Hydration is often overlooked despite being one of the simplest ways to maintain balance and promote overall well-being. It is a vital element of holistic health as it impacts bodily functions, promotes wellness, and supports key organs. Natural sources of hydration like water and herbal teas are ideal for promoting improved health and an overall sense of balance. This article covers the key points to remember about hydration and its role in holistic health practices.
The role of hydration in physical health
Here are some of the main ways hydration contributes to physical health and wellness:
Hydration and homeostasis
Proper hydration helps maintain homeostasis, which refers to balance within the body. It does so by regulating temperature, transporting nutrients, and flushing out harmful toxins, allowing the body to function properly.
Hydration's impact on key systems
Here are three key systems hydration helps support:
Digestive health
Proper hydration is essential for digestion, as water helps break down food, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Staying hydrated also prevents constipation by softening stools and promoting regular bowel movements, which supports overall gut health.
Circulatory system health
Water plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient blood flow, ensuring that nutrients and oxygen are properly delivered to cells throughout the body. Staying hydrated helps the circulatory system function smoothly, preventing strain on the heart and improving overall cardiovascular health.
Skin health
Hydration is key to maintaining skin elasticity, as water helps keep skin cells plump and resilient, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Drinking enough water also prevents dryness by keeping the skin moisturised from within, promoting a healthy, glowing complexion.
The benefits of water for holistic wellness
Water is a key element of holistic wellness. Here’s why:
Water is the foundation of holistic health
Drinking enough water daily is essential for maintaining mental clarity, as proper hydration supports brain function, concentration, and mood regulation. Water also fuels energy levels by aiding in cellular processes, helping to prevent fatigue and enhance physical performance. Additionally, staying hydrated ensures that vital organs like the kidneys, liver, and heart function efficiently, supporting detoxification, circulation, and overall bodily health.
Tips for optimal hydration
Here are three key tips for maintaining proper hydration:
- Try to drink water first thing in the morning to help rehydrate your body after sleep, rid yourself of toxins, and boost your energy levels. This sets you up for a successful day of proper hydration.
- If you’re not a fan of the taste of water or tend to find it boring, try adding lemon, lime, mint, and/or cucumber for extra flavour and nutrients. This helps keep you hydrated without the need for artificial additives like those found in soft drinks.
- A great way to ensure you’re properly hydrated is by tracking your daily water intake. This allows you to assess where you’re at and use that information to set and meet healthy hydration goals.
The hydration and nutrition of herbal teas
Here are some key points to understand about the benefits of different types of herbal teas and how they impact hydration:
Nutrient-rich hydration
Herbal teas not only hydrate the body but also deliver a variety of essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, that support overall health. Rich in antioxidants, herbal teas help combat oxidative stress and promote cellular repair. Different herbal blends offer specific plant-based benefits, like calming the mind, aiding digestion, or boosting the immune system, making them a flavourful and functional way to stay hydrated. While they should not entirely replace water, drinking them in addition to water is a great way to add a nutritious boost to your hydration routine.
Herbal teas and their benefits
Here is an overview of the most popular types of herbal teas and their benefits:
Green tea
Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect cells from damage, support heart health, and may reduce the risk of certain diseases. It also boosts metabolism and enhances brain function due to its caffeine content and the amino acid L-theanine, promoting mental alertness and focus without the jitteriness associated with other caffeinated drinks.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is full of antioxidants, and is widely known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Often consumed before bedtime, it can aid in improving sleep quality by soothing the nervous system and encouraging restful sleep. It may also support digestive and heart health while boosting immunity.
Fruit tea
Fruit tea blends provide hydration while delivering a refreshing mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and natural flavours from fruits like berries, citrus, and apples. These blends can support immune and digestive health, boost energy levels, and satisfy cravings without added sugars, making them a healthy and flavourful alternative to sugary drinks.
Peppermint tea
Peppermint tea is known for its ability to aid digestion by relaxing the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, helping to alleviate bloating, gas, and indigestion. Additionally, it has cooling, anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe headaches, clear nasal congestion, and promote relaxation.
Rooibos tea
Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal option that provides essential minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, supporting bone health and promoting better circulation. Its antioxidant content also helps reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress, making it a beneficial choice for overall wellness without the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Combining hydration and CBD
Hydration and CBD can go hand in hand when you choose the right products. The most popular options include water-soluble CBD for its versatility and CBD teas for their convenience and flavours. Both offer excellent absorption rates, making them highly effective methods of consuming CBD. Here are some key points to consider:
Water-soluble CBD
Water-soluble CBD is an ideal option for those wanting to combine hydration with the benefits of CBD. Simply add your desired number of drops to any hot or cold drink to enjoy a wellness-boosting beverage.
CBD teas
CBD teas combine the benefits of tea with the potential balancing effects of CBD. They come in many types and flavours, allowing you to choose what best suits your needs and preferences. Simply steep your CBD teabag as you would any other cup of tea, remove once brewed, and enjoy.
Tips for use
Here are a couple of practical tips for combining CBD with hydration:
- When to incorporate CBD tea into your routine: CBD tea can fit into multiple parts of your routine. For example, you may want a caffeinated green or black tea in the morning to boost your energy, and a decaf fruit blend in the evening to help you unwind.
- When to incorporate water-soluble CBD into your routine: Water-soluble CBD can fit into any part of your routine, depending on when you prefer to take your CBD dose(s) throughout the day. For example, it can be included in anything from your morning coffee to your post-work mocktail, depending on what suits you.
Understanding your personal hydration needs
Understanding your hydration needs involves considering factors like your activity level, climate, and overall health. More physically active individuals or those living in hot climates require greater water intake to compensate for fluid loss through sweat. Additionally, personal health conditions, such as pregnancy, illness, or medications, may increase the body’s water requirements to maintain optimal hydration and bodily function. For example, remember that if you take CBD, even water-soluble CBD, you’ll need to boost your hydration.
Key takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about hydration and holistic health:
- Hydration is essential for maintaining holistic health, as it supports vital bodily functions like digestion, circulation, and skin health.
- Drinking enough water ensures your body stays in balance, while herbal teas provide additional nutrients, antioxidants, and plant-based benefits.
- Incorporating both water and herbal teas into your routine helps promote overall wellness, reducing inflammation and aiding in relaxation.
- By staying hydrated, you support mental clarity, energy levels, and long-term health.
- For an extra wellness boost, consider incorporating CBD into your hydration routine.
- Make sure your level of hydration is suitable for your activity level, climate, and overall health.
