Water IS life. Literally.

We all know that water is a daily essential for function and ultimately survival.

What you may not realize is that drinking half you body weight in ounces or the commonly recommended 48+ ounces of water every day is not the bottom line.

A body will be hydrated enough with this intake.

Guess what? "Enough" may not be enough. Why???

Absorption!

Depending on your body's stage, age and situation on a given day, absorption, which is critical for EVERY cell and system in your brilliant human body to function properly, may not be adequate let alone optimal.

I feel to really understand the importance of this to your daily life and practices, we need to get a little sciency. I am a nerd when it comes to loving to dig into the science of the human body, but I also love a straight-forward explanation.

Let's see why water and it's absorption are so critical to how you feel and function.

1. Why is water so critical at a cellular level?

Water actually provides the shape and structure for every cell in our body.

Shape determines whether a cell is able to carry out it's biochemical task properly and allows cells to keep important molecules in and harmful ones out.

When cells don't have the water (which requires absorption), things tend to go South quickly.

2. How our cells operate is due to 2 fundamental components (found in every cell): DNA and Proteins. These are not just buzz words! Stick with me...

• DNA: Water helps maintain the double-helix structure of DNA. This shape is crucial for decoding genetic instructions and cell reproduction.
• Proteins: Proteins (blocks of amino acids) need to fold into specific shapes to function. Water influences this folding by interacting with different amino acids. What is an amino acid? Amino acids are molecules that make up proteins and form the Second largest component of our muscles and tissues (like fascia, nerves, blood), and also carry neurotransmitters (hello dopamine, serotonin, GABA, nor and epinephrine).

Just to be clear, DNA is the hidden genetic code within the cell of every life, that also makes you uniquely you.

Without water keeping it's shape, it's code is unreadable.

Proteins are the dynamo of cells. They are essential for muscle contraction, communication, digesting nutrients, and many other vital functions. Without the correct shape, proteins can't carry out these functions, leading to cellular dysfunction.

Shape is everything, you see. Thank you water!!

Remember your entire body is made up of an estimated 37 Trillion cells!!! And EVERY cell needs water.

Without water, cells cannot maintain shape and structure, properly decode DNA, or ensure proteins function correctly. This makes human growth, reproduction, and survival impossible.

Whew. A little sciency, but it helps so much to understand a little of the behind the scenes.

Now, why drinking alone may not cut it...

ABSORPTION is the key to actual cellular hydration, and you ARE your cells.

A few simple strategies to ensure you are absorbing that water:

• Drink 16 oz of water upon waking on an empty stomach, adding lemon further helps absorption.
• A pinch of Sea Salt (Celtic is the purest) or Himalayan pink helps cells hold water, morning and evening.
• Fibrous and hydrating foods help slow and maximize absorption of water in the small intestine and transport it to the body (vs peeing it out quickly). Celery, cucumber, melon, strawberries, citrus, lettuces, broccoli, squash, pineapple to name a few.
• Drink your water 30 minutes before and after your meal. Drinking during a meal can actually dilute nutrient absorption.
• Adding electrolytes (minerals) to boost the absorption especially in the digestive tract (Gut) can help cells retain water. Choose ones with natural ingredients and low in sugar (processing sugar can hamper water balance and decrease absorption in the cells).

Bottom Line: What does this have to do with how you feel and your perception of how well you are functioning?

Here are some real-life benefits you notice from being properly hydrated:

• Increased energy
• Improved mental clarity (hydrated nerve cells and tissue means better transmission of signals)
• Improved digestion
• Improved joint, muscle, fascia health (dehydrated, brittle joints and tissues add to pain and restriction)
• Detoxification (cells can avoid or flush the junk)
• Greater immunity
• Improved recovery
• Skin health
• Decreased risk of chronic disease
• Greater longevity and healthspan

Are you ready to focus on hydration and making sure absorption is happening?

Water is indispensable for maintaining the fundamental structures and functions within cells and as I mentioned, you are your 37 Trillion cells, highlighting its crucial role in life processes.

In turn, the benefits of being hydrated are worth making these simple steps a lifestyle habit.