something. Drinking water is incredibly important to maintain good health but sometimes our bodies need somethin extra to actually absorb it.
If you are interested in this subject, pick up the book Quench, by Dana Cohen. There are many tips in this book about how to increase your hydration including consuming vegetable juices, herbal teas, and fruits. The book explains that drinking the water contained in plants is actually better then drinking water alone. There are also some herbs that can help the body hydrate such as chamomile.
Juicing is certainly ideal but it may not be feasible to juice every day. Herbal teas are a wonderful (and easy) way to add variety into your drinks while also increasing the benefits of water. Some herbal teas to try include:
- Hibiscus
- Peppermint
- Chamomile
- Licorice
- Elderflower or Elderberry
- Lavender
- Rosehip
All of these taste great and add nutrients to your water. Drink them hot or cold. Another way to increase hydration without added sugar is with a paleo electrolyte powder like LMNT. This one contains salt which also helps with the absorption of water. It sounds counterintuitive but the minerals in the salt help us hydrate.
We have an herbal blend tea in our shop called Herbal C Tea which is delicious and also has the added benefits of vitamin C from rosehips and hibiscus. It's a favorite among children and adults!
