Why What You Drink Matters More Than You Think
I believe we've been lied to.
Sure what you eat is important, but my experience suggests that what you drink (or don't drink) plays a much bigger role in our health and how we feel than any piece of chocolate, cookie or gummy bear ever did.
Have you ever felt like you're constantly battling fatigue, struggling with your mood, or just not feeling your best? Despite watching what you eat, it seems like something's missing. Well, what if I told you that the missing piece might not be on your plate, but in your cup?
Let’s dive into the often overlooked aspect of hydration and its profound impact on our health and well-being. From your morning coffee routine to those tempting energy drinks, we'll uncover the truth about what you're really putting into your body and why it matters more than you might realize.
The Deceptive Culprits:
Let's spill the beans (or should I say, coffee beans?) on some sneaky sippers that might be messing with your mojo and causing you to be far from your best emotionally and physically. From your morning mug of joe to those tempting happy hour celebrations, these drinks pack a punch you never signed up for.
Coffee: Ah, the elixir of life for many of us. But did you know that slurping down that sacred brew can turn your tummy into a grumbling volcano? Consuming coffee on an empty stomach can actually do more harm than good. Not only can it wreak havoc on your gut, but it can also disrupt essential hormones like cortisol*, leaving you feeling more stressed than refreshed.
Alcohol: Cheers to a good time, right? Well, maybe not for your liver. Turns out, that fancy cocktail is like a Trojan horse, sneaking toxins into your system faster than you can say "hangover." As much as we enjoy unwinding with a glass of wine or a cocktail, it's important to remember that alcohol is treated as a poison by our bodies when digested. This means that indulging in too much can have serious repercussions on our health, from liver damage to impaired cognitive function.
Soda: Pop, fizz, gulp – and before you know it, you're on a sugar high rollercoaster headed straight for the dentist's chair. Who knew those innocent bubbles could wreak such havoc. Whether it's regular or diet, soda is a beverage many of us consume without considering the consequences. Yet, the truth is that these drinks can contribute to a myriad of health issues, including weight gain, tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular problems.
Energy Drinks: In our fast-paced world, energy drinks have become a popular choice for a quick boost of vitality. However, these seemingly innocent beverages often come with a host of side effects, including heart rhythm disturbances, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure.
Now, you might be wondering, what do all of these beverages have in common? The answer lies in their failure to adequately hydrate our bodies. Despite our best intentions, most of us live in a chronic state of dehydration without even realizing it.
Mild dehydration may manifest as subtle symptoms like fatigue or headaches, while severe dehydration can have serious consequences, including kidney damage, brain damage, and even death. It's clear that proper hydration isn't just about quenching your thirst – it's essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being.
The beverages we choose to consume can have a profound impact on our overall health and how we feel on a daily basis. While it's important to be mindful of what we eat, we can't overlook the importance of what we drink and how we take care of our gut.
By making conscious choices to prioritize hydration and opt for beverages that nourish rather than harm our bodies, we can take significant steps towards achieving a healthier and happier lifestyle. So, the next time you reach for that cup of coffee or soda, remember the power of hydration and choose wisely.
Your body will thank you for it.
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~Judy Davis is on a mission to help you go from “I’m fine” to “never better” and mean it. She is a motivational speaker, published author and mental wellness mentor with information, products and books that are go to resources to help people reduce anxiety and stress so they can find balance in their lives.