The Essential Winter Ritual Everyone Forgets

The human body is amazing; it can last WEEKS without food, not that we suggest trying it! But when it comes to water, it can only last days. The average person’s weight is at least half water. Each day, the body naturally loses up to 3 litres of water, even more in hot temperatures and during exercise. This goes to show that staying hydrated is not only vital to our survival, it encourages optimal health, including moisturising the skin, aiding digestion and eliminating waste from the body.

During winter, maintaining hydration can be easily forgotten when the temperature drops. Common signs of dehydration include:

• Headache
• Dry mouth and lips
• Fatigue
• Mood changes

Although water is and easy option, the good news is that there are plenty of healthy hot drinks and tasty alternatives that help sustain hydration levels when you don’t feel like water.

Start with herbal tea. Herbal teas can provide therapeutic benefits ranging from invigorating the senses in the morning to calming sleep teas at night. Different herbs and spices can also help encourage antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Come and check out our huge range of herbal teas on offer, including Pukka Organic and Planet Organic teas.

Try spicing your day up with a deliciously creamy turmeric latte. Turmeric contains a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. This is particularly useful during winter for stiff joints. It’s also known in ancient Ayurveda medicine as improving essential energy for the body and mind. Try Organic Sol Spice Golden Milk Turmeric Blend stirred with hot water and your favourite dairy or nut milk for a creamy, hydrating alternative to warm up with.

If you don’t mind a cool drink during winter, but get bored of water easily, try Mojo Certified Organic Kombucha Sparkling Kombucha. There are heaps of Mojo flavours to choose from at your local Flannerys that your taste buds will love, not to mention how happy your gut will be with the abundance of probiotics Mojo contains.

Another gut-friendly water alternative to hydrate with is Aloe Vera of Australia’s Aloe Vera Inner Leaf Juice. The cold pressed inner leaf juice is high in antioxidants and grown under organic conditions. It can aid digestion and with an abundance of amino acids helps energise the body and support muscle structure.

Finally, Ethical Nutrients’ Re-Hydrate helps replace the body’s essential electrolytes, which is particularly important if you’re dehydrated from sickness or heavy sweating. Electrolytes are critical in the body for nerve, heart and muscle functioning. It’s easy to use, simply stir a sachet in a glass of water and the kids will love the lemon lime flavour.

Speak to our in-store Naturopaths for advice on staying hydrated and always seek professional medical advice from your healthcare provider.