This is going to be controversial…

But here it goes anyways.

You don’t need to drink your body weight in water every single day.

*GASP* 😱

Also, you should be salting your water.

*DOUBLE GASP* 😱😱

Okay, hold your horsies. Let me explain.

You do need to hydrate. But you need to hydrate PROPERLY.

The myth that you need to drink 1 gallon of water every day is not true, and it can also be dangerous because you can drink yourself into dehydration and give yourself something called Hyponatremia. This is when you drink too much water without proper levels of electrolytes, and in response your body flushes your sodium levels. Some signs of this are nausea, muscle cramps and/or weakness, fatigue, headaches, and seizures.

Big yikes!

Have no fear – here’s 4 ways to hydrate safely so that you can feel your best!

1) Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
One easy way to track if you’re overconsuming water (or lacking sodium) is to check your pee. (yep, we are going there.)

If it’s completely clear – slow down on the H20.
If it’s light yellow – you’re good.
If it’s dark yellow – get some water in your system girl!

2)  It’s not one size fits all!

Keep your eyes on your own water intake! There’s a lot of information out there that will tell you that you need to drink x amount of cups of water for “proper hydration.” But that is so generalized, and they’re missing the important conversation of sodium! There are so many factors that go into this that just don’t make that advice sound or safe. Factors like coffee/energy drink intake, exercise, food, the climate you live in, whether you’re pregnant, etc. You know your body best. Drink when you’re thirsty, stop when you have had enough, and use the urine guide.

3) Stay Salty 🧂

Last but certainly not least – GET YOUR ELECTROLYTES IN. 

Electrolytes = Salt 

This is so crucial for optimal hydration and health. The easiest way to do this is to salt your food sufficiently. My favorite salt is Redmond Salt because it’s the cleanest from the salt mines in Utah and are free from chlorine or plastics (and makes food taste amazing!). 

4) Salt Your Water 

I know what you’re thinking: “did she just say salt your water??” I did! I put a tasty electrolyte mix called Re-Lyte into my water everyday, and it has become a game-changer for me. Not only does it make it easy for me to stay hydrated and energized – it also makes my water taste DELICIOUS. Because if you’re like me, drinking plain ole’ water gets OLD real fast. My favorite flavors are mixed berry & watermelon lime! 😋

Instead of turning to those sugary sports drinks with all kinds of junky additives, give Re-Lyte a try. You can save 10% on your order using code ACTIONJAC10 at checkout.

Hydration is an important topic I coach my clients in Heal My Gut – my 6-week weight loss and de-bloating program. To learn more about how you can solve your gut issues for good, lose excess weight, without calorie counting, go to healmygut.com.