Water, water, everywhere …

Water, water, everywhere in paradise ... 

      I am always trying to drink enough water to combat the dreaded side effect of dehydration that crohn’s disease tends to create through it’s symptoms. It doesn’t help that my doctor has been chucking multiple types of antibiotics,steroids and such my way. I've been using the combination to combat the dreaded onslaught that the alien in my gut has been waging  all summer long. All of which, mind you, say drink lots and lots of fluids.

So water, water everywhere.

     In taking lots of water does have it’s benefits like the handy dandy informative photo above kindly explains.

     It can get a wee bit boring at times though when you have to consume as much as I do. So I try to vary my ways. I’ve listed below a few basic ingredients that I’m adding to my daily water regime that also have added medicinal health benefits. 

Cranberries aren’t just for Turkeys 

    There’s been some promising studies that state cranberries when consumed can act as a barrier against bacteria. Everyone’s heard the one about drinking cranberries for UTI’s for this exact reason but it can also apply to bacteria that can effect the stomach & intestine linings. 

    The healthiest way to consume cranberries is raw but can be quite tart in this manner. Cranberry concentrate on the other hand while tart, can be diluted to your own tastes. I recommend using the more natural kind though with the least amount of ingredients and without sugar. It  will be a little expensive but will keep for a while in the fridge.

Mint 

    Mint was originally used as medicinal herb brewed to help treat stomachaches and ails. Typically the leaves are dried and than steeped into a tea when used for these purposes. Added a few fresh mint leaves though to water, is said to help with the feeling of upset stomach and is quite refreshing to the palette. 

Lemon

    Everyone knows that you make lemonade out of lemons. But, did you know that the low pH of lemon juice makes it antibacterial. 

Lemon juice when consumed can increase your amount of citrate levels which in turn inhibit the regrowth of kidney stones. many doctors recommend the sugar free lemonade diet when dealing with kidney stones for this reason. 

My latest concoction is pictured below …

Cranberry LeMint Refresher

Directions: 

Pour ingredients over ice and stir well. Honey or agave may be added if the drink is too tart.

Ingredients:

•         dash of cranberry juice concentrate without added sugar
•         one frozen lemon slice
•         fresh mint leaves
•         water  & ice of course