I’ve always been passionate about water – I love watching it, swimming in it, and I even completed my MA Thesis on the sociological effects of water privatisation around the globe. Who owns water rights is a huge issue – in many places, if you control the source of water you basically have all the power.
I’m also very interested in the relationship between improving hydration and healing chronic illness. I believe that most of us are actually chronically dehydrated, and that many illnesses can be eased by working out how to hydrate our bodies at a deep level.
I think at this point, we all know we ‘should’ drink more water – but it’s not always happening. Some people find it really hard to make themselves drink the amount they know they need. And sometimes, even if we drink two litres in a day, we still feel thirsty, sluggish, or foggy. That’s because true hydration isn’t just about the quantity of water you’re consuming.
It turns out you can drink plenty of water and still be dehydrated if that water isn’t actually being absorbed into your cells. So this month I’m going to take a look at making the water we drink more valuable by adding in key nutrients that help our body ‘actually’ use the water we drink.
First things first: what’s the difference between hydrating and just drinking water?
Imagine pouring water on dry soil. Sometimes it soaks in… but sometimes it just runs off the top. That’s exactly what happens in your body. If you drink a big glass of plain water – especially if it’s filtered or distilled – and it lacks the necessary minerals, it may just flush through your system without really hydrating you.
Hydration, on the other hand, is cellular. It’s when water actually penetrates into your cells and tissues, helping them function, detoxify, and regenerate. True hydration is about water getting in – not just passing through. To get inside the cells, water sometimes needs some assistance from minerals like sodium, potassium and magnesium – also known as electrolytes.
When you’re sweating, exercising, breastfeeding, working in a hot kitchen, or even just stressed, you lose electrolytes, not just water. Hence your sweat tastes salty!
Electrolytes are tiny, electrically charged minerals that your body needs for hydration, energy, nerve function and muscle health, and drinking large amounts of water without paying attention to electrolytes can upset the balance of minerals in your body.
One simple way of making your drinking water more hydrating is to add electrolytes. You can make a DIY electrolyte mix using a good quality salt and some lime or lemon juice (see the recipe below) or you can buy a pre-made mix, or you can combine them both for the ultimate hydration drink.
There are many different forms of pre-made electrolytes available, but they often contain a lot of sugar or artificial sweeteners, so my preferred option is the ‘Electrolyte Fix Drops’ from Viridian.
‘Electrolyte Fix Drops’ contain all the electrolytes necessary for hydration in an ionic form, as well as all other minerals naturally present in sea water. Ionic refers to the mineral being ionically charged (attached to a negatively charged mineral complex). If the electrolytes are present in an ionic form it’s very helpful for effective hydration, including: Magnesium, for energy and muscle relaxation; Potassium, for heart rhythm and fluid balance; Sodium, to help absorption and nerve signals; Chloride, another key hydration mineral.
Along with a host of other trace minerals, and zero sugars. A bottle lasts ages, and it’s a brilliant daily support, especially if you don’t eat a ton of fruit and veg or if you’ve cut back on salt.
Another possible addition to your water is iodine – a trace mineral that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. It’s essential for your thyroid, which regulates your metabolism, energy, temperature, and even your mood.
In Ireland and the UK, we’ve seen a quiet return of mild iodine deficiency, especially in women of childbearing age, teens, and people who avoid dairy or seafood. Symptoms can include fatigue, foggy brain, cold hands and feet, or hormonal ups and downs.
To be confident you aren’t Iodine deficient, you can add a couple of iodine drops to your water once a day. It’s simple, inexpensive, and a gentle way to support your thyroid and energy levels – but do make sure not to overdo it. Iodine is powerful stuff, and more is ‘not’ always better.
Lime and salt
hydration drink
Makes 1 large glass (about 500ml)
Ingredients:
• Juice of half a fresh lime
• A pinch of good quality sea salt (Celtic or Himalayan – about one-eighth tsp)
• 2.5 ml of Viridian Electrolyte Fix
• Optional: 1 drop of iodine
• A full glass of sparkling or spring water
Method:
Squeeze the lime into your glass. Add the salt and stir until dissolved. Add your electrolyte drops and iodine (if using). Fill up with cold water and enjoy!
“Pimping up your water” isn’t just another wellness trend – it’s a genuinely practical way to help your body get more from what you drink. A few drops of electrolytes, a splash of iodine, and a touch of salt or lime can make all the difference between just drinking water and actually hydrating.
Give it a go for a few weeks and see how you feel – since I started adding electrolytes to my water every morning I feel more clearer-headed, more energised, and more hydrated.
And if you want help getting started or figuring out the best options for you, pop into Organico – we’ve got everything you need to make your daily water that much more effective.
Organico Shop Deli & Bakery is open from 9-6pm Monday – Saturday, on Glengarriff Road in Bantry. Call us on 027 51391; if you have any questions, email us on
info@organico.ie and find us online on www.organico.ie.
