We all acknowledge that water is an essential component of our planet. However, how often do we stop to acknowledge the importance of water in our bodies? Not often enough! It’s crazy to think that two-thirds of our body’s volume is water and 99 percent of our molecules are water molecules. Yet statistics show that nearly 75 percent of Americans are regularly dehydrated.

How does this happen? Even with growing health consciousness, we still seem to underestimate the importance of drinking water daily. I have to wonder if the problem is not widespread ignorance? Dehydration causes mental fatigue, brain fog, low energy, struggles with complex problem solving, and issues with attention and coordination. Compounding the problem further, in light of these mental and physical deficits, we turn to things like caffeine or sugary beverages to give us a jolt – but that’s all it is! A simple jolt, a bump, that inevitably damages the system, creates a crash, and will leads to patterns of dependency.  Sadly, it seems we are quite stuck in a vicious cycle and the last thing we usually do is give our bodies what it really needs most – water!

Correcting the Problem

The million-dollar question is, what can I do to optimize my water?  One of the first things I do every morning, upon awakening, is drink a 10-12 ounce glass of water.  In just doing this one small thing consistently, I’ve noticed in increase in energy! It activates alertness, moves nutrients throughout the bloodstream, and tells my body to dispose of waste and toxins. Moreover, it helps with proper organ function, and for those of us driven more by how we look on the outside, proper hydration also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles! If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself!

In fact, there are many things you can do to transform boring water into a powerhouse beverage that can revolutionize the way you look, feel, and think! So, before you go for the coffee in the morning, try out some of these combinations in your daily water intake to get your body operating at its best:

• Sea Salt and Lemon: A pinch of Keltic sea salt and half a lemon is all you need.

Sea salt keeps you hydrated longer due to its high nutrient content.  High-quality sea salt is known to have 84 trace minerals that nourish our bodies.  It is also a great source of electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium.  And, it will aid in muscle cramps and soreness.

Lemon helps maintain the PH balance in the body and contains vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.  It promotes digestion and aids in immune system deficiencies.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

If you are down for a little kick you can also add in 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your glass of water.  It will increase hydrochloric acid production, which is needed to break down proteins into amino acids and also promotes proper digestion.  Other digestive aids include cinnamon stick in warm water, mint leaves and ginger.

• Trace Minerals and Vitamin D/K2 liquid

My go-to is simple: a drop of trace minerals and two drops of vitamin D/K2 combo. Trace minerals are a quick and easy way to optimize your water and, just like sea salt or vitamin D/K2, they are a great support for your bones, immune, and cardiovascular health.

When I am on the go and don’t have the opportunity to optimize my water using any of the solutions described above, my alternative is usually sparkling mineral water. I suggest getting it in a glass bottle to avoid any of the plastic contaminants that can blend into the water.

By opting for mineral water, I know I will be provided with enough traces of minerals to keep me going.

In the world of performance, we talk about ways to “win the day!” Adding water helps us to do exactly that! Start your day by optimizing it!