How often do you hear a reminder to drink more water and to make sure that you get in your 8 glasses a day? You may be surprised that this advice actually has no legs to stand on as it is completely subjective to each person; the amount of physical exertion, the climate they are in and most importantly what foods they are eating. A person eating a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will actually need to consume way less water than a person who follows the Standard American Diet (SAD) or something similar.

Why Hydration Is About The Water You Hold, Not The Water You Drink

When we are born, approximately 75% of our body is water, and as we reach middle age our body’s water content could be as low as 50%. Our cells lose water as we age and our wellness is determined by our cell’s ability to hold water.

Without enough water our skin cell structure deteriorates and leaves visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loose skin. Luckily, water in fruits and vegetables contain nutrients and structured water to nourish and hydrate your cells, which will give you healthy, supple, and glowing skin.

However, many of us do not get enough fresh fruits and vegetables in our diet to satisfy the cells thirst and thus they are vastly under-hydrated. When the average person thinks of hydration they are likely to think of drinking water, or sports drinks, but what the body really needs to become hydrated from the inside out is ample fruits and veggies in the diet. Consider the following picture to see just how hydrating some common fruits and vegetables can be,

Why Is Hydration From Fruit & Veggies Superior To Drinking Water?

According to the founder of The Science of Cellular Water, Dr. Howard Murad, M.D., the water that you drink “will go right through you,” and take any nutrients along with it. Hydration evidently, is about the water you keep and not the water you drink.

Molecules that essentially facilitate the entry of water into the cells surround the water that is naturally found in fruits and vegetables. This is why Dr. Murad refers to this type of water as cellular water. Cellular water is absorbed slowly which provides you with lasting hydration. This is exactly why he recommends, “eating your water” in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables to keep your whole body, including your cells, hydrated.

Most foods contain some water, but plant foods have more, and fresh or raw plant foods have even more. By consuming your water in the form of fresh fruits and vegetables you are also getting a dose of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory agents such as fiber. When you cook these foods you are reducing the amount of water content the food contains. To get the most hydration from these foods try eating them raw, whole, blended or juiced.

Focusing On Water Is Keeping Us Dehydrated

How’s that for an oxymoron? This is just one of the many generally accepted views of health, that is pretty well backwards. With all the emphasis put on drinking water, we are becoming dehydrated. It’s time to start eating our water instead of drinking it, or at least in addition to drinking it. But you may just find that the more fresh fruits and vegetables that you are incorporating into your diet, the less desire you have to actually drink water.

Adding more fruits and vegetables is never a bad idea, as they provide so many more benefits than hydrating your body. Just be sure to choose organic whenever possible, and if you can’t, try and ensure you are using the Clean 15 and Dirty Dozen resource list when doing your grocery shopping.

Don’t forget, our health is our greatest wealth!

Much Love