Staying hydrated is one of the simplest steps people can take for their health. Infused waters are a great way to indulge yourself while doing so. 

What is Infused Water?

Infusion is simply soaking plants (herbs, fruits, vegetables) to extract the flavor and health benefits into the water. Think about teas or even coffee. Many people think of the fancy pitchers of water at spas or elegant events; however, this is easy to do in your own home! 

Many people say they get tired of plain water, and so, don’t drink enough. Or worse, they turn to sugar-laden sodas and other beverages filled with artificial chemicals and colors. Not only are they running the risk of being dehydrated, but they’re also actually doing more harm than good.

Why is Hydration Important?

Hydration is crucial to health throughout the body. It helps maintain and regulate your body temperature, which is necessary in the summer months. Proper hydration assists digestion, carrying nutrients to cells, flushing toxins from the cells, and keeping organs functioning properly. The benefits to the cardiovascular system are noticeable in reduced blood pressure–something we all hear a lot about! Hydration helps with concentration and mood and improves sleep quality. Not only will you feel the benefits on the inside, but you’ll have more energy, better manage your weight, and have healthier skin!

Unfortunately, many people don’t drink nearly enough water to stay hydrated. A good base is to take your weight in pounds and divide it by two. That will give you the ounces of water you’ll need to drink in a day to maintain a base. Did you drink caffeine earlier? You’ll need to add the number of ounces back in glasses of water. Did you exercise and sweat? Good for you! You will need to add more water to replace what you’ve lost.

Infused Water Can Help With Weight Management

Did you know that thirst and hunger trigger the same signal in the body? Frequently when people think they are hungry, they are really thirsty. If you had a glass of water every time you thought you were hungry before a meal or snack, imagine the calories you could replace with water! Not only could you be staying at a healthier calorie intake, but you could be adding significant health benefits as well. 

Not just in reducing calories, but water also helps in other areas of weight management. By lubricating the joints, increasing energy, and improving sleep quality, you’ll also feel better moving and exercising. Infused water can help bring flavor and health benefits that will motivate you to stay hydrated.

Is Plain Water Just a Little Too…Plain?

This is where you can customize your infused waters for your health goals and flavor preferences. Fresh, organic herbs provide nutrients and healthy perks. Add some fresh or frozen organic fruits, and you not only boost the pretty factor of your water, but the benefits increase, too! And, it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t indulged before. The next time you have company, prepare a pitcher, and you’ll wow your guests with flavor and pizzazz and do them a healthy favor.

How to Make Infused Water

This is so simple. We’ve included a few ideas to get you started, but the combinations and options are endless. Choose your combination of an organic herb or two from the list below. Gently tear the herbs to release their flavor and put them into a clean, glass pitcher. Choose a fruit or cucumber and slice, dice, and toss it into the pitcher. Fill the pitcher with clean, filtered water, then set it for a few minutes to a few hours. Often you can refill the water reusing the same herbs and fruit for a couple of pitchers. As always, remember to avoid any allergies.

Need Some Inspiration?

1. Basil: Basil is rich in iron and vitamin A. It also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties. Basil is also an excellent support for the liver.
2. Cilantro: Cilantro is a powerhouse herb! It contains vitamins B, C, K, and A. The benefits of this simple herb include antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and anti-anxiety properties. Also, cilantro contains chemical compounds that bind with heavy metals for detox and large amounts of chlorophyll. To learn more about the benefits of chlorophyll, check out this article.
3. Mint: Many people use mint to help settle the stomach. It is loaded with vitamins A, B2, B6, B9, and C. Mint is an excellent iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and potassium source.
4. Ginger: Ginger boasts many benefits, including antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antifungal properties. Because it aids in digestion, many have also used it to help with nausea.
5. Lemon: Lemon delivers a powerful punch of vitamin C and folate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Lemon helps produce more bile to digest fats, supports the liver, and has antibacterial properties.
6. Lime: Lime not only carries a hefty serving of vitamin C but also helps in regulating electrolytes like calcium and potassium while also delivering phosphorus. With additional anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, lime is an excellent alternative to lemon.
7. Mango: Mangoes are a delicious source of vitamins A and C and are overflowing with antioxidants. Mangoes are a refreshing addition to any infused water and a great source of iron, fiber, and alkalizing acids.
8. Blueberries: Blueberries are loaded with vitamins E, C, fiber, manganese polyphenols, salicylic acid, and antioxidants. 
9. Cucumber: Cucumbers are a refreshing source of vitamins A and C, potassium, and the mineral silica.
10. Celtic Sea Salt: Celtic sea salt helps balance electrolytes, promotes hydration, and is loaded with minerals. To learn more about the benefits of salt, you can read up here.

To Learn More:

For more articles featuring the importance of water, be sure to read up: 

• https://www.thewellnessway.com/whats-in-your-water/
• https://www.thewellnessway.com/is-this-hiding-in-your-healthy-water-bottle/
• https://www.thewellnessway.com/reduce-your-exposure-to-pfas/

Herbs are fun to add to infused waters and experiment with new flavors.