The Powerful, Pleasurable Way to Hydrate
The Powerful, Pleasurable Way to Hydrate
How can we hydrate in a powerful, pleasurable and penetrating way?
Simple. The way humans and animals have done so for thousands of years. Through the foods we eat.
We know so much more about hydration than we used to. Scholars have revealed that throughout history, beings without direct access to water have hydrated through plants. Through roots, berries, and some kinds of seeds for example; and they’ve not only survived, they’ve thrived.
Why is the water we receive from foods so hydrating? Because the life-filled water inside many plant cells is amazingly similar to the water inside our own cells. In fact, this “live”
water can move right through our cell membranes some 5-fold more easily than water from non-natural origins, like the pipes in our homes and the bottles we buy in stores.
When water makes it into our cells (intracellular) it carries vital nutrients with it. Once inside, toxins are diluted, flushed out, and our cells are effectively “scrubbed” clean. This is why getting water into our cells is essential to health.
What are the most biologically compatible water-rich foods? Greens for one. As long as you can break the cells of the plants to release the fluid inside (by way of a “masticating” juicer or blender). Green juicing is a powerfully healing food because its potential to cleanse and nutrify our cells is huge.
Next on the list might be berries. Of all kinds. And root vegetables, like beets. Melons and cucumbers are also super hydrating. Soaked nuts and seeds. One of my favorites is chia seed, because when you soak it overnight and then make a pudding or a smoothie, the chia functions as “time release” hydration, as well as providing some good oils and non-digestible fiber that our good bacteria love to eat.
A pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice can biologically “activate” water and, don’t forget, pleasure, gratitude and sunshine are some of the most potent ways to build life and super-charge the water in our bodies. Water infused with life feels soooo good to drink. It’s tastes creamy, bright, and literally caresses your tongue. Add a little (or a lot!) of gratitude, a drop of sunshine and, viola! You have an instantly and deeply life-affirming 4-fold recipe for shifting to a hyper-hydrated, life-affirming and glorious fluid state at the start of your day.
I ADORE this rapturous smoothie recipe from Gina Bria:
10 MINUTES, SERVES 1
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 2 teaspoons rose petal jam
- ⅓ cup basil leaves
- ¾ cup blackberries
- juice from half a lime
- pinch of sea salt
- splash of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup filtered water
- Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender (i.e. Blendtec, Vitamix or Nutribullet).
Optional: serve over ice
Enjoy savoring every little sip while you count your blessings in the sunshine!
For a more complete picture, I invite you to discover the magic of anthropologist Gina Bria & Dr. Dana Cohen in their book Quench.
