Beware: Poo On Your Meat

Since I am a pescetarian (a vegetarian who abstains from eating all meat with the exclusion of seafood), I luckily don't have to worry about what's going into my hamburgers. My "hamburgers" usually consist of beans or soy products that aren't as likely to be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. Coli. (Interested in trying a good meatless burger? Try Flame-Grilled Boca Burgers. Boca's breakfast 'sausage' links are also really tasty.)

However, for those of you who do occasionally indulge in a hamburger, you may want to beware of what you're ingesting. While I certainly don't condone those who eat meat, nonvegetarians definitely need to be more careful when it comes to handling and purchasing foods. The New York Times, recently published an article that exposed the meat industry in their process of making hamburger meat. What the article had to say wasn't all that pretty...

The article was a little lengthy, so I'm going to highlight some of the important and of interest points, much of which could be of concern to any meat-eater.

The NY Times constructed the article around Stephanie Smith, a woman who ingested a burger containing E. Coli and as a result is now paralyzed from the waist down. Doctors also say that her kidneys are at a high risk of failing. The human body contains two kidneys that work to remove waste from the blood of which is then transported out of the body when we urinate. Kidney failur can cause longer term disability or even death. One kidney must remain functional in order to survive. Doctors say that most likely Ms. Smith won't ever be able to walk again.

According to the NY Times, most patients are able to recover from E. Coli toxification. However, in the worst cases such as Smith's, the bacteria can penetrate the colon wall, damaging blood vessels and causing clots which can lead to seizures. The seizures can be so intense that they can inhibit the brain from properly function for periods of a time. Even in less severe cases, patients are almost always sure to become sick. According to WebMD, ingestion of E. Coli O157:H7, the strain that causes food-borne illnesses, will cause symptoms such as severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomitting, and diahrrea. If the illness doesn't reach a severe stage, symptoms will generally last for about a week or so.

So how is E. Coli getting into market-sold products? The NY Times did a large examination of the meat industry to try and answer this question. They found that hamburger meat sold at the supermarket is almost always a blend of different grades of meat from various parts of the cow, coming from numerous slaughterhouses. Food experts say that the cuts of meat used are particularly vulnerable to E. Coli contamination. Cargrill, the company that processed the meat of which contaminated Ms. Smith, used a large blend of meats which allowed them to spend 25% less than if they used cuts of whole meats. While they may have initially saved some money, this ensued several multi-million dollar claims by some of the people who got sick.

The ingredients Cargrill used came from slaughterhouses ranging from places like Nebraska, Texas, South Dakaota, and all the down to to Urugway. The largest and cheapest component used in making ground hamburger meat is beef trimmings, which contain 50% fat, 50% meat. The article stated that in large grocery store chains such as Publix Super Markets, in order for customers who want to make a hamburger from meat obtained from whole-cuts, they'd have to purchase a steak and have it specially ground, said a Publix spokesperson.

The low-grade meat trimmings are cut from areas of the cow that are more likely to be contaminated by feces (Poo). The cattle in slaughterhouses are often smeared with traces of feces that harbor E. Coli. In order to keep the feces from contaminating the meat, the cattles' hides, which are particularly close to the outer trimmings obtained from the outer surfaces of the carcasses, must be very carefully removed. This can easily be slipped up, as the large clamps holding the hide often slip and smear feces onto the meat. Also, it's easy for workers to unintentionally spread feces to the meat they are handling as they quickly and often unmindfully slice away the hides. Inspectors have said that E. Coli are also particularly present at the intestines gutting stations within slaugtherhouses.

And while slaughterhouses and meat processing plants can't quite be compared to the conditions of extreme squalor described in Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, the environment is by far still not adequately clean and pristine. Inspectors at Cargrill found large amounts of meat patties thrown on the floor, old bits of meat hanging of meat grinders, and workers dumping indedible meat on the floors beneath production lines. None of this speaks of healthy sanitation to me.

The NY Times reported a survey taken by the Agriculture Department of more than 2,000 plants that taken after the Cargill outbreak. The survey showed that half of the grinders did not test their finished ground beef for E. coli, and a measly 6 percent said they tested incoming ingredients at a very measly least amount of four times a year.

While there is no federal requirement for grinders to test their ingredients for E. Coli, a lot of companies do set their own standards and testing. However, many companies such as Cargrill, don't even follow their own safety programs, the same ones they made. The reason that federal requirements haven't been made is because industry officials claim that the cost of testing could unfairly burden small processors and that slaughterhouses where the meat is purchased already test for the pathogen. However, meat is a delicate food when it comes to bacteria growth. You would think that it would be more important for thorough standards to be set so that vicitims such as Ms. Smith wouldn't have to worry about what they're buying or eating from the grocery store.

A direct quote taken from the NY Times article stated this: "Dr. Kenneth Petersen, an assistant administrator with the department’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, said that the department could mandate testing, but that it needed to consider the impact on companies as well as consumers. “I have to look at the entire industry, not just what is best for public health,” Dr. Petersen said."

Isn't public health more important than the industry's financial gain? Without health, money means nothing. And clearly, being sued for multi-millions isn't doing much for companies in terms of finance.

To make matters worse, many slaugtherhouses won't sell to grinders who test their meat. Slaughterhouses fear that one grinder’s discovery of E. coli will set off a recall of ingredients they sold to others. So basically, they don't care if they are selling contaminated meat and harming customers as long as they can continue selling their products. Taken from the Times article: The food safety officer at American Foodservice, which grinds 365 million pounds of hamburger a year, said it stopped testing trimmings a decade ago because of resistance from slaughterhouses. “They would not sell to us,” said Timothy P. Biela, the officer.

These cases don't help to cast capitalism in a good light. Workers at Greater Omaha, another meat processing company, filed a suit against the company saying that they weren't getting paid for the time they spent cleaning contaminants off their knives and other gear. Greater Omaha is contesting the suit...but if this is true, most likely workers aren't paying attention to the details of cleaning their utensils, meaning bacteria is probably left to reside on them.

The Times found that even the safe handling instructions of meat can not enough fully prevent the bacteria of meat from spreading in the kitchen. The E. Coli pathogen is so powerful that it can cause illness from just a few cells left on a counter. “In a warm kitchen, E. coli cells will double every 45 minutes,” said Dr. Mansour Samadpour, a microbiologist who runs IEH Laboratories in Seattle, one of the meat industry’s largest testing firms.

While companies treat their fatty trimmings with ammonia, yes, ammonia, it is often still not enough to prevent E. Coli contamination. The bottom line is this: Be weary when buying any meat, especially meat that is highly processed. It's generally best to get meat from a local butcher of whom you can get to know. Also, free-ranged, organic meat is generally safer and prevents less animal cruelty living conditions. While it may cost you a few extra bucks, the money is worth your health and your conscious.

Here's my only vegetarian pitch...If you're going to eat meat, maybe try consuming a little less of it. Especially if you have you're own garden, you don't have to worry quite as much when you're cooking up simple, unprocessed veggies and beans. Stick to the basics and your mind and health is generally worry-free.

To read the whole NY Times article, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/04/health/04meat.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&th&emc=th

Healthy Snacking

Snacking can be healthy when done in the right away. That means, staying away from high fat, empty calorie snacks, and opting for something with a little bit more fiber and/or protein. Sometimes snacks are the perfect pick-me-ups and can keep you from overindulging later in the day. Check out the following healthy picks that will be sure to leave both your brain and tummy satisfied.


Salty
-1/4 cup of dried, unshelled edemame- These come in a variety of flavors. If you're looking for something simple, try the sea salt. If you want a little kick try my favorite, wasabi. One serving has a mere 140 calories and a whopping 14 grams of protein.
-1/4 cup of hummus with a few baby carrot sticks- I am absolutely in love with hummus. In high school, I ate hummus sandwiches like other people at PB&J, nonstop. This creamy, mediterranean dip is primarily made out of protein-packed chickpeas and heart-healthy fat containing sesame tahini. This snack is guaranteed to leave you completely satisfied, with only an added 80 calories to your days consumption.

Sweet
-One 8oz container of Fage 0% Greek yogurt with one tablespoon of honey- Greek yogurt is particularly dense and creamy, even without the fat. Add a tablespoon of honey and the snack comes to 180 calories (energy) along with a full 20 grams of protein. Mmm.
-Two individually wrapped Dove Dark Chocolate squares- Costing just 84 calories, the individually wrapped squares assure that you won't down a whole candy bar. Plus, a little dark chocolate can actually be good for you. And, when it comes to dark chocolate, a little goes a long way in making your tastebuds satisfied.
-An apple or banana- You can't go wrong with a piece of fruit. Typically containing around 80 calories, nature's sweet candy is filled with fiber and nutrients. Heck, if you're really hungry, indulge yourself in two pieces.

Savory
- One tomato, sliced and sprinkled with 1 oz. feta cheese- This 100 calorie snack is the perfect combination between juicy, salty, and savory. Add some basil for a little extra punch of flavor.
-Zesty BBQ Soy Crisps- Crispy and savory like BBQ potato chips, without all the greasy fat. Try a brand such as Genisoy which enhances their crisps with soy protein. One serving packs just 120 calories and 7 grams of protein.

So the next time you reach for a snack, skip the Doritos and the gummy bears and try out these options, which are more nutritious but equally as satisfying. Determine if you're craving something salty, sweet, or savory and give it a go. There are tons of snacks that aren't on this list that are just as healthy and delicious. When it comes to snacking, aim for something under 200 calories with at least 2 grams of fiber or 6 grams of protein per serving.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I've posted a story below that I found today in the Philadelphia Metro. The inspirational story of which centers around a dragonfly has given strength to numerous families coping with cancer. This is a story that everyone can take something away from.

Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened -- their friend was dead, gone forever. Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, he was determined that he would not leave forever. He would come back and tell his friends what he had found at the top. When he reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, he was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that he decided to take a nap. As he slept, his body changed and when he woke up, he had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So, fly he did! And as he soared he saw the beauty of the whole new world and a far superior way of life to what he had never known existed. Then he remembered his beetle friends and how they were thinking by now he was dead. He wanted to go back and tell them and explain to them that he was now more alive than he had ever been before. His life had been fulfilled rather than ended. But, his new body would not go down into the water. He could not get back to tell his friends the good news. Then he understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what he now knew. So, he raised his wings and flew off into his joyous new life! - Author Unknown

Moral of the story, never give up. And if you fail at something, don't automatically consider yourself a failure. Sometimes being unsuccessful is what's actually meant to be and something even more wonderful will come your way. So never give up on life. There's so much to learn, so much to experience. The world is beautiful and has something different yet great to offer to each and every person it breathed into existence. Don't be afraid to take chances like the dragonfly did, and get out there. Experience the world in a whole new light. You'll be surprised what life really can encompass. Always live on the plus side of life...just that simple change can turn your world upside down (more like right side up), and shine light into your life. And as always, like the dragonfly, get your butt outside to experience and take in the Fresh-Air!

A Week in My Life

For a class project I had to document a typical week in my life. Check it out, and you'll notice I live a pretty active, vegetarian lifestyle, which may help give you an insight into the theme and credibility of this blog. Take a moment to reflect on one of your typical weeks. Is it a good reflection of you? If not, you might just want to change/shift something in your life.

The dorm room where the majority of the time I spend inside takes place.

Two of my best friends, Deirdre and Max, hang out for the evening in my apartment.

As I venture out of my apartment, I like to lace up my shoes and "hit the ground running".

I also frequently hit the courts where I enjoy playing a good game of tennis.

My love of staying outdoors and being active leads me to Temple's outdoor club. This is one of our weekly gatherings.

As an active girl, my body constantly needs refueling.

In the evenings, my roommates and I enjoy cooking. I specialize in vegetarian cuisine and often make dishes like rice and beans, as shown above.

Deirdre and I like to restock our refridgerator with local produce. We often venture out to Philadelphia's farmers markets, like the one shown above which was held on South Street during Philly's Green Festival.

To wind down and rejuvenate myself after my often busy days, I love to practice yoga.

DDDD Dangerous Deficiency

A few months ago after going in for a checkup, my alternative-based doctor added another vitamin to the list I'm already taking. On top of the Vitamin C, B vitamin complex, and calcium, she recommended I take a daily Vitamin D capsule. She warned me that although I spend much of my time in the sun, the majority of Americans aren't getting enough Vitamin D. Since I don't drink milk and only eat eggs and fish occasionally, all foods that are rich in Vitamin D, I am likely one of the Americans deficient of Vitamin D.

According to Scientific American, 3/4 of American's adults and teens are deficient in vitamin D, and CNN reports that 70% of America's kids are below recommended levels.

Vitamin D's primary role is aiding in the absorption of calcium, helping to support strong bones. Vitamin D has also been linked to protecting against osteoporosis, diabetes, hypertension, and certain cancers and autoimmune diseases. CNN reports that for children, low levels may increase the risk of heart disease later in life.

Since Vitamin D plays a role in bone metabolism, it is essential that growing children and athletes involved in hard-impact sports are getting enough of it. However, studies have shown that most likely, neither group is meeting adequate levels. A study done by the National Institutes of Health tested 18 gymnasts for vitamin D and found that 15 of them had levels lower than the recommended guidelines. The study went on to conclude that athletes should probably be tested for vitamin D levels.

So how can one get enough vitamin D? Well, vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, can only be made when the body is exposed to sunshine. It is said that in Northern latitutdes during the seasons of spring, summer, and fall, as little as 15 minutes of sunshine a day will provide adequate amounts. I found this to be interesting considering my doctor received tests saying I indeed do have low "D" levels. With so many Americans being deficient, are we really not spending at least 15 minutes in the sun a day? I find this to be hard believe. But anyways, there are other ways to ensure that you get enough vitamin D. Most milk is enhanced with the vitamin, and foods such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, cod, and eggs also contain a fair amount. Many experts also recommend taking a supplement. Since my tests showed I had a deficiency, my doctor has me taking 5000 IU a day, however there are many supplements that contain lower amounts such as 500-1000 IU. In general, most nutritionists say that doing a combination of getting enough sun, eating D-rich foods, and taking a supplement is best.

The National Academy of Sciences set upper intake levels for children and adults at 2000 IU daily. The National Academy of Sciences also set the adequate daily amount of Vitamin D at 200 IU for children and adults up to age 50, 400 for adults ages 51-70, and 600 for those 70 and over. However many experts recommend much higher amounts, and these amounts are subject to raise, with new adequate amounts expected to be put out in May 2010. Also, many studies have shown that higher levels are particularly important for certain groups of people. The groups consist of those living in northern areas such as the Pacific Northwest or the New England states, those who are obese, and people who often stay indoors due to professions or personal habits such as an excessive use of sunscreen. African Americans and those with naturally darker skin are also recommended to intake higher levels because these people have more melanin or pigment in their skin, making it harder to absorb vitamin D coming from the sun. The recommended amount for above groups of people is at least 1,000 IU per day.

If you fall in any of the above categories, or fear that you may be lacking vitamin D, talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. Vitamin D is important in more ways than one, and deficiencies can lead to serious damage. And as always, remember to get out there and enjoy the Fresh-Air, providing nature's natural source of vitamin D.

Satisfaction Baby

Every time Monday morning rolls around, I wake up and think to myself, “Why in the world did I agree to teach this 7 a.m. yoga class?” And then every Monday morning when 8 a.m. comes around, I once again think to myself and decide, “I love this”.

Teaching yoga is just so incredibly rewarding. I walk into class feeling a little apathetic, and walk out in a whole different light, feeling entirely happy.

And I get to see my students go through this same transformation! Walking in lukewarm and half awake, they almost always emerge feeling calm, confident, and with a huge smile on their faces.

Today on my way out I over heard two girls talking about the class. After talking about some of the positions, one girl started commenting on the shoulder stand. “When she went up into that upside down pose, I was like I’m never going to be able to do that,” said the girl in reference to me demonstrating the pose. “And then I did it!”

It is this kind of conversation that is extremely gratifying to hear. To know that you are helping people over come their fears, anxieties, troubles, etc. makes you feel great. Yoga is like a miracle “drug” and to be able to teach this to others is amazing. And while nothing is good when done out of moderation, yoga is one addiction that won’t be too harmful.

On my walk back today from the gym where I teach, I thought to myself that this is the kind of job I want to find. I want to get into a profession that is this rewarding. I want to help people. I want to make a difference. I want to see people become happy and healthy. Although I don’t think that being a doctor would be for me, I can definitely see why someone would go into that profession. While they often have to deal with hardships, they too get to see these kind of miracles everyday.

As I continually search for what I want to do with my currently underway journalism degree, these principles will be in the back of my mind. How can I make a difference, how can I help the world? While there are so many ways to do this, I want to find the angle that is right for me; one that feels as good as it feels to me when I finish teaching a yoga class.

As for now, I’m going to go do some yoga and meditate on these future exciting endeavors.

Swine Flu Update- Should You Get Vaccinated?

The swine flu is still being heavily talked about in the news. Although many health experts have confirmed that the swine flu poses no more of an imminent danger than the regular seasonal flu, the topic is still causing many Americans to breakout in a non-flu sweat. If you're wondering whether you should get vaccinated, here's what the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) has to say about the issue:

Get vaccinated if...
-You are worried about becoming ill or transmitting the influenza to others- (The majority of Americans are at least a little worried about getting the flu--so definitely get vaccinated if you fall under the following categories.)
-If you are pregnant or planning on getting pregnant- get vaccinated
-Have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or metabolic disorders
-Are caregivers of children less than 5 years old and adults aged 50 years and older

According to the NY Times, about 100 million get vaccinated for the seasonal flu shot a year. The government has ordered twice that many doses of the swine flu vaccine. If you're worried about it and want to get vaccinated, talk to your doctor about where you can get the swine flu shot. While it's good to get the vaccination as a safeguard, don't have a heart attack over the subject in the meantime.

What Not To Drink

Since my latest posts have been revolved around the the subject of drinking fluids and how much of them to drink, I thought I'd continue the theme by giving the low-down on what beverages one should absolutely refrain from consuming. Drinks can really add a punch to your pouch. Often loaded with empty calories, beverages can easily cause you to put on some extra weight without you even knowing it. While drinks may be packed with calories, people don't often associate the calories in drinks as they would with food. Consuming a 155 calorie granola bar would probably leave a person feeling satisfied or at least curb their hunger, whereas a person downing that same amount of calories by drinking a can of Coke often wouldn't feel full, especially mentally. Therefore, the calories in drinks often aren't compensated for later in the day and end up being purely extra calories added into the diet.

While countless drinks are unhealthy, containing loads of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and food-colorings, there are a few that particularly stand out as being atrocious in terms of one's diet. Try to avoid consuming the following drinks, as they are loaded with calories and aren't beneficial at all to one's health.

-Venti Double Chocolate Chip Blended Creme Frappuccinno: This drink has more calories and fat than in a typical meal, containing 670 calories and 22 grams of fat. That's as much fat and more calories as two McDonald's cheeseburgers. In fact, I would tend to stay away from Starbucks in general, considering more than a handfull of drinks on the menu contain as much calories and fat as most meals on fast food menu. For instance, the hot chocolate with whip creme has a whopping total of 24 grams of fat. Is this something you really want to be guzzling down? Wake up with something a little more healthful, such as a homemade green smoothie. If you really feel the need to hit Starbucks on your way to work, opt for a cappuccino with soy or nonfat milk (about 80 calories), or simply stick to a plain cup of joe.

-Margarita- Going out for a night on the town? Well, skip this drink. With their often exotic sounding flavors and bright, neon colors, Margaritas can often sound like the drink of choice. However, they'll cost you about 400 calories, a ton of sugar, and lots of processed food colorings. And while they may look appetizing, unless you're getting them fresh such as in the Caribbean islands, they usually taste like syrupy, processed crap. Stick to something lighter such as a Mint Mojito (180 calories), a simple combination of rum or vodka, a little sugar, fresh squeezed lime and fresh mint. This drink refreshing drink is sure to leave you satisfied and walking out of the bar a little lighter than that loudmouth sipping on a candy apple margarita.

-"Juice Drinks"- Juice can be deceiving. I often find myself quickly grabbing something such as a bottle of cranberry juice at the gas station, only to find out once I get to my car that what I grabbed is not really juice at all. In fine print, labels often read "10%" juice...then list off a bunch of artificial flavorings and processed ingredients. I didn't want 90% crap, I wanted juice god damn it! Juice as it is isn't as nutritious as eating the actual fruit, but it's even worse when if the "juice" you're drinking barely even contains the fruit from which its titled. When choosing juice, make sure the bottle says 100% juice, and limit yourself to one serving size. Since juice is very concentrated, it tends to be high in calories and sugar, and unlike the fruit, it contains no fiber so it often won't make you feel full like eating an actual apple would. One small juice box often contains 100 calories which is more than if you just ate the actual fruit. If you're craving something sweet, go for the real fruit and grab a glass of water to clench your thirst, rather than downing 100 calories in a few quick sips from a juicebox.

These are just a sample of the high calorie drinks that are out there. In general, use sodas, juices, and coffee "milkshakes" as treats, rather than daily consumptions. Stick to water which is actually the best at doing its job of clenching one's thirst. If you're looking for a little variation away from your everyday water, check out these natural, low-cal, refreshing beverages.

So How Much Water Do You Really Need?

As I mentioned in my previous post, there has been a constant flow of information within the past couple of years warning Americans to drink more water. While this has certainly heighten awareness helping people to consciously add what was probably some much needed water into their diet, how much does the average person truly need to drink? Should one be taking a sip every chance they get? Probably not considering my experience. I did some research to get the scoop on how often you really need to be refilling that BPA-free Nalgene of yours.

First, a few facts on why water indeed is good for you. Water helps to purify the body and eliminate toxins. What this means for you: A healthier body and better looking skin. Drinking enough water helps eliminate waste and gives the skin a natural glow. According to the Mayo Clinic, water makes up 60% of your body weight and is vital for every system in the body. Without water, the body cannot properly function, and dehydration can lead to serious fatigue. However, as I discovered, over consumption of water can also lead to a drain on the electrolytes also leading to fatigue. So what is the proper amount?

The general rule is to drink eight 8-ounces of fluids a day. However, this amount varies depending on the person. If you are more active, you'll want to replenish yourself by drinking additional water, and if you are particularly sedentary, most likely you won't need eight 8-ounces. The ultimate goal is to drink enough water to make up for the amount of water you lose throughout the day. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average adult urinates approx. 1.5 liters (6.3 cups) a day and loses about another liter through sweating, breathing, and bowel movements. This equates to needing to consume about 8 cups of water in order to replace the excreted water, hence the golden rule of drinking eight 8-ounces of fluid per day. If you're sweating excessively, drink an extra glass to replace the loss of water. If the duration of physical activity is longer than an hour and relatively intense, you made need to also find a drink or boost yourself with some sodium to replace the sodium being lost. This can also throw your electrolytes out of balance. Overconsumption of water can make it hard for the kidneys to excrete the excess water, and can even lead to dilution of the blood resulting in a condition called hyponatremia. Distance runners and endurance athletes should be mindful of this.

Another key to notice when trying to determine how much water you should be consuming is to check the color of your pee. Yeah, that's right, analyze it in terms of contrast with the toilet bowl (haha). Generally, your urine should remain clear or slightly yellow in color. If it's bright yellow, this can mean you need to be drinking more water. Unless however you are taking a multi-vitamin which can tend to color the urination as excess nutrients are eliminated.

Just remember to stay hydrated and listen to when your body is telling you it's thirsty. If you're feeling parched, don't avoid the feelings, and go find yourself a glass of water. Don't just reach for any fluids, such as soda or coffee which contain caffeine and can actually further dehydrate the body. Also, when drinking alcohol, make sure to load up on plenty of water during and afterwards.

When it comes to working out, drink a cup of water approximately 20-30 minutes before hitting the gym. Try to stay rehydrated throughout the physical activity, or refuel on a glass afterwards.

The bottom line: Drink when you're thirsty and don't avoid your body's signals.

Everything Has Its Limits...

You know the common phrase "everything should be done in moderation"? Well it's the truth! Whether it's something potentially harmful such as alcohol or even something essential to life such as water, whether its being a couch potato or an exercise fanatic, nothing is good when overdone.

Don't wait to it's too late like me. After the past couple years, I've definitely learned my lesson.

This past summer, I had started feeling fatigued and getting other symptoms, such as frequent lightheadedness upon standing. After going to the doctor and undergoing multiple evaluations, we finally came to a collaborative conclusion that I might be drinking too much water.

At first I thought to myself: Is that really possible, too much H20? I mean, especially considering that within the past couple of years there seems to be article after article written about how Americans aren't drinking enough water. Is it possible that I'm actually one of the few who is not only getting enough water, but getting too much? Too much water, nature's wonder-drug?

After some deliberation, I came to the realization that yes, this was plausible, and quite possibly my problem. I began to think about how much water I would actually drink throughout the day. I quickly realized, it was an innumerable amount. Starting in the morning with a huge glass often accompanied by an additional cup of tea, and continuing throughout the day leading into the night, taking small sips of water as I tried to drift off to sleep. I was always drinking water.

I'm a pretty active girl, so I never really felt the need, or knew there was a need, to be conscious of my water consumption. I'd go to play tennis and after finishing, I'd find my huge Coleman jug that was once full of water, practically empty. Or I'd come inside to take a break from working in the garden and quickly down a couple glasses of water. Ahh, I couldn't get enough of the stuff. So refreshing, perfectly neutral and tasteless. That's what I liked about it, so pure and simple, different than any other substance a human would normally consume. And I figured, hey I'm always sweating, and Americans "never" get enough water, so I probably need all this H20. I didn't really think twice about my drinking habits.

Since I seemed to always be filling my time by doing something active, I also seemed to almost always be drinking water. Essentially, my drinking became an incessant habit. I was a "waterholic". Pretty soon, even when I wasn't doing something physically exerting I'd reach for a glass of water. If I was thirsty, I'd get some water. If I was tired, I'd get some water. If I was bored- water. If I was studying- water. If I was cooking- water. And on and on and on...Until it got to the point where I was sitting in the doctors office, probably just after drinking some water, and wondering what was wrong with me.

Apparently I had caused my electrolytes to become out of balance. All that water was flushing some pretty essential nutrients too quickly out of my body. Well, I always thought I had a small bladder, when in reality I was probably just drinking too many fluids. Who knew?

After leaving the doctors office, the following days I made a conscious effort to watch my drinking habits and become aware of when my body truly was thirsty. It was harder than it seems. I'd find myself unconsciously filling up a glass of water and only seconds later realizing I wasn't even thirsty. I'd stop downing gallons of water after running, working, and doing sports, and instead drank moderate amounts, yet almost always wanting more. While every other American was trying to cram more water into their systems, I was trying to fight my craving of wanting to drink more water. It was, and still is, especially hard for me to cut back on sipping water while I'm trying to fall asleep. Everytime my head hits the pillow, my mouth seems to miraculously become dry. Though, I'm pretty sure this is just because my body has been programmed for so long to drink during this time period.

After a few weeks of limiting my water consumption, I began to be able to become in tune with my body and realize when it truly wanted/needed water. My lightheadedness quickly started to fade and I also started to regain my energy. For an additional boost in balancing my electrolytes, I'd drink PediaLyte after intense physical activity. The drink originally intended for babies doesn't particularly taste good. In fact, it tastes terrible, like a mix between ocean water and pee, so it's better not to end up getting stuck in a situation where you need it.

While ultimately it down right sucked losing my energy and going through a neverending doctor examination process, this did ultimately teach me something. Actually, it taught me a lot. It's no lie that everything really is best in moderation. If you overdo anything, ANYTHING, somewhere down the road you'll probably be negatively effected. For instance, you overdo yoga- you'll either hurt yourself or it will become a chore and you won't love it anymore. You overdo exercise- you'll exhaust your body or injure yourself. You over do carrots- you'll turn your skin orange from consuming too much vitamin A. Nothing, no matter how good it is for you, should be overdone.

Always try to stay in tune with your body and really become aware with how you are feeling. Don't let your mind overcome the way your truly feeling. Whether you're stressed or feeling under the weather, listen to yourself and often follow your intuitions. Plus, good health is definitely one leading key to happiness. Cherish it.

In my next post, I will be writing about how much water Americans really should be drinking. While I had a problem with overconsuming it, H20 is definitely still essential to life. Unless you find yourself unconsciously drinking it 24/7, I wouldn't cut back. But maybe take a moment to look at something else you may be overdoing. Whether its work, exercise, not enough exercise, or food, just take the next couple weeks to bring yourself back into balance. That's the key to life: Everything in balance.