By: Dr. Dana Cohen, MD
Hydration is the single most important thing you can do to treat and prevent chronic disease. Bold, I know, but I have dedicated a huge chunk of my professional career connecting the dots of hydration and optimal health. I have seen first-hand the cause and effect of low-level dehydration on the body. Being an integrative physician practicing for 25 years in New York City, you see it all. And I have. I feel so passionate about the subject that I co-authored a book called “Quench-Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through the New Science of Optimum Hydration.” The science is fascinating. My book, Quench, sites multiple studies that show how low-grade dehydration is directly related to illnesses. And not the small stuff. I’m talking about migraines, chronic fatigue, constipation, certain cancers, diabetes and even Alzheimer’s Disease.
Before you embark on a new diet or lifestyle change you must first learn how to hydrate properly. There is no compelling research that say’s “8 glasses a day” is optimal. No clue where that came from. And believe me, I looked. Here is what we did discover. There is a new phase of water called structured or gel water. This form of water is found in nature-in plants for example -and found within our cells. I believe that structured/gel water is significantly more hydrating than equal amounts of plain bulk water. So given that, here is another gem. One of the best ways to consume structured water is by blending or infusing plants like vegetables or fruit with water.
Cue the Beast vessel and infusion system. It is a unique system that delivers nutritious hydrating drinks that taste delicious. Here is one of my favorites. You can make single infusion “Beauty Waters” by macerating one ingredient like raspberries or pomegranate seeds and spoon them into the stainless-steel portion of the glass vessel, add water and let it infuse. Cover it with the carrying top and you are off. There is a whole section on different “Beauty waters“ in the skin section of Quench. You can also blend multiple ingredients for different flavor profiles. You can go really simple and infuse lemon and ginger or you can get creative and blend herbs and spices with fruits and/or veggies. The ideas are endless. Think rose petals infused in water or strawberries and basil mixed together. It is best to blend them first in the small vessel, then spoon the blend into the stainless-steel infusion system. If you are someone who doesn’t like to drink plain water then this is the system for you. It can really up your hydration game and your nutrition profile by adding more plant nutrients into your diet. Here is the real proof. Try it and see how you feel. For many of my patients, it’s been a game changer. So infuse your water and enjoy.
