I cannot believe it is already March. Seems like we just celebrated the New Year. Ya know the saying, "time flies when your having fun!" I think any more, time flies. Period.
We made it through the holidays without Big Sis suffering much with flare ups - unlike the year before. We took a more proactive approach to the holidays and her menus. Planning out every meal, making sure we stuck to the plan and that she didn't get too much of the same food during the week. Well, it worked. The worse battle we had (and still do) was making sure she drank her quart of water everyday. That was a battle most of the time. We found when she does drink her quart (or close to it) every day, the inside of her elbows don't appear red. When she goes several days without enough water, they will look red and dry. A great visual for what water does for us - helps to flush out the trash. She too, has learned to recognize when she doesn't drink enough water. It usually takes about 3 days for it to show. When you ask her why she thinks they look red, she will tell you - "not enough water."
Have you ever paid attention to a plant in need of water? All wilted,
dry and sad? How much better it looks when it gets watered...especially
after a good rain!
Water is the only thing we consume that exchanges nutrients for waste in every cell of our body. It doesn't have to be broken down by your body, so it is utilized with very little effort. As a general rule, we need to drink 1/2 our body weight in water (measured in ounces). The average adult should have at least 2 quarts of pure water a day. Of course, if you work outside, sweat, exercise, you will need to increase that amount. With kids, it varies based on weight and activity. For Big Sis, it's a quart. Little Sis, a little under that.
I have always been a water drinker. But I never realized the importance of it until recent years. Through Big Sis's eczema, we have been given a unique perspective. Of which I am very grateful. We see first hand the difference between drinking ample water and not enough water. For the first time in a decade, her skin, for the most part, is soft. It looks healthy. And it makes me smile. :) For the first time, her skin doesn't feel like very fine sandpaper. Granted, ample water has not been the only thing. If you have read my past blogs, you know there have been other contributing factors to our God-granted success with her eczema. But, when all other factors remain constant and the only change is her daily water intake, you get a very clear picture of what is going on inside her body - and ours. I can picture the waste and toxins building in every cell due to a lack of water and exchange going on in the cells. After about 3 days of proper water intake, her skin clears again and the redness dissappears.
In a few short months, the heat will arrive...along with the gnats. Water will get a little easier to consume, but being outdoors will be less enjoyable. Heading into this summer, things are looking different. Her skin looks better. Happier. More hydrated.
I want to challenge you. Figure up how much water you need daily. There are some great online hydrate calculators that will help you adjust your intake based on climate and activity level. I challenge you to drink that amount (or close) of water daily. For an extra boost, add fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice. Your body will thank you!
Blessings,
CJ
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