PROPER HYDRATION
Hydration is key to achieving a healthy complexion, but did you know it is much more nuanced than drinking a gallon of water daily? On a cellular level, hydration is all about water quality, the balance of minerals, light & movement within the water, and eating hydrating, raw foods. These elements affect how much vital liquids are truly absorbed, retained, and utilized by the cells in our body. So, no more flushing those precious minerals down the urinary tract without replenishment! If you want to hydrate deeply, it goes way beyond plain water. Here are three tips for proper hydration:
Combine mineral-rich liquids and hydrating foods / Natural, mineral-rich liquids like coconut water, seawater, spring water, fruit juices, and bone broth are one part of the equation – while raw, water-rich foods grown in the sunlight are the other part (think: mangos, melons, cucumbers, citrus fruits, raw dairy, and raw fish/shellfish). It’s a dynamic duo for proper hydration within the body and exampled in hydrating dishes such as ceviche & mango + raw milk smoothies.
Structure the water you drink with light & movement / fill a glass with filtered water and find a pocket of direct sunlight. Expose the water to the sunlight and swirl it in circular motions for a few moments. This practice vibrationally repairs the water by mixing movement with light exposure - mirroring the natural spring frequency state (think of a spring or river, where the water is moving and exposed to sunlight for most of the day, depending on weather conditions). Water in this vibrational shape energizes the water within us, allowing for deep intra-cellular hydration.
Expose your skin to the sun / The more we expose our skin to UV (ultraviolet) and IR (infrared rays) from the sun, the easier it is for our bodies to utilize the water content of the foods & liquids we consume. Our tip is to make mineral mocktails (which combine the holy trinity of vitamin C, potassium, and sodium) and then sip them outside under sunlight for a boost of hydration. Our favorite combination is loose-leaf nettle, rosehip, raspberry, and dandelion tea with an added pinch of salt, a squeeze of citrus, and honey to your desired sweetness, steeped altogether and enjoyed daily.
Whether you’re looking to improve your digestion, complexion, or overall well-being, keep these simple tips in mind and see where you might be able to soak up a few extra minutes of sunlight or incorporate more mineral-rich liquids into your day. Your skin will surely love you for it!
**This is for general information and research purposes only, not medical advice. Ashley Cox is a certified IHP (Integrative Health Practitioner), wellness innovator, and writer based in San Diego, CA. When she’s not with her dog at the beach, or skiing in the mountains with family, she enjoys empowering others through research-forward writing and holistic skin education.