Posted on Leave a comment

Hand Sanitizer and Sanitation

                                                                        Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Sanitizer
Sanitizer

After dealing with allergies, blowing your nose, and sneezing…all things you can do that can incorporate your hands, we should probably talk about the most popular way to deal with the germs in the room. One popular solution for fighting bacteria and germs is hand sanitizer. We don’t know about you, but we noticed a sudden boom in hand sanitizer use within the past few years and wanted to make sure you know the facts.

For instance, hand sanitizers are great for dealing with small or minor cases of bacteria and germs. They are not helpful for grimy and visible situations. With that being said, the main and most effective ingredient in hand sanitizers is ethanol, more commonly known as alcohol. This ingredient in hand sanitizer is only effective at destroying bacteria and germs if the alcohol percentage is 60 or above. Any alcohol content lower than that in hand sanitizer is basically not as effective as should be.

Using hand sanitizer in tight or mobile situations can’t be helped but should not replace the tradition of hand washing. Washing your hands with soap and water is more effective and healthier for your skin. With the constant use of alcohol your skin can become dried out and crack. This leaves your hands rough and vulnerable to infection. The drier your skin, the greater the risk that cracking can cause minor open wounds vulnerable to the bacteria and germs you come in contact with.

We know you are desperate to get ahead of allergies and spreading/catching germs but make sure you keep in mind the repercussions of excessiveness. Just because something is said to be good for skin doesn’t always mean it’s good for your skin and good in excessive amounts.

The EE 411: General Hand Sanitizer Tips

When using or selecting hand sanitizer, please keep the following in mind:
• Make sure to choose hand sanitizers with an alcohol content of 60% or above.
• Never over or excessively use hand sanitizers—wash your hands with soap and water instead.
• Look for sanitizers that may incorporate a skin nourishment feature such as a moisturizer.
• When using hand sanitizers or washing your hands, keep hand lotion nearby and apply when needed to prevent cracks in your hands. This would be a perfect opportunity to try some of our body balms. They are cost effective, and a little at a time is all you need to rehydrate your skin. They are perfect to keep near the sink or on your desk in case of emergencies.
Remember to never just take our word for it. Though we do our research, we highly recommend you do yours! Always do what’s best for you, like we always say, you deserve it!

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms, Organic Lip Balms and Organic Hair Care) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Posted on Leave a comment

Suntans & Sunburns

Sunburns and Suntans
Sun tanning in sun hat and sunglasses.

Hey Earth’s Enrichers 

Suntans v. Sunburns.  As we all know very well, the sun is a power tool and a reason for vacation. The sun, family, fun, ocean—all blissful motivations for going to the beach—but our point is that with the sun and the beach comes sand, tans and sunburns!

So how do you know you’re prepared for a tan and how do you know when your tan becomes sunburn. The first thing to take into consideration is the fairness of your skin—lighter skin burns more easily. So in addition to the general tips we give you, take extra precautions if you’re a member of the lighter complexion.

With that being said, what is a suntan? A suntan is a browning of skin caused by exposure to the sun. This is similar to the cooking of a rotisserie chicken, so if you leave the chicken in there too long, it burns. The really cool nerdy part of a suntan is basically the stimulation of melanocytes from UV radiation, which encourages your skin to produce more melanin and darkens pigment.

Isn’t it neat how your skin reacts to the environment? We think it’s pretty extraordinary—a tan done right can produce beautifully golden skin and wonderful result. The best thing to do at that point is to keep it moisturized and clean.

Now, without proper protection and staying in the rotisserie oven too long, a sunburn could be produced. A sunburn occurs when there is a delayed reaction from UV B-erythema, which is caused by an increase in blood flow. The burn usually shows itself in at least 4 hours and peaks between 8 to 24 hours. In other words, in some cases the skin doesn’t take well to the UV and doesn’t absorb it properly. It requires extra protection to not burn in a lot of sun.  On the other hand, if your skin isn’t regularly exposed to the sun, it weakens the skin’s ability to handle the sun. Therefore, completely hiding your skin from the sun isn’t good for health either.  Your body needs vitamin D that the sun provides. So try to find a health balance.

Symptoms of Sunburns:

  1. Redness of skin.
  2. Skin may radiate heat and feel hot to touch.
  3. Pain or tenderness.
  4. Blistering and peeling skin.
  5. Sunburned eyes may feel painful or gritty.
  6. Headache, fever and fatigue if sunburn covers a large area.
  7. In severe cases, faintness, nausea, and vomiting.

The EE 411: Prevention and Best Suntan Practices

Prevention-

  • Sunscreen/sun block
  • Sun hats and caps
  • Umbrellas and beach umbrellas
  • Aloe Vera (helps soothe pain and redness)
  • Find shade
  • Try to avoid prolonged exposure to direct the sun between 10am and 4pm when it’s at its strongest.
  • Sunglasses
  • Loosely fitting clothing

Best Suntan Practices:

  • Always apply suntan or sunblock according to the directions provided. If it says last for 80 minutes and you’re going to be in the sun for 160 minutes, please reapply after the first 80 mins. It is advisable to look after your skin’s safety.
  • Putting up an umbrella on a beach is practically as fashionable as wearing a hat and it’s healthy too. Even use it while walking like if you forgot your sunscreen, you may look silly but your skin will be protected.
  • Wearing sunglasses helps protects your eyes from the sun because they can be damaged by the sun too.
  • Avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun during the hottest parts of the day which is between 10 am and 4 pm. Go out early mornings and evenings, if you can’t take extra precaution for your type of skin.
  • If burned, do not exfoliate or pick at your skin—it will come off on its own. Gently cleanse and moisturize. If especially painful, try aloe vera to help cool your sunburns.

Share with us: How do you avoid sunburns? What are your best suntan practices?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms, Organic Lip Balms and Organic Hair Care) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Posted on Leave a comment

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin Cancer AwarenessHey Earth’s Enrichers 

I hope you all did something really special for your mamas! They are really special ladies and deserve the VIP treatment. Mother’s day isn’t the only thing May has to offer. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Skin Cancer Awareness month!

That’s right; make room next to the pink and red ribbons for orange (skin cancer) and black (melanoma skin cancer) ones. Take a moment for the many that suffer from this ailment—pray, wish, dance, whatever your heart and faith desires for them to get better!

Now, for those of you who are unfamiliar with skin cancer, EE will help break it down to you. Now, don’t freak yourselves out! Having some of the signs we researched doesn’t necessarily mean you have skin cancer. However, as we always say, make sure you consult an expert if you have serious concerns—it never hurts to seek professional advice, do what’s best for you!

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that usually starts in the lowest layer of the epidermis or skin. It usually comes in forms of irregular or abnormal mole-looking blotches. These mole-like blotches are tumors and can be tremendously detrimental to your health.

Although non-melanoma skin cancer isn’t as aggressive or deadly as melanoma skin cancer, it still isn’t good for your skin. It can also come in blotches or dry patches that can damage the skin area in which it is present.

The EE 411: Skin Cancer Protection Tips for the Summer Sun

Although unnecessarily long exposures to harmful UV light and rays can cause skin cancer, less exposure to Vitamin D (or sun) can increase the risk of melanoma. When preparing for your beach getaway, it is essential to have everything you need for your day in the sun:

1.Sunscreen (SPF minimum 30)

2.Water

3.Swim Shoes/Flip Flops (protection for your feet)

4.Sun Visor or (fashionable) Beach Hat (wink, wink)

5.Sunglasses


The common factor in all of these items is skin protection. That way you can achieve safe happiness and a stunning tan all in the same day.

As far as skin cancer, please feel free to do more research and learn the means and methods of this ailment. EE has brought a limelight to this skin cancer awareness segment, but we have not answered all of the questions. Cancer is a complex and difficult disease and it is important to not take it lightly—at the same time, don’t let it overcome you! As always, do what’s best for you and consult an expert with any concerns.

.Share with us: What are your summer plans?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms, Organic Lip Balms and Organic Hair Care) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Posted on Leave a comment

Living Healthy – High Fiber Diets

Living Healthy - Hiber Fiber DietsHey Earth’s Enrichers 

As you all can see, springtime is trying its very best to break in and leave winter behind.  When spring will surely be here is quite uncertain, but it is never too late to start getting ready. Some of you can feel springtime in your bones—although the weather does not scream spring just yet—you have started cleaning, airing out your houses, and getting into shape for those cute little dresses and shorts.

This is the diet season when everyone launches into the routine get-ready-for-spring-and-summer habits. One of those most popular diets known to help individuals lose weight are the high fiber diets. This week we’ll discuss the good and bad about high fiber diets. We will also give you some tips to help avoid or aid constipation that can result from ingesting too much fiber.

High fiber diets are a common and “easy” way to lose a few pounds. It requires that you add and consume more foods that are fibrous in your diet. Fiber makes passing food easier and has fewer calories that can linger in the body and turn into unnecessary fats. Nonetheless, this diet can go south quick.

High Fiber diets require precautions just like any other diet. You must regulate it and you must insure that you are ingesting the right amount of EVERYTHING you need. It is always risky to take on a diet that has a particular focus. In this case, fiber can make certain bodily functions easier but it can also make it harder for them to do their functions. Consuming too much fiber can cause constipation, which, like the tightening of braces, is something no person wants to voluntarily go through.

In addition, calories are important and are where your body gets its fuel for energy. Their purpose is to be ingested and burned off during your everyday activities. When too much of them are ingested and not worked off over a certain period of time they can become stored in the body as permanent fats. Hence, it is wise to watch your calorie intake, even with fiber-rich foods. That is right; the Calorie Counters are not all that crazy.

Last, as always, consult a professional when taking on a diet. Doing so can help you personalize your diet to work better for you. It also reduces unnecessary risk. Moreover, doing research about diets or other nutrition facts could spare you any surprises.

The EE 411: Avoidance and Alleviation of Constipation

Eating too much fiber can cause constipation. The best way to avoid it is to not overload your body with fiber. Fiber is a natural element that is present in most foods. It can be used to alleviate constipation but if you over do it, you could exacerbate the issue. An adult needs an average of 14 to 15 grams per day but, of course, it is better to seek a professional to give you the personalized dosage you may need.

The best way to alleviate and avoid constipation:

  • Drink plenty of water
  • Incorporate some “roughage” in your diet like green fresh vegetables
  • Incorporate a good amount of fiber in your diet, but don’t make it your entire diet
  • Herbal teas
  • Exercise and stay physically active
  • Be patient if you’re constipated—rushing a constipated bowel movement can cause even more pain
  • Stretch and use some yoga positions—walk around and get everything moving

If all else fails, consult a professional and determine what kind of laxatives or stool softeners you may need.  Hopefully, this information will help you in your steps to discovering relief and taking on a high fiber diet.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


Posted on Leave a comment

Health and Living – Physical Health

 Active Fitness Word Cloud CollageHey Earth’s Enrichers

Did you know there are basic principles to  healthy living? These  six principles  develop a well-rounded, healthy life. These  principles are physical health, intellectual health (mind), spiritual health, emotional health, social health and environmental health. In the next few weeks, we will feature each one of these principles and explain what exactly they entail and how they can easily be included into the healthy life that you deserve.

This week we will focus on physical health, which represents the body’s health. This principle refers to anything that benefits your body’s physical fitness, safety, nutrition, and medical responsibility.

As a part of physical health, physical fitness such as exercising and activity promotes the idea of keeping your body functioning the way it should whether it’s increasing flexibility, tracking  your calories, or staying active. This also means maintaining your physical health. It is important to pay attention to your body and understand its physical limits.

Try to practice safe fitness and try not to put your body in awkward positions. For instance, when  with exercising, try machines and workouts that support your body’s needs. If your balance isn’t that great, perhaps running up and down stairs isn’t the best option for you; instead, try an elliptical or stair climber. If your knees are a weak point, try to refrain from workouts that hyperextend them or require sudden twists or movements. Trust us, the last thing you want is to blow out a knee. So, be safe and smart about your fitness.

This principle also encompasses the ability to take care of the outer most properties of your physical health—this means your skin. Your skin is your most important source of protection for your body. It repels germs and other radicals from just entering your body. It comes in contact with tons of bacteria and possible dangers every minute of every hour and it needs your help to continue its job. Properly keeping your skin healthy and clean with natural and organic means protects it. This means keeping it clean, moisturized, and exfoliated. The better your skin feels, the better you feel.

Another aspect of this principle is nutrition—what you put into your body. You can’t keep up with your outer most physical health (muscles, joints, and skin) without taking care of your inner physical health (vitamins and nutrients). This means your body’s diet is necessary to balancing out your physical health. For instance, food and water are necessary when working out your body. The water keeps your body hydrated and keeps your muscles from cramping too much during exercise. Food, such as proteins like in chicken, gives your body energy and helps replace the fuel in your body lost after working out.   . 

Thus, it is important to keep your body properly hydrated and fed but this doesn’t mean put any ol’ thing in your body. Also try to include as many healthy fruits and vegetables as you can.  Try limiting  consumption of processed foods. Work out a healthy and affordable diet to increase your inner fitness. In order to do this you may need to know a few things about your medical health and/or consult a professional (nutritionist).

Knowing what you’re lacking in your nutrition can help you build a better plan. Also, it is important to consider what foods are good for boosting your immune system and are great for certain conditions and diseases you may have like obesity or diabetes. This is a part of your medical responsibility. Knowing that these conditions exist and could be a part of your everyday life, it would be beneficial to incorporate what you need to keep yourself healthy.  

We know that there are other factors that affect our ability to eat properly and exercise. These factors are time, money, and personal taste. However, with proper researching and planning, a healthy, timely, and affordable diet and fitness plan may be achieved.

The EE 411: 

Do you all know the difference between physical activity and exercise?

We will give you a hint, physical activity is what you do every single day. Have you figured it out yet? It’s as simple as walking through the parking lot to get to your car, or walking to the bus or metro. Another example of physical activity could be taking the stairs, instead of the elevator.

Physical activity is the basic movements your body makes on an average day. This would even include biking or walking to work instead of driving. This is equivalent to walking casually around the mall. The important part of this is that your body should get some physical activity every day. If you find, you’re sitting still the majority of the day, get up and do something!

If you’re sitting all day at a desk, stand up for a little bit and type. You might even want to stretch a little. However, this is where we move into the meaning of exercise. Exercise is an intentional workout that usually has an end goal or outcome. Folks usually tend to work out to relieve themselves of stress, lose weight, tone their bodies, etc.

Yoga is a great example of exercise! It’s an intentional flexibility and muscle endurance/strength work out. The end result is to either become one with your body or increase your core strength and range of motion. Jogging is an intentional workout, the end goal is endurance and cardio. It may also be used to regulate and maintain your body.

Either way, incorporating more physical activity in your everyday life  is crucial to healthy living, especially if you . If y don’t necessarily have the time to work out every day. Don’t be afraid to put aside some time to work out, you and your body deserve it.  Maybe even join a fitness class or a gym. You could bring your friends along or meet new people. It’s a great way to socialize.

When you have finished your workout, reward yourself! Break out the Lavender of the Valley, Calming Spa Seaweed, or Lemon fresh Shea baths salts and draw yourself a bath. This is a perfect way to look after your skin and relax your muscles—trust us, you deserve it. ^-^

Share with Us: What is your favorite type of physical activity? 

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 


Posted on Leave a comment

Living Healthy – Staying Cool

 Young Woman Looking At Sun Drawn On Her Back With Suntan Lotion

Hey Earth’s Enrichers

The summer temperatures are ripe this year! They range from 80 to anywhere in the 90s and above. In this kind of weather, you must bring your A-game of coolness. So we ask you, how are you staying cool in the toaster summer of 2014?

We at EE are natural at staying cool. So this week we are going to let you in on the scoop; that way you’re not burning up out there. It is very important that you keep several things in mind during the summer time heat: (1) the clothes you wear, (2) keeping yourself hydrated, (3) the shoes you wear, (4) your skin’s protection, and (5) keeping an eye on your body’s signals.

In order to prepare for those five things, it is a good idea to know the temperature and the temperature changes throughout the day. Typically, the hottest time of the day is anywhere between 3pm and 6pm. These are the times that you should be most prepared for.

So, when you dress in the morning and you have learned that it will be a very hot day, stray away from wearing black—even if it’s your color! We all know how we look good in black, but we guarantee you it will not feel good in 90 degree weather. It is recommended to wear light colors, because sun rays are drawn to darker ones making it feel way hotter than it is.

Invest in a water bottle, one that you won’t dispose of easily. This way you’re one step closer to sparing the environment and keeping yourself properly hydrated. Try not to leave the house without your icy water-filled bottle. These water bottles can usually hold a minimum of 16 oz. Keeping your body hydrated keeps you from tiring, getting headaches, and possibly getting nauseous while going about your daily activities in the scorching sun.

The right shoes are very necessary. If you’re planning on doing a lot of walking in the hot sun, believe it or not, black sandals aren’t the best either. They get terribly warm when you’re walking.  This could cause “some” discomfort. So, when you’re putting that outfit together and you plan on being outside indirect sunlight, try building the outfit with a lighter pair of shoes.

One of the most important parts of this list is protecting your skin properly from the sunlight. It is important to use sunscreen when going out in hot weather (where the sun and its rays thrive). You could also find moisturizers that have sun protection. There is nothing worse than being sun burnt or having sun poisoning. This is important even if you’re not at the beach because it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Last but not least, pay close attention to your body and know your body’s distress signals. If you feel faint, find some shade and take a little break. Sip some of that water that you prepared in that reusable water bottle, and take your time getting back in the mix. If symptoms like exhaustion, headaches, nausea, and irritated skin persist, seek professional medical attention.

The EE 411: 

Here are some other cool tips:

  1. If you exercise, shift your schedule to when it is cooler. Try going out early in the morning or later in the evening. That way, you don’t subject yourself to harsh heat.
  2. Invest in a spray bottle. There are some really cool ones with fans attached to them. J
  3. Wear cotton or synthetic breezy clothing.
  4. Bathe frequently and keep up with your skin (cleansing, moisturizing, exfoliating, etc.)
  5. Avoid caffeine and/or alcohol; it dehydrates you.
  6. Go where the air conditioning is! If you don’t have any at home, travel to the library or mall.
  7. Heat rises! If it is too hot upstairs, then spend some time downstairs or on the floor. When in doubt watch your house pet; they will find the coolest spot in the house.

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Posted on Leave a comment

Healthy Lifestyle – Daily Heath: Food and Nourishment

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Large health food selection in white porcelain bowls and dishesImagine your alarm clock goes off, you snooze it, and about 20 minutes later you are late for work! Your supposedly calm morning routine is completely compromised! Now, you have to get up, and get yourself together. For those of you who have kids, that means waking them up, getting them ready, preparing their breakfast, grabbing everything they need. By the time you get them to school or yourself to work, you have not eaten. Did you grab anything along the way? Nope!

The first meeting of your day begins, your coworker addresses you and in a return greeting your stomach answers with a grumble. In a situation like this, you have two options: (1) find a quick snack or (2) wait for lunch. When you can’t find a snack, you wait for lunch. Then what if something comes up for lunch like you forgot to bring it and you left your wallet at home. What’s next, dinner?

Your body requires certain things to help it get through the day and maintain a balance of good health. Without these things, it could produce small signs which are messages or SOS signals, if you will, from your body saying it needs them. So your body’s basic needs boils down to sleep, food or nourishment, physical activity, sun, and water. This week our topic will be food and nourishment.

The common knowledge about meals is that there should at least be three: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient way to split up the meals you are supposed to eat in a day. You know, once in the morning, once at noon or in the afternoon, and then again in the evening. It’s an even three way split; however, due to some individuals’ schedules, this may be a hard thing to do.

If all else fails, the most important meal of the day really is breakfast. Think of it this way, in that earlier scenario, if the individual had grabbed one or two things for breakfast, they wouldn’t have to wait for lunch or scavenge for a snack. But what if you are in a hurry? Well, hide a snack stow it away. Place one in your glove department, or have some at work just in case you forget. It can always come in handy.

Another aspect of food and nourishment you should consider, over the long term, is the food groups you are consuming. Did you know there is an average serving of each food group you are supposed to have in a day? Can you imagine how great you would feel?

Eating the right amounts of food and incorporating the appropriate food groups into your diet can increase productivity. It can boost energy, which is why the body consumes carbohydrates. It increases brain function because the brain uses fats or fatty acids to help it work. Proteins help rebuild and support muscle growth and recovery after working out.

Eating and preparing the appropriate amount for each foods category helps your body naturally create those elements you need. Finding natural foods, without GMO’s or artificial chemical enhancers makes for better and healthier nutrition. Supplements such as pills or vitamins are not always the best way to get these nutritional factors.

If you are having trouble getting the appropriate nutrition, see a professional and if they prescribe supplements use with impeccable adherence to the instructions given to you by the doctor. Remember, too much of a good thing can be negative. If you over use vitamins or supplements, you could end up poisoning the body or overworking a major body system. It is very important that you know your body and get it what it needs and deserves. 

The EE 411: Food and Nourishment Tips

ChooseMyPlate  is a great website that can help you plan your meals so that you can incorporate the correct food groups and understand the importance of them.

At the top of the website there are several tabs you can choose from, from MyPlate to Healthy Eating Tips. When you select “MyPlate” it gives you a list of food groups:

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Grains
  • Proteins
  • Dairy
  • Oils

When you select one of the food groups there are at least six questions that sort the appropriate information.  Selecting the link “How much is needed?” will give you a brief description and provide a link to the nutritional contents of the food in each group.

This websites also gives a list of what different types of food are a part of that category. This will provide you with a variety of options, so you don’t get bored with the same foods.

As for some short-term tips:

  • Eating at least three times a day is ideal
  • Snacking all day is not a problem just pick the healthier choices
  • Always eat breakfast
  • Stow away snacks just in case you forget or miss a meal
  • Eat your vegetables *you know who you are*
  • Incorporate the different food groups into your meals
  • Check out what your ideal plat should look like

Share with Us: Identify your least favorite food group. How can you improve your consumptions of this food group?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!) 

Posted on Leave a comment

Healthy Lifestyle – The Necessities of Water

 

Dear Earth’s Enrichers

Healthy Woman Drinking WaterThere are a few of you out there that when you think about water, just a plain glass of water, you cringe. Then there are those who think about it and find the thought refreshing. We can understand that those of you who don’t like just plain water, might find it bland and unexciting. However, even though that is one con, the benefits of water definitely out weigh it.

Our bodies are made up of about 70% water. This keeps our body balanced and moist so we don’t dry out. It is a primary element in cells and helps them communicate with each other. Keeping your body hydrated properly helps your cells function. An individual should be drinking about eight cups of water a day, but this also depends on different factors.

These factors depend on how physically active a person is and how much they sweat, the amount of heat an individual is exposed to on a daily basis, the amount of soft drinks that person consumes, and also the amount of caffeine they ingest. Under these conditions, eight cups a day may need to be increased.

For instance, a person who drinks a lot of coffee may have to urinate more than average and thus waste a lot of their body’s water supply. This wasted supply must be replenished. Exercise, depending on intensity, also uses up the body’s water storage. Water is important during exercising because it keeps you from dehydrating when you sweat.

There are signs that your body will give you to let you know that you aren’t drinking enough water or getting hydrated.  A sign of not drinking enough water can be seen in the color of your urine, it generally should be a pale yellow. If it is a dark yellow, you should go buy a really big, fancy water bottle because you are not drinking enough water.

Signs of dehydration or thirstiness are pretty easy to remember and you probably have noticed them once or twice. A sign of being thirsty is drying of the mouth, which usually fixes right up with a quick swig of refreshing water. Some signs of dehydration are fainting, confusion, dry mouth or swollen tongue, weakness, dizziness, and being sluggish. If a person experiences these symptoms and is dehydrated do not introduce excessive amounts of water, and seek medical attention from a professional.

How to keep your body from getting to that point of dehydration…keep yourself hydrated! Keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Even when it is cold, you can get dehydrated. We don’t recommending gulping down eight cups all at once; that is just the recommended doses throughout a day. Know your body, when you feel your mouth getting dry or you start to develop a headache, take a few sips. It could do you some good. Listen to your body.

The EE 411:

For those of you that are not the biggest fans of water, there are other ways to get your daily intake of water, although, a cup of water is better.

Fruits- These are some examples of fruits that are highest on the list to contain the most water:

  • Watermelon is about 90% water
  • Oranges
  • Grapefruit
  • Cantaloupes
  • Honeydew

Vegetables– these do not contain as much water as the fruits do.

  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes
  • Green peppers
  • Romaine lettuce

Other foods/drinks– these foods have water in them as well

  • Oatmeal
  • Yogurt
  • Soup
  • Smoothies
  • Sports drinks
  • Flavored water

There are some benefits of staying hydrated:

  • Balances body fluids
  • Keeps calories in check
  • Fuels muscles
  • Keeps skin looking good and refreshed
  • Helps your kidneys sort through waste
  • Promotes normal bowel functions
  • Boosts energy helping with fatigue
  • Filters out toxins
  • Improves immune system
  • Helps body stave off cramps and sprains

Share with Us: After reading this, for those of you who disliked water, do you feel better about? Did it help you find new options? How about those of you who have always been fans of water?

(This post was brought to you by Earth’s Enrichments.  Similar posts can be found by visiting our Blog.  More information about our  company and products (USDA Certified Organic Soaps, Organic Bath Salts, Organic Sugar Scrubs, Organic Body Balms and Organic Lip Balms) can be found on our Website. Thank you Earth’s Enricher!)