Water Works Keeping Hydrated

By Laura Stewart

Balanced hydration ensures peak metabolic performance. From nutrient absorption, muscle repair and your body's ability to generate new proteins, staying hydrated primes your body for peak performance. Proper nutrition includes moisture-rich foods that maintain radiant skin and promote long, thick hair.

I recommend making hydration an everyday habit to maximize your fitness potential.

Hydrate Your Cells

The human body is about 70% water and proper hydration promotes muscle growth, recovery and weight loss. If urine is pale yellow, you are getting adequate hydration.

Drink a glass of water when you get up in the morning and carry a reusable water bottle throughout the day.

A 2% loss of hydration will affect performance so drink something before, during and after exercising, especially in hot weather. Drink water every 15 minutes as you exercise.

Drink water. Caffeine acts as a diuretic and can cause you to lose fluids quickly. Sugar adds extra calories and can slow your body's ability to absorb fluids.

Your greatest natural detection system for dehydration is thirst. But, by the time this warning sign kicks in, you are already dehydrated. Drink water throughout the day and you'll avoid reaching this point.

Skin and Hair

Eating well promotes healthy skin and hair while boosting energy and your immune system.

Celery and cucumber contain silica, which promotes skin moisture and elasticity.

Salmon is loaded with protein, fish oil and selenium, which strengthens and encourages hair growth.

Keep skin clear and detoxified with a daily green drink. Experiment with flavors but always blend a few leaves of raw kale with frozen fruit and spring water.

Eggs are rich in vitamin B5 and B12, which stimulate hair growth, as well as Biotin, which thickens the hair shaft.