NOURISHMENT WATER FERMENTED FOODS increases energy, decreases appetite, essential for eliminating toxins and wastes, essential for proper kidney function, reduces incidence of UTI’s It is estimated that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. According to the Institute of Medicine men should drink around 13 cups and women around 9 cups. (8 X 8) Pick a water bottle that increases your desire to DRINK! Add flavor to your water with whole fruits like melons, oranges, and strawberries. Add 1 drop of a citrus therapeutic-grade essential oil to a 4 ounce beverage Keep water everywhere, at your desk, in your car, in a special place at home Add up the amount of money you spend on a weekly basis purchasing beverages and put the money you save drinking water aside for something special, a win-win! Apps Daily Water iHydrate My Water Balance FERMENTED FOODS Fermentation: the process of producing energy in the absence of oxygen. Chemical reactions in bacteria, yeasts, and other microorganisms break down and eliminate sugars from the substance. EXAMPLES: Kimchi, cabbage and spices, beneficial for cardiovascular and digestive issues. Kefir, high in calcium, magnesium, and essential vitamins Koumbucha, fermented beverage of black tea and sugar, beneficial for improved digestion Sauerkraut, fermented cabbage, supports a healthy immune response Learn More: Fermented Vegetables: Creative Recipes for Fermenting 64 Vegetables & Herbs in Krauts, Kimchis, Brined Pickles, Chutneys, Relishes & Pastes http://microbialfoods.org/ http://fermentationist.com/ Kim B, Hong VM, Yang J, et al. A Review of Fermented Foods with Beneficial Effects on Brain and Cognitive Function. Preventive Nutrition and Food Science. 2016;21(4):297-309. doi:10.3746/pnf.2016.21.4.297. Selhub EM, Logan AC, Bested AC. Fermented foods, microbiota, and mental health: ancient practice meets nutritional psychiatry. Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2014;33(1):2. doi:10.1186/1880-6805-33-2. Tamang JP, Shin D-H, Jung S-J, Chae S-W. Functional Properties of Microorganisms in Fermented Foods. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2016;7:578. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00578. Functions of water in the body. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/multimedia/functions-of-water-in-the-body/img-20005799 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2014, September 15). Water: How much should you drink every day? Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256 https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/nutrition/index.html