Dehydration Feels Like A Hangover - Episode 2 Wholistic Health Podcast

Do you ever wonder why the healthcare system in America is failing you?

Are you sick and tired of being in pain even after taking all the meds your doctor has prescribed to you?

Have you thought about whether complementary alternative medicine even works and what it can do for you?

These are some of the questions and more that we answer on the Wholistic Health Podcast.

Hello and welcome to our 2nd episode of the Wholistic Health Podcast where we talk about all things health, from Eastern to Western medical practices, healthcare models, and how you can incorporate techniques and ideas into your life to live a vibrant, healthier and pain free life.

My name’s Kanoa General, owner of the General Wholistic Center, where you can check us out at www.generalwholisticcenter.com or find us on FB, IG, SC, Twitter and YT.

Alright folks, we had touched on nutrition yesterday and I’m going to let you in on a little secret. I don’t drink enough water. That’s right. I met with Amy, our registered dietician, yesterday and we went through the foods I’m eating and not eating. Where I’m falling short and where I could use a little help. You ever think you’re killing it in the diet area? And then you’re not? I thought I was until Amy told me “You’re not drinking enough water. You’ve got to drink half your bodyweight in ounces.” Now that’s a general guideline for most people. Some will need more or less depending on what other drinks they’re consuming throughout the day. Apparently coffee does not count. And I do love me some espresso made with organic, mold-free beans. So I’ve been hydrating since our meeting yesterday. Amy, I hope you’re happy b/c I haven’t stopped peeing. So why is it important to stay well-hydrated? And why doesn’t coffee count?

Well the truth is coffee is dehydrating and is a vehicle for excessive sugar consumption if you’re into lattes, cappuccinos, or if you’re a pumpkin spice kind of guy or gal. Same thing goes for energy drinks and alcohol. It’s safest to stick to herbal teas, waters flavored with lemon or cucumber slices, teas, and then coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, try adding a little stevia instead of sugar. When you’re dehydrated, you’re more likely to feel fatigued, your body doesn’t function as efficiently (remember in biology you learned that we’re 50-75% water depending on your age?) and you’re more likely to have higher perceptions of pain. 

Another thing I learned? I’m not getting enough protein and I need to lay off on the processed meats. So, it looks like less delicious deli meats for me and more whole foods like chicken breast. Overall, my diet is decent. I’m gluten, dairy, and soy free, and consume a lot of vegetables but it’s good to have someone like Amy in my corner so I can have it brought to my attention where to tweak my diet so I can perform at optimal levels. See? Even health conscious folks like myself need help from time to time.

So why is proper nutrition important? Some of you are probably asking “Kanoa, can’t I just eat a wheat bagel and call it day?”

The short answer is, no. Have you seen that quote “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” by Jim Rohn? The guy was a wise man. You see, you can always move to another apartment or house if the roof starts caving in, or you can swap out the tires when they wear down or the oil needs changing, but you cannot outrun a bad diet. The stuff you consume will either help you thrive or suffer. If you drink you’ve probably noticed how awful you feel the next day when you’ve had too much. When you have a nutrient packed salad you feel like a super hero. 

So I’m curious. If I’m a healthcare practitioner and even I need help with my diet, what does your diet look like? Do you keep a food journal? Do you log your water intake? Are you drinking far too many sugary drinks or even diet...