The Power of Water
Staying properly hydrated is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to cleanse the body from the inside out. Water helps flush toxins, prevents constipation, aids digestion, boosts kidney function, and more. However, with so many beverages, it can be tempting to overlook plain old H2O. Here’s why increasing your pure water intake is so important for cleansing your system, along with tips for making it more enticing with natural flavors and mineral-rich.
Why Water Matters
Water makes up about 60% of our body weight. Every cell and bodily process requires it to function correctly. Water transports nutrients, removes waste, regulates temperature, lubricates joints, cushions organs, and facilitates detoxification. Even mild dehydration hinders both physical and mental performance. To reap the cleansing benefits, make sure you’re drinking you're.
Your daily water intake should be based on your body weight to ensure proper hydration.
Daily Water Intake = Body Weight (in kilograms) x 0.035
Boosts Toxin Removal
Water provides the main exit route for toxins. Adequate hydration keeps things moving smoothly through your gastrointestinal tract. Water is also necessary for producing urine; the body’s liquid nutrients must dissolve into your bloodstream on their way to cells, and the kidneys filter out accompanying metabolic byproducts. Getting sufficient fluids helps the kidneys efficiently remove toxins, urea, and excess mineral ions that would otherwise build up.
Supports Gut and Liver Health
The gut and liver are your body's major pathways to eliminate toxins. The intestinal tract excretes solid wastes and houses trillions of bacteria that help metabolize harmful compounds. The liver filters blood from the digestive tract before circulating through your body. It neutralizes drug residues, chemical additives, excess hormones, and other unwanted substances. Both organs need ample water to function properly and break down toxins.
Prevents Constipation
Constipation occurs when stool moves too slowly through the colon, allowing excess water to be reabsorbed. This makes stools hard, dry, and difficult to pass. Staying hydrated keeps your digestive system slippery and things moving smoothly. Shoot for 30 grams of fiber per day as well. Fiber soaks up fluid in your intestine, adding bulk and moisture to stool. It’s cleansing the entire GI tract.
Discourages Bingeing
Thirst signals can sometimes mimic hunger, leading you to eat when you need fluids. Staying on top of your water intake helps avoid this. We're thirsty and mineral-deficient when we crave snacks like chips, candy, or baked goods. Water provides a zero-calorie way to fill your tummy and prevent overeating and bloating. Bingeing on unhealthy treats hampers your body’s natural cleansing abilities.
Bolsters Exercise Performance
Exercise provides a deep cleansing effect by increasing circulation, oxygenation, and sweating. But all that movement and sweating leads to fluid losses that must be continually replaced. Even mild dehydration can hinder your workouts. Aim to drink about half a cup every 15-20 minutes when exercising. Weight training, hot yoga, high-intensity intervals, and other hardcore workouts require more. Hydrating properly allows your body to exercise more efficiently and reap the full cleansing benefits.
Ways to Perk Up Plain Water
While water should make up the bulk of your fluid intake, adding flavor and drinking mineral-rich liquids can provide variety and additional cleansing benefits. Here are some healthy ways to jazz up your water:
● Fresh lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit wedges or slices
● Fresh mint, basil, cucumber, or watermelon chunks
● Frozen berry cubes
● A splash of 100% fruit juice
● Sliced ginger root or cinnamon sticks
● Rose water or orange flower water
● Herbal teas like nettle, hibiscus, mint, chamomile or rooibos
● Sparkling mineral water
Make a big pitcher of fruit-infused water to keep on hand. Hydrating properly allows your body’s innate systems to work at their best all day.
