DIY Sports Drink With Water

Ditch The Mass-Produced Sports Drinks

Sports drinks replace essential nutrients lost during intense physical activity, but they also contain a lot of non-essential and unhealthy ingredients. In their simplest form, sports drinks are a mix of salts, sugar and water, a concoction that replaces electrolytes (nutrients like sodium, magnesium and potassium) lost in sweat, raises blood sugar levels, and helps the body rehydrate.

Electrolytes regulate the nerve impulses that control basic bodily functions such as fluid balance, heart beats and digestion, so it is important to replenish the electrolytes lost through intense workouts, physical labor or illness; however, a glance a at a label of Gatorade or PowerAde reveals that these beverages contain many extra ingredients, like high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colours, flavours, and sweeteners. Why does a very simple, rehydrating infusion contain all of these extra, unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients?

The answer is that it is cheaper to mass produce sports drinks made with artificial flavours, sweeteners and low-quality sugars than to use quality ingredients. Moreover, the bright, artificial colours make the otherwise pallid-hued drinks seem more palatable to consumers. For the massive corporations who manufacture Gatorade and PowerAde (Pepsi Co. and Coca-Cola respectively), the bottom line is more important than providing consumers with a quality, healthy product. Luckily, it is super easy (and more cost-effective) to mix your own healthy sports drinks, and you can feel good that you are downing something healthy while declining to support unethical companies.

Here’s How To Make Your Own!

A basic sports drink contains water, minerals, and sugar. You can feel free to substitute the ingredients you prefer or have on hand for those that we suggest, but the following recipe is tried and true, and chock full of quality ingredients.

¼ tsp. Himalayan rock salt

¼ cup fresh lime juice

1 tbsp. maple syrup

1 bottle of Foy water

Simply mix all the ingredients together, and enjoy after a work out, hard day of physical labor, or while sick. The Himalayan rock salt is a quality source of electrolytes like sodium, as well as a lesser source of potassium, magnesium and other trace minerals; lime juice provides potassium and natural flavor; maple syrup raises the blood sugar and sweetens the beverage, and Foy water hydrates and provides a clean source of pure, pH balanced, ethically sourced, and local water.

 

 

 

How Can Water Improve Brain Function?

Memory & Focus Directly Related to Thirst

You probably already know that regular water consumption is necessary for optimal physiological health, but did you know it improves your brain functioning by up to 14%?

Think of it this way: When you really have to relieve your bladder, it’s difficulty to think about anything else other than opportunities to do so ASAP. Thirst works in a similar way. If you are thirsty (whether subconsciously or consciously), your brain is using up attentional resources trying to signal your body that it is thirsty. When you take care of this basic need, your brain can focus on the task at hand once again with improved results.

Research Shows 14% Improvement

In a study conducted by the University of East London, researchers tested 34 men and women twice: once when they were thirsty (had nothing to drink overnight) and once when the thirst was relieved. Those who were thirsty completed the task more quickly after having a drink, making them 14% quicker than before (Journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience.

Hydration Even More Important for Children’s Focus and Memory 

Researcher Dr. Edmunds also found that children who drink water prior to sitting tests fare up to 33% better than children that do not! This is an important take-away for setting your kids up for success when they take their big tests at school.

Improve Mood, Energy and Concentration

Drinking water and brain function is very closely linked. A lack of water to the brain can cause major problems with focus, brain fog, headaches, sleep issues, memory and mood. It is one of the simplest things you can do to perform better throughout the day and maintain your energy levels. So, the next time you’re feeling stuck, take a few minutes and drink a bottle of Fountain of Youth water to recharge!

 

How & Why You Should Maintain Perfect pH Balance

 

What’s the deal with pH levels?

Depending on your lifestyle, you may or may not pay close attention to maintaining your body’s ideal pH balance. Nutrition and Fitness enthusiasts know that maintaining a slightly alkaline environment in your body is fundamental to overall health. This article will outline the ways in which a proper pH balance promotes optimal physiological functioning, as well as ways to make sure you’re getting the right pH balance in your water. After all, if you’re drinking 2-3L of water that is too acidic, you’re really not doing yourself any favors! Since Fountain of Youth Bottled Water has gone through the process of reverse osmosis, it is the perfect base to add pH supplements to.

About pH Balance

pH stands for “power of Hydrogen”, and ranges from 0-14. Under 7 on this scale indicates acidity, whereas 7 and over indicates alkalinity. A healthy body measures in at 7.4, so slightly alkaline. The majority of people are too acidic due to the types of food and dinks they consume. For instance, sodas and coffee are typically a 4 on the pH scale, whereas spinach and broccoli are 10.

 

Alkaline Health Benefits

Maintaining an optimal pH balance (especially avoiding being on the acidic end of the spectrum) has several health benefits. Here are just a few:

  • Boosts your immune system. Acidic environments are breeding grounds for aneaerobic bacteria.
  • Manage and avoid arthritis. Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis are both forms of joint inflammation which are related to the accumulation of acid deposits at the joints caused by pH imbalance.
  • Improved skin. Acidity results in inflammation, causing pimples, rashes and sores.
  • Improved digestion. An alkaline environments reduce nausea, bloating, gastric reflux, etc.

How to Raise pH Levels in FOY Bottled Water

There’s simple natural ways to raise the pH level of FOY Bottled Water, as well as some great products that are frequently used by health and fitness enthusiasts. For a quick natural fix, 1/8 tsp of baking soda in your bottle does the trick. If you’re looking to buy a product, there’s several good pH supplement products on the market including Alkazone Alkaline Boost Drops, PuripHy, and pH Booster. These products oftenhave highly potent alkaline minerals in addition to Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda), including  Magnesiun Bicarbonate, Calcium Bicarbonate and Potassium Bicarbonate and other ionic minerals.

FOY Bottled Water has gone through the process of reverse osmosis that rids water of all minerals so that you can customize your drink using perfect base. Enjoy!

 

 

 

10 Warning Signs You Are Dehydrated

Every single cell, muscle, tissue and organ in our body depends on water. When we are properly hydrated, we are energetic and alert. When there is a lack of water circulating in our systems, we can become lethargic and fatigued. Dehydration impedes your body function as it causes electrolyte imbalance. Dehydration also causes low blood pressure and insufficient supply of oxygen throughout your body. This can lead to many system dysfunctions. Can you identify the warning signs that your body needs more water? Let’s take a closer look at how our bodies tell us we are lacking water intake. 

Accelerated heartbeat

Dehyration creates more viscous blood and decreases the volume of the plasma, which leads to a circulation of the blood and accelerated heart rate. Lack of water in the body can lead to alterations in the electrolytes levels in your body, causing accelerated heart palpitations. This is a result of the extra stress on your body from lack of water intake. 

Bad breath and dry mouthdrymouth

When water deficiency occurs in the body, it stimulates the production of saliva. Saliva contains antibacterial properties. Since bacteria proliferates in the oral cavity, you may experience bad breath. Dry mouth can also occur during dehydration as water hydrates the mucus membranes in the throat.

Abrupt food cravings

We often mistake our thirst with hunger. When thirsty, we crave food. During water loss and loss of electrolytes, the body has a great need for salty food. If you suddenly feel the urge to eat something, you should first drink a bottle of water before you get something to eat.

Pain in the joints and muscles

Our joints and cartilage are made of 80% water. You can experience cramps and muscle spasm if your body lacks water. Dehydrated also increases the friction between the bones, which causes painful joints. 

Dry skin and lipsdehydskin

If your body is dehydrated, your skin will be dry. Hydration enhances elasticity of the skin. Another common sign of dehydration are dry/ chapped lips.

Constipation

Studies have confirmed proper hydration is essential in the prevention of constipation. During dehydration, you can become constipated from the loss of fluids. The lack of water creates a hardened stool. 

Fatigue and lethargy

Lack of water in the brain leads to low blood pressure and insufficient supply of oxygen throughout your body. Therefore, you may experience lethargic feelings or sleepiness. During dehydration, the body needs to enhance efforts to sustain it, spending additional energy. This can cause exhaustion.

Decreased need for urination and changed urine colour

A hydrated body needs to urinate around 4-7 times a day. If you do not urinate this frequently, there is a high chance your body will have increased levels of toxins. In this case, your urine will be a dark yellow or amber-colored. If your body is well hydrated, your urine will appear clear and light. 

Brain fog or poor concentration

brainfogLack of water intake negatively effects the function of the brain.

If dehydrated, your mood, memory and decision-making skills will be impacted. Water deficiency causes signs of brain fog, which include difficulties in communicating, thinking and focusing, as well as forgetfulness.

Headaches and dizziness

Headaches are caused by dehydration because of the reduced flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. You may experience dizziness and migraines from dehydration due to the decreased amount of liquid which surrounds your brain. 

What Are The Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water?

Fountain of Youth Bottled Water uses the process of reverse osmosis to ensure the purest drinking water experience. We thought it would be worthwhile to share the reasons we choose to use this process, starting with the what, how and why!

What is reverse osmosis water?

Reverse osmosis is a water purification technology that uses a semipermeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles from drinking water. In the common household tap water, there are many impurities contained that not suitable for consumption and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Reverse osmosis has efficiently been able to remove these impurities with high success rates with percentages averaging from 85-98%. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of reverse osmosis water purification processes.

Healthy and effective purification process

Reverse osmosis flushes pollutants away instead of collecting them. Undesirable contaminants like toxic metal salts, lead, nickel, mercury, copper, selenium and sulphate may be present or it may become contaminated by chemicals or microbes within pipes. There is also evident, excellent rejection of microorganisms and organic compounds. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa, asbestos and many more are removed through this process, allowing the cleanest driclearcubesnking water for you and your family.

Improves taste, odour, and appearance

Tap water contains chemicals such as pesticides, hormones, nitrate, arsenic, fluoride, chlorine, detergents, and pharmaceuticals which can effect the taste and appearance of your drinking water. Reverse osmosis removes taste and odor producing chemicals. This ultimately improves food taste in cooking and baking. Ice cubes never looked so crystal clear.

Removes water softener

Some minerals in our tap and piping make water “hard”, such as calcium and magnesium. Both minerals would be considered as containments. In order to attempt to make water “softer”, water softener techniques are implemented. Water softener can expose your family to other problems which you may not be aware of. With the use of water softeners, there is a higher chance of more lead content than normal, as well as increasing sodium intake. Hot or warm water from the tap should never be used for cooking, shortcuts, drinking water, beverages, or infant formula as it could be higher in heavy metals, specially lead. With reverse osmosis, lead is removed from drinking water at 95-98%.

Filtration process requires no energy

Reverse osmosis is fantastic for planet Earth’s preservation of natural resources. The filtration process does not consume energy.

This process does not use or create additional chemicals which makes it a great environmentally friendly alternative to other water purification methods. A hygienic working environment and reduces operator’s exposure to hazards are ensured with reverse osmosis water purification systems.

Fountain of Youth Water prides itself as being 100% Canadian and environmentally conscious.

Water Drinking Cheatsheet For Maximal Benefits

Drinking water at the right time of day is important to achieve optimal health benefits. 

We’ve broken down the basics of when to drink your 8 glasses of water in two different ways. The first list is for those who like to get the big picture. The second list is for our more detail-oriented, regimented readers.

 

1) First Thing After Waking 

 

Drinking a bottle of water on an empty stomach as soon as you wake up. This helps activate your internal organs and remove toxins before your first meal.

2) Before each meal

Drink a bottle of water half an hour  before meals. This helps with digestion, and should be followed up with another bottle an hour after your meal. 

3) Before a bath

Drinking a bottle of water before a nice relaxing bath will help lower your blood pressure.

4) Before sleep

A bottle of water before bed helps to renew cells and maintain hydration during sleep. It also is preventative to heart attacks and strokes.

Water drinking schedule

Here is an example of a water drinking schedule broken down by time of day. This would obviously vary from person to person, depending on your commitments. Consider making one of your own and putting it in your calendar.

7:30am – 1st Bottle (before breakfast)

9:30 – 2nd Bottle (1 hour after breakfast) 

Noon – 3rd Bottle (before lunch) 

1:30pm – 4th Bottle (after lunch) 

3:30pm – 5th Bottle (can be some other un-sweetened beverage such as tea) 

5:30pm – 6th Bottle (before dinner) 

8:30pm – 7th Bottle (after dinner) 

10:30pm – 8th Bottle (before bedtime) 

For more health tips, check out other posts on our blog to find out ways to optimize your water intake for weight loss, and more!

Water Fasting + Exercise Is Easy and Totally Worth It!

 My personal trainer swears by water fasting while exercising or ‘fasted cardio’ , so I gave it a try. It sounds pretty hardcore initially, but it’s really easy to work in to your routine. I felt super energized, enjoyed mental clarity and saw pounds melt off after just a few days!  water fasting

How Does Water Fasting + Exercise Result In Faster Weight Loss?

There is a solid physiological correlation between the expedited breakdown of fat resulting in fasted exercise. It starts with the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), which triggers fat burning processes under circumstances of exercise and fasting.

The result is that when you’re water-fasting before doing cardiovascular exercise, like aerobics or spinning, there will be reductions in both body weight and body fat. If you ate carbs before the same workout, there would only be a decrease in body weight and an increase in energy storage (hence no fat loss).

When To Water Fast

You don’t have to be all or nothing when water fasting and working out. Professional trainers recommend daily interim fasting between for about 16-18 hours. This could mean eating between 11:30am and 7:30pm, or basically skipping breakfast. Work out in the morning and you’ll reap the benefits of fat loss and renewed muscle and brain tissue.

Use Your Discretion

Not all exercise is appropriate to do while fasting, such as High-Intensity-Interval-Training. Conversely, not all individuals should be doing water-fasted exercise. Consult your personal trainer or physician first!

What are you waiting for? Tap in to the literal Fountain of Youth and try it out for yourself! 

You Can’t Afford Not To Add This To Your Water

Adding a squeeze of lemon to your bottled water has numerous health benefits. I had some anecdotal and first hand evidence that drinking lemon water daily can kick start your digestive system, stimulate your liver and combat flu symptoms. What I found after doing a little more reason was that there were actually numerous reasons to make this a part of your routine!

Let’s start with what’s in a lemon that makes it one of the original “superfoods”.

Nutritional Elements of Lemon:

Great source of citric acid, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium

Naturally Cleanse Impurities

 According to J. Kloss in the book “Back to Eden”, lemons are known to help prevent diseases by dissolving uric acid and preventing the decomposition of tissue. Lemon is especially beneficial to liver health as it fixes oxygen and calcium levels and strengthens the enzymes. The ideal time to drink lemon water for liver health is one hour before breakfast, before anything else is consumed.

foylemonwater

Boost your Immune System

Given that lemon water has an alkalizing effect on the body, it combats bacteria and viruses that thrive in an acidic environment. Lemon water is also effective in reducing symptoms of a sore throat and phlegm buildup; classic cold & flu symptoms.

Use it as a Digestive Aid

Throw a couple wedges in your water to assist with digestion and elimination in the gastrointestinal tract. Notice a reduction in heartburn, bloating and constipation from this simple addition to your routine.

Other Key Health Benefits of Lemon Water

If it’s starting to seem like lemon water is a cure-all, that’s because it basically is. Notable lemon water health benefits also include:

  • Relief of respiratory problems including asthma and allergies
  • Increased nourishment of brain and nerve cells
  • Dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones and calcium deposits
  • Lower high blood pressure
  • Purify the blood and lessen bleeding

Make sure to pick up a bag of lemons with your next order of Fountain of Youth Bottled Water! You really can’t afford not to. 

A New Year’s Resolution You Can Keep

It’s that time of year again!
foynye

For the majority of Canadians, the biggest New  Year’s resolutions are centred around health, diet, exercise, and cutting down on bad habits like smoking. Something that people miss is the common factor that furthers each of these goals: drinking enough water. 

As we have written in previous blog posts, if you take hydration seriously the benefits will be swift and broad sweeping. In addition to weight loss, drinking 4 bottles of Fountain Of Youth Bottled Water will improve your mood, increase cognitive performance and have your body functioning optimally.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

The importance of drinking water in the winter months is especially important. As it gets colder outside, the body has to work harder to maintain a 98.6 degree temperature; and that extra energy requires more water. In addition, sicknesses that peak in winter such as the flu can also lead to dehydration.

foy2017

Water As Your Fountain Of Youth

Even though most people know the positive effects of water, they don’t drink it often enough. Drinking water is an easy thing to do, it’s just a matter of getting into the habit. With all the New Year’s resolutions that are difficult to maintain past January, Canadians should feel confident that drinking more water is a resolution that’s very doable to keep.

Get energized and excited about looking and feeling younger and healthier without having to drastically change your habits!

 

 

How Can Drinking More Water Help With Weight Loss?

We’ve heard it all before. Drinking the recommended amount of water – 2L or 4 bottles per day, is absolutely necessary to maintain good health. We’ve also been told that drinking more water can assist with weight loss – but the question is, how? Something on our bucket list this year is to lose weight and focus on staying hydrated. Here’s how Fountain of Youth Bottled Water can help with your weight loss goals.

drinkYou’ll Want To Eat Less

If nothing else, do this: Pound back a glass of water as soon as you experience a hunger craving. Assume that hunger means thirsty – because, in most cases, it does! The same goes for mealtimes. Drinking water prior to meals greatly decreases appetite.

Work Up A Sweat

They say weightloss is 80/20 diet and exercise. If you have found that you have reached a plateau with your diet, it’s time to get some exercise in. Drinking enough water has a direct impact on athletic performance. This means that you can go for longer and burn more calories if you are properly hydrated. Sufficient water also helps with post-workout recovery, so you won’t be as sore the next day and be more inclined to do it again!

Don’t Drink Your Calories

How much does a can of coke have in calories? 150. How many calories in a Starbucks Frappacino? 450. If these are your default go-to drinks every time you get thirsty, you could easily cut out close to 1000 calories per day. Reach for the water and see the difference in your skin, energy and waistline!

Losing weight is not complicated; it starts with simple routines that become habit. The rewards you reap from such a simple habit keeps us healthy, radiant and energized. As these three tips hopefully show, it can also help us lose weight, get fitter and feel better, too!