The missing nutrient

You're not sick. You're thirsty.

~ F. Batmanghelidj, M.D.

In my search for optimal food for health, I have read countless books and scholarly articles.  I have considered dietary protocols ranging from mostly plant to mostly animal foods, from vegan to carnivore.

I have found sufficient scientific evidence to confirm that we are indeed omnivores who thrive on whole, naturally prepared foods - of plant and animal origin.

Unless we eat nutrients in balance, hunger will persist no matter how many calories we have consumed.

But, the more I learn, the more convinced I become that the missing nutrient is water.

We're not sick. We're dehydrated

Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet but one of the most vital.

~ Kelly Barton

Body composition is up to 87% water in newborns, dropping to under 45% by age 70. We dehydrate ourselves to death.

High caffeine intake, sweetened beverages, diuretics, antihistamines, chemotherapy, laxatives and alcohol contribute to the dehydration process.

Some foods are higher in water content than others. Fruits and vegetables are hydrating. Sugar, refined grains, and cereals dehydrate.

The right amount of natural sea salt, not that found in ultra processed foods, is also crucial for maintaining proper electrolyte balance and hydration.

Sometimes we forget the basics.