Unlocking the secrets of cellular Hydration and Optimal Lymphatic drainage

Cellular hydration is defined as the absorption and retention of water by cells to sustain optimal function. Often, the assumption that our fluids intake equates to cellular hydration falls short. While drinking water contributes to overall hydration, it doesn’t guarantee that the body will be adequately hydrated.

Cellular hydration encompasses the movement of water through cell membranes, known as osmosis, and the  management of water equilibrium within cells and around them.This delicate interplay is primarily controlled by electrolytes and trace minerals, however it can be  easily disrupted, subsequently impacting our well being. 

Cellular hydration is crucial for several reasons:

  • Nutrient Transport 
  • Waste removal from the cells and optimal Lymphatic drainage 
  • Metabolisim and energy production.
  • Strong immune system 

Water and the Lymphatic Drainage connection:  

The lymphatic system can’t function in the absence of adequate hydration in the cells and around them. Water and minerals are two essential elements that enable cells to eliminate waste products and toxins. The lymophatic system’s role is to carry these by-products and dump them into the vascular system, promoting a strong and healthy immune system. This of course  will depend  on sufficient intracellular and extracellular fluids. 

When we are not drinking enough water and we are eating a highly processed diet – the balance of sodium/magnesium is disturbed and water will not flow into the cells.

Lymphatic drainage needs fluids 

The problem starts when we drink too little water and consume a diet high in sodium. Our cells need a diet rich in trace minerals and potassium found in vegetables and fruits. Without these trace minerals the osmosis process is interrupted causing intracellular fluids to move out causing dehydration. This affects all the functions from basic metabolism to waste management.

 Maintaining normal fluid and blood volume

The pump that moves the fluid in and out of the cells is controlled by primarily sodium and potassium. Potassium is the highest concentration of minerals inside cells while Sodium is the highest concentration outside cells. Sodium and potassium pumps in cell membranes maintain the balance between the two minerals. 

  • When someone does not eat enough fruits and vegetables, which are high in potassium, and consumes too much white table salt, the sodium levels rise and potassium levels drop, causing cells to swell and potentially leading to high blood pressure. consuming too little potassium and too much sodium can raise your blood pressure.

Ways to improve cellular hydration and lymphatic flow

  •  Adding a few grains of Celtic salt to your water will charge your body with electrolytes and minerals. Water charged with trace minerals improves intacellular hydration. It is important to mention that most distilled water or any bottled water are considered “dead” because they are lacking trace minerals and electrolytes. 

It is also recommended to reduce acidic drinks such as soda,caffeine, tea and alcohol which are diuretic. 

  • Drinking 8-12 glasses of water with a total of 1/2 – 1 tsp of celtic salt per day will improve the balance of sodium/magnesium and cellular hydration. Our Lymphatic system is mostly fluids, if we are dehydrated the lymphatic flow becomes sluggish thus hindering proper cellular metabolic processing. Nutrients and waste products will move into the cells and outside of the cells at a lesser speed casusing stagnation and overflow of toxins in our body. 

Most mature adults lose about 2.5 to 3 liters of water per day. 

Final Note  

Comprehending the nuances of effectively hydrating your body stands as a pivotal determinant of your Lymphatic system’s well-being. As you cultivate an awareness of your daily dietary and beverage choices, maintaining optimal cellular hydration becomes a more manageable endeavor. It’s essential to carefully consider factors such as water intake, dietary selections, and the consumption of other beverages and sodium that could potentially lead to bodily dehydration.

Given that the Lymphatic system predominantly consists of about 90% fluids, even monor disruption in fluid equilibrium can exert a notable impact on our overall health. 

From joint discomfort, weight gain and headcaches to loss of skin elasticity and vibrancy, the consequences of such imbalances can be far-reaching.  Engaging in a regular practice of Lymphatic drainage, particularly targeting the six largest clusters of lymph nodes, is highly recommended.

Resources

https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/College_of_Marin/CHEM_114%3A_Introductory_Chemistry/13%3A_Solutions/13.10%3A_Osmosis-_Why_Drinking_Salt_Water_Causes_Dehydration#:~:text=You%20can%20drink%20the%20water,from%20an%20osmotic%20pressure%20perspective.)

Great video to watch by https://www.celticseasalt.com/blog/salt–water—barbara-oneill

Water and electrolyte – 

https://www.minerallogic.com/blog/cellular-hydration-relies-on-mineral-salts-electrolyte

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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