The Power of Proper Hydration

April 20, 2024

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Water is the most essential nutrient for the human body because it sustains basic functioning at a cellular level. Getting enough water regulates body temperature, moves nutrients and waste, digests food, protects organs, and keeps skin healthy.

Even being slightly dehydrated can impact brain function, mood, and energy since the brain is over 70% water. Staying hydrated enables our chemical processes to run properly for overall wellness and optimal body function.

Without taking in enough fluids, negative effects happen quickly. Consuming sufficient water is crucial not just to survive but also to allow for our bodily systems to function properly.

How to Know When You Are Dehydrated:

There are many signs of fluid deficit that we overlook daily. Symptoms indicating you need to up your water intake include:

  • Dry skin
  • Frequent headaches
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Dark yellow urine

Some signs that you are properly hydrated include: rarely feeling thirsty and colorless or light yellow urine.

Most Common Causes for Dehydration:

There are many daily habits that can lead to depleted hydration levels if we aren’t careful to counterbalance fluid losses. Common causes that affect hydration status include:

  • Drinking beverages like coffee, tea, and alcohol which increase urination
  • Consuming foods and drinks high in added sugars
  • High stress levels
  • Engaging in exercise and physical activity
  • Simply not drinking enough water day-to-day

If we aren’t proactive about hydrating before, during, and after these depleting events, eventually signs of deficiency will catch up to us. Symptoms like thirst, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, and dark concentrated urine arise when the body can no longer compensate for fluid deficit.

Suggested Water Consumption:

The amount of water the average person should drink in a day varies depending on several factors, including:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Weight
  • Activity level
  • Health conditions

The average adult should consume about 3 liters (12 cups) of water per day, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

While we all share the same basic bodily water requirements at approximately 60%, how much we individually need to consume ebbs and flows. Beyond the general guidelines, tuning into your body’s thirst mechanism is the ultimate guide. Recognizing symptoms of dehydration is key before dehydration becomes problematic. Monitor your hydration biofeedback and drink to satisfy true thirst.

TIps for Staying Hydrated:

The key to maintaining optimal hydration is developing intentional water drinking habits. Useful tips include:

  • Carry a water bottle with you and sip on it throughout the day.
  • Drink water before, during, and after exercise.
  • Drink water during and between meals
  • Choose water over sugary drinks.
  • Eat water-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
  • Pay attention to your urine color. It should be light yellow.

The good news is paying attention to our thirst, urine color and early cues allows us to recognize shortfalls before larger issues occur. We can easily build back balance by adding routine water refueling breaks, limiting fluid-wasting inputs, eating water-rich foods, and managing stress.

How Electrolytes and Vitamins Play a Role in Hydration

In addition to simple water intake, getting optimal doses of key electrolytes and vitamins like Vitamin A also supports overall hydration balance and health.

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids like blood or urine. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride play vital roles in regulating fluid levels both inside and surrounding cells.

Consuming adequate electrolytes may help reduce water retention, muscle cramping, and fatigue. Electrolytes also aid nerve transmission, pH balance, bone strength, and metabolism.

Let's explore how these things operate and uncover the advantages they offer:

Vitamin A:

Sodium (Na+):

  • Role: to balance fluids and blood pressure
  • Works by regulating water movement in and out of cells
  • Helps maintain hydration and supports nerve function

Potassium (K+):

  • Role: to keep everything in our bodies functioning like well-oiled machines
  • Works with sodium to control water movement in cells
  • Supports heart, muscle, and nerve health

Magnesium (Mg2+):

  • Role: involved in 300+ reactions like energy and muscle function
  • Needed to produce cellular energy (ATP)
  • Supports energy metabolism and muscle function

Chloride (Cl-):

  • Role: helps maintain fluid balance
  • Works with sodium to control water in/out of cells
  • Supports digestion and contributes to hydration balance

While pure water fuels our hydration engine, electrolytes and vitamins act as the spark plugs and lubricants, ensuring smooth operation and peak performance of our complex bodily machinery.

CBD Sparkling Water:


Pure Shenandoah’s Hydrate Sparkling Water blends electrolyte-rich bubbly water with vitamins and CBD for a unique sparkling water experience designed to support hydration and calm.


16 ounces of zero-sugar, zero-calorie bubbly goodness in three refreshing options: Mango Pineapple, Cran Raspberry, and Lemon-Lime.

Bubbles with Benefits

One beverage contains:  

  • Sodium (200mg),
  • Potassium (250mg),
  • Magnesium Chloride (150mg)
  • Vitamin A (100mcg)
  • CBD (30mg)


Swap your sugary drinks or regular water for a Hydrate Sparkling Water to give your body the essential nutrients you deserve.


Perfect for:

  • Pre or post workout
  • De-stressing throughout the day
  • Winding down in the evenings
  • Refreshing option for post-celebration hydration support
  • Anytime, anywhere refreshment

What is CBD?

CBD is an abbreviation for Cannabidiol, a naturally occurring molecule found in the cannabis (hemp) plant. It has recently gained popularity for its variety of benefits.

One common misconception is that CBD gives you the "high" that's associated with weed. Unlike THC, CBD does not have psychoactive effects so it will not impair functioning or mental sharpness. This makes it safe to operate vehicles or perform daily responsibilities after consuming CBD.

Don't know Where to begin?

Visit our storefront in Elkton, VA and our team will be happy to help you find the right product!

Monday - Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday - CLOSED

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