Science reveals links between hydration and a longer, healthier life
… written by our in-house naturopath.
Hydration is easier said than done.
I’ve spent the last 10 years training my children to hydrate sufficiently and regularly, and quite frankly, it’s hard work! Hydration is a daily practice until it becomes habit, and sometimes it’s easier said than done. Like many wellness practices it takes awareness, commitment and even calls for organisation skills. Busy schedules and the inconvenient consequence of needing the bathroom are some typical reasons most of us don’t maintain adequate levels of hydration.
In Summer it seems easier to do – it’s hot, we get thirsty, we quench our thirst and it’s easier to drink water! As the season turns however, we don’t feel the need (and can even forget) to hydrate and, as we are about to discover, thirst isn’t always a true indicator of our hydration levels anyway.
This article is in support of year-round hydration and ultimately, your longevity.
NEW STUDY
In case we need more reasons to put the kettle on, a newish study published in the Lancet January ‘23 links poor hydration to an increased risk of chronic disease and mortality, stating that a lack of proper hydration is now linked to an older biological age. On the flip side, the study reinforced that sufficient hydration is associated with significantly lower risk of both chronic disease as well as premature death.
This study, which took place across 25 years, included regular clinical examinations to measure serum sodium levels (a reflection of internal hydration) of around 15,000 people between the ages of 45-65 years.
Those with higher serum sodium had an increased risk of being biologically older, a 64% higher risk of developing chronic disease such as heart disease, stroke, chronic lung disease, diabetes and dementia, and a greater risk of dying at a younger age.
How do I really know if I’m dehydrated?
Brain fog, energy dips, poor elimination & compromised skin quality are common indications that we aren’t hydrated sufficiently.
According to HealthDirect.gov.au, mild to moderate dehydration may present as.
- Thirst
- Dry mouth, lips, and tongue,
- Dizziness or light-headedness, especially when standing up.
- Possible headache
- Dark urine, in smaller amounts than usual.
Signs of severe dehydration include.
- Extreme thirst
- A very dry mouth
- Rapid breathing
- Fast heart-rate with low blood pressure
- Possibly fever.
- Little to no urine
- Irritation, drowsiness, and confusion
How do I know if I’m properly hydrated?
According to the Mayo Clinic, as a general rule of thumb, the recommendation is to drink to thirst. A good indication that you’re well hydrated is the production of lots of clear, dilute urine that is passed on average seven times daily.
Which fluids are hydrating?
It is said that sipping plain water is best, away from meals. Milk can also be hydrating however milk should not replace plain water which does not interfere with the very important between-meal fasting period that supports digestion and ultimately our wellbeing. People with strenuous exercise regimes may consider adding a naturally sweetened electrolyte drink after workouts (beware, there is added sugar in many commercial electrolyte products). Herbal teas are fasting-friendly and naturally hydrating.
Since daily caffeinated drinks and alcoholic beverages can be dehydrating, naturopaths tend to recommend one additional glass of water or cup of caffeine-free herbal tea for every caffeinated or alcoholic drink, over and above your usual water intake.
6 Reasons to Hydrate with Tulsi (Holy Basil) Tea
Since many of us just don’t drink enough water, finding ways to increase our water can be a challenge. This is where a good quality herbal tea such as Tulsi (Holy Basil) can help bump up your hydration and further boost your longevity.
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Tulsi teas are delicious. High quality, certified organic herbs in moreish flavoured blends, make it easier for us to achieve what we call True Hydration. Given that thirst isn’t always a reliable indicator that of the body’s need to rehydrate, stopping regularly for a tea break is a dependable cue to maintain hydration levels throughout the day.
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Tulsi reinforces Longevity. Just as hydration can support healthy ageing and ultimately influence our mortality, so do Rasayana herbs, an elite class of supreme Ayurvedic herbs (including Tulsi) that contribute to our vital spirit, our life force.
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Tulsi supports a healthy response to stress. Ayurveda has a two-pronged approach to stress; firstly, reducing stress wherever possible and where it is not possible, changing the way we respond to stress, hence the high demand for Tulsi and other herbal adaptogens that help us adapt or adjust the way we react in stressful situations.
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Tulsi tea supports liver and kidney detoxification. Our bodies are taking in (and creating) toxins all the time. These endo and exotoxins need to be eliminated regularly, the role of your liver and your kidneys. Drinking Tulsi in tea form combines the support of water with the support of this cleansing herb offering comprehensive housekeeping if consumed daily.
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ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi (Holy Basil) is certified organic. Grown with only the good stuff, not only is our Tulsi grown without the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and chemical fertilisers, our farmers apply regenerative agricultural principles that tend to the wellbeing of our soil. Each sip really is good for you, for me, and our planet.
- ORGANIC INDIA Tulsi (Holy Basil) is grown with love. In yoga and Ayurveda, prana or life force permeates reality on all levels including inanimate objects. A very simplistic way to explain vibrational energy is that we all prefer to enjoy a meal that’s been created with love, rather than an angry chef! Our very own ORGANIC INDIA farmers tend to their crops of Tulsi and other herbs with so much love and care, you really can taste the Tulsi Love in every teabag.
Tulsi Tea: Have you had your three?
Consuming Tulsi is a delicious way to hydrate, whilst adding nourishment and supporting a healthy stress response. Including Tulsi as a daily habit will ultimately impact your longevity. Consider Tulsi as you would a long-term investment; the compounding effect of three cups of Tulsi per day on your all-round wellbeing, is best experienced over time. For those who have not experienced the benefits of Tulsi (Holy Basil), we recommend getting started with the Tulsi 21 Day Challenge. Put Tulsi to the test, drink 3 cups of Tulsi daily for 21 Days in a Row and use the self-assessment surveys provided.
One simple daily protocol is to hydrate on rising with one cup of Tulsi, a second cup in a tea break at any time of the day (morning, lunch, or afternoon) with the third cup of Tulsi being taken after dinner. We recommend that you choose the morning and afternoon blends and, in the evening, wind down with either Tulsi SLEEP, Tulsi Honey Chamomile, Tulsi Peppermint or Tulsi Sweet Rose.
Written By;
Sarada
Sarada is a Naturopath, Yogi and Mum based in Byron Bay.
In her work as Brand Manager for ORGANIC INDIA, Sarada has spent many years working closely with, and as an ambassador for, Ayurveda’s Queen of Herbs Tulsi (Holy Basil).
She considers herself to be a 'Professional Tea Lady' & espouses the profound relevance of healing through herbal teas in the modern world.
