Hydration Elevation: How to Make Water More Crave-Able

Don’t just cool off and rehydrate…do it yourself and do it in style. The “Flat Belly Tonic” by Erin Clifford | Photos by Jeffrey Sudmeier, Web Marketing Therapy. 

Many cold-pressed juices and teas—especially those you make yourself—boast numerous nutritional benefits that become all the more vital during the hot summer months as well as our year-round efforts to fortify our anti-aging, wellness and fitness routines. However, without water, none of those drinks would exist…and, of course, neither would we or any other life form on Earth.

Although our bodies in their entirety can contain up to 60% water, some of our most essential bodily functions, and the organs that perform them, require water. The brain and heart are composed of 73% water, while our lungs are 83% water, the skin contains 64% water and our muscles and kidneys have a 79% water content. We’re also familiar with the common sense medical advice to drink around eight glasses a day, plus extra whenever we’re working out or when temperatures rise outdoors.

While water is something everybody needs to consume to survive and thrive everyday, not everybody is naturally drawn to it, and consequently may even reach for less healthy drinks (i.e. sodas and so-called sports drinks) to quench a thirst. “It’s important to try to avoid sugary or processed beverages such as soda, ‘vitamin’ water, artificially-flavored sparkling water and sports drinks,” cautions Chicago-based wellness coach Erin Clifford, who provides several naturally-flavored water recipes below. “Not only is sugar the primary of obesity, but high-sugar drinks can increase water loss in your body, which dehydrates you further.

Thankfully, spas, chefs, fitness centers and wellness professionals like Clifford recommend making water more appealing by adding fresh fruits, herbs and vegetables. These natural additions not only infuse water with flavor, but also provide other benefits but not additives like sugar or caffein which may diminish water’s attributes. Watermelon water contains potassium as well as beta-carotene and citrulline needed to make arginine, an amino acid good for blood vessel health while citrus fruits add vitamin C. Beyond those familiar refrigerator items, there are some surprising liquid and oil supplements that can boost the positive effects of water, such as chlorophyll, which can be purchased in different formats from your neighborhood health food store or supermarket.

According to nutritionist Lisa Richards (“The Candida Diet”), chlorophyll water is touted as a powerful antioxidant able to improve immune health, significantly reduce risk of chronic disease, and enhance skin health. Adding chlorophyll also boosts electrolytes and other beneficial plant compounds that aid proper hydration during physically demanding jobs, high intensity work-outs or a long day outdoors.

Drinking chlorophyll water is beneficial for two reasons,” says Richards. “You are adding an extra source of antioxidants and plant compounds to your diet, and you are likely replacing other drinks that may be full of sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and calories. By replacing these unhealthy drinks with chlorophyll-infused water, rather than plain water, you’re eliminating something unhealthy and adding a health enhancer. Chlorophyll water can increase energy by boosting the body’s red blood cells and oxygen, just as it works in plants to utilize the sun’s energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.”

Professional chef and former model Maria Liberati, regarded as one of America’s leading experts on Mediterranean/Italian cuisine, is particularly passionate about rethinking recipes so augmented water retains a sense of purity and yet greater than the sum of its parts.

Water is an important ingredient in the mix to keep hydrated both skin and body,” says Liberati. “Scented and naturally flavored waters can keep you fresh, hydrated and (act as a) natural diuretic for any bloat. Flavoring your water with healthy, natural things like fresh fruit makes a more interesting beverage than plain old water..and anything that gets you to drink more water is worth a try. It’s amazing how fruits, vegetables and herbs, when added to plain water in their natural state, can transport you into a spa/staycation feeling….especially when our bodies and minds need a retreat more than ever.”

Spas, particularly boutique dayspas and luxury resort locations, provide additional incentive and inspiration to take the effort to not only drink more water but make water more enjoyable. The Springs Resort & Spa in Pagosa Springs, CO, figuratively and literally taps into its adjoining “Mother Spring,” which at 1,002 feet deep, could hold the Eiffel Tower. It also takes its drinkable water offering seriously, tapping into many herbs native to Colorado to add flavor and benefits:

• Thyme – good for digestion, immune support, pain relief
• Oregano – antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, excellent source of fiber
• Basil – good for digestion, anti-inflammatory, good for the skin, fights depression, helps manage diabetes, supports liver function and helps detoxify, promotes healthy gut
• Rosemary – boost memory, anti-inflammatory, vitamins A & C, renowned for fighting infection, antibacterial
• Lavender – helps improve sleep, reduces blood pressure and heart rate, promotes hair growth

As you would with a good food recipe, following “pro tips” from a reputable chef is always a wise idea. Liberati recommends choose spring or purified water or plain sparkling water-sodium free as a base and using—and thoroughly washing—organic fruits, herbs and vegetables. While it is best to slice fruits and veggies into thin slices, herbs are best left whole. Once you place your selected mix of natural elements into water, let it chill in your fridge for at least 12 hours to ensure flavors are absorbed and present when partaking in your spa beverage.

While any pitcher will work, to get the best results, choose a water pitcher with an infuser to put all your ingredients in. If you plan to source your own filtered water at home, there are several new filtering innovations coming into the market. The recently-launched Hydros’ Aqua Infuser ($6 ), appears custom made for the purpose, with ample space for fruits, spices, herbs and veggies which snaps into any of Hydros’ home and portable vessels (water bottles, pitchers, carafes) allowing you to enjoy flavored water at home or on-the-go.

The Hydros containers, which filter water five times faster than competing products and mitigate use of plastic bottles, feature water filters made from 100% Coconut Shell Carbon. Better still, in the wake of the COVID-19, Hydros has partnered with First Responders, a ‘Thrive Global’ nonprofit) to donate upwards of $15K to help provide essential protective equipment, accommodations, child care, food, mental health support, and other resources to this demographically and socially diverse workforce, ranging from minimum-wage hourly workers in home-care settings to social workers, nurses, physicians, and beyond.