September 2019
“A servant of the Lord stands bodily before men but mentally he is knocking at the gates of heaven with prayer”
St John Climacus, Ladder of Divine Ascent
I pray you all had a nice and relaxing summer. As we look forward to the new Orthodox year and our many activities of work, school and our busy lives, it’s important to remember our fluid intake. If you are engaging in physical activity, it can maximize your performance and recovery, even if you are not active; hydration is the key to sustaining your physical health and safety. Not consuming adequate amounts of water can cause multiple problems- such as mental and physical fatigue, slower metabolism, joint pain, constipation, heartburn and gastrointestinal distress, poor memory, fluid and electrolyte imbalance leading to swelling and edema.
Another important aspect of hydration is not how much you drink but what you drink. A lot of sports drinks are filled with sugars, artificial colorings/flavorings and additives. There is no replacing good clean water. If you have been working out, you probably need to supplement your fluid intake with electrolytes(essential minerals such as sodium and potassium that are depleted with sweating) Electrolytes regulate our nerve and mineral function, our bodies hydration, blood pH, blood pressure and help with the rebuilding of damaged tissue. Drinking water with glucose and electrolytes also helps maintain mental; function which is critical to performance because mental fatigue leads to muscle fatigue.
Some suggestions to make your own homemade drinks to help you get natural sugars, electrolytes, water and salt are:
1 liter of water with 1 cup orange juice and 1/2 tsp salt
Or
1 liter of water with 1 tablespoon maple syrup and 1/2 tsp salt
Hydrating food also count towards your water intake such as cucumbers. lettuce. strawberries. celery, tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon. and homemade soups. Avoid foods and drinks that are natural diuretics such as tea, coffee and soda. To ensure proper hydration levels, it may be helpful to maintain a fixed drinking schedule before, during, and after exercises or activities. (Eat well Live well. by Smith & Klames)
And always if you notice any changes in health please see your health care provider.
In Christ,
Elizabeth Ashton RN
