What the A to Z of winter wellness is all about
When the chill factor drops our focus on good health often drifts. Not only are we more susceptible to nasty winter lurgies, but the temptation to hibernate can mean less moving and not as much focus on the right food for optimal health. In a bid to stay focused (or re-focus) this winter, we've called on the smarts of holistic health expert, Dr Libby Weaver to help compile our interactive A to Z of Winter Wellness. Each weekday we will reveal the next letter and what it stands for in our health file, plus informative graphics and recipe suggestions to help boost your health. Check in to Life & Style every afternoon for your winter wellness inspiration.
- Nicky Park, Life & Style Editor
H | Hydration by Dr Libby Weaver
Our health is highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the water we drink. Unintentional chronic dehydration can contribute to pain and inflammation in the body and it can even be involved in the development of many degenerative diseases. Help your body prevent such ills by regularly sipping water across the day.
Set up rituals in your day to flag your memory that it is time to drink. Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon juice, for example. Aim to drink water between meals, rather than with meals, as it can dilute the power of your stomach acid, necessary for the optimal digestion of your food. This is particularly important if you often experience bloating. The water content of vegetables, soups, and herbal teas all contribute to your hydration too. Make drinking enough pure water a habit in your life. It won't take long for you to feel the benefits.