Without being scientific and making your eyes cross with too much information, I will tell you simply put: dehydration will age you and make you fat. Yeah, I knew those simple facts would get your attention. It is important to read on for better health.

Do yourself a favor and drink up, starting now. Here is why:

Let’s start with why dehydration can age you. Your skin has something called fibroblasts, the cells in connective tissue that produce collagen and other fibers. This is how wond healing occurs. This is why women flock to their estheticians and doctors seeking treatment for sagging skin because they have lost these important cells. The treatments stimulate collagen production to regenerate a smoother, firmer looking skin. Water is the fountain of youth by keeping the cells in your connective tissue hydrated so they can perform as they should. If you wake up and your face looks like it is still sleeping, or you feel aches in your neck, back and joints, or if you feel lethargic, you are most likely experiencing symptoms of dehydration. Nearly two thirds of your body is water. You need this hydration for stimulation of fibroblasts and to aid in helping your body function properly. It is essential for circulation, vascular health and healthy cells.

The skinny on fat is simple. You drink water you get skinny. If you eat a high sugary and acidic diet and don’t drink enough water for your body to flush out those toxins your fat cells will hold on to them to protect your body. If you stop eating poorly your body will stop producing as many fat cells and you not only look younger by drinking water, you naturally become thinner because your body can let those fat cells go. So with this being said, stop the nonsense diets and energy diet drinks loaded with sugar and caffeine. Caffeine dehydrates your body and sugar makes your body acidic, both make you hold fat cells. Alcohol will also dehydrate you. Sorry ladies, the wine diet and skipping a meal won’t make you lose weight, either. Change your thinking and it will change your body.

Here are my tips:

How much water to drink: Take your body weight in the morning. Say it is 150 pounds, multiply x 0.6 = 90 oz. Yes, that is how much you should be drinking if you did the math. Now, if you get lots of exercise and are out in the heat most of the day you are losing more fluids so you should up the intake of water even more.

Now, about water: Water is not just water. Some water is loaded with chemicals. You want ionized alkaline pH water. You can get an “ionized” water filter system or become familiar with the pH level of waters. For example, Fiji has a pH of 7.5 and San Pellagrino 7.6; the glass bottle is even better. It is well worth spending the money on water or a system that is going to make the world of difference in your health.

Try some of these foods with high water content:

  • Lettuce
  • Watermelon
  • Broccoli
  • Grapefruit
  • Yogurt
  • Grapes
  • Berries
  • Apples

* Remember READ LABELS. Organic is pesticide free. Please keep that in mind with Grapes, Berries, and Apples.

You can reach me at Robin Walter Salon & Spa for a complimentary Skin Analysis and learn how your habits reflect your skin. I provide extensive anti-aging and acne treatments that help to repair any skin damage from sun, diet and general aging. To make an appointment please call 410-208-2576 or you can reach me on Facebook.