Season of Fire

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Here in the northern hemisphere—and especially in Southern California—there is no doubt that it’s summer. Things are heating up. That only makes sense as it is, after all, governed by the fire element if you follow the 5 Elements of Chinese Medicine.

So what’s that mean?

Bottom line is this: it’s hot!

Seriously though. You all know it’s important to stay hydrated in the heat. There’s more to staying healthy in the heat than simply drinking water. Over the next month you can read a series of posts regarding the different aspects of the season and how to stay healthy and energized throughout the summer, including:

  • organ systems
  • foods to eat, foods to avoid
  • emotional balance
  • the interconnectedness of winter and summer

Today is all about hydration. It’s important to keep your fluids in balance and equally important is keeping mineral and electrolytes in balance. Here are a few things that can help you do just that.

  1. Limit the amount of sugary drinks you consume. When sugar is moving through you bloodstream, it will start to pull water from your cells and trigger a chain reaction that leaves you feeling thirsty. So you drink more. And then get more thirsty…and the spiral continues.
  2. Add coconut water to your liquid beverage intake. It’s a great source of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, folate, selenium…more electrolytes than most sports drinks without the chemicals or calories. NOTE: Be sure to check the label, some coconut water has added sugar. You want to avoid this for the reasons noted in the previous point.
  3. Treat yourself to a watermelon refresher. Blend up some watermelon, a few strawberries and mint (can also use cilantro) for a bit of hydrating goodness.

I’ll be honest. Staying hydrated is something I have to consciously be on top of for myself. I get so focused on projects that hours can go by and I haven’t taken a single sip. To combat that, I recently downloaded Daily Water Tracker. It’s not been long enough to say if it’s helping me to increase my intake, yet I’m confident that even setting the intention to increase my consumption will go a long way.

If you’re “not a water drinker” what is one thing you’ve done in the past to help yourself stay hydrated?

Naomi

PS – There are some great recipes for refreshing, hydrating and detoxifying drinks in the upcoming seasonal challenge and detox. Stay tuned to my blog for more info on that!