Why Staying Hydrated is More Important Than You Think

We’ve all heard the advice: “Drink more water!” But have you ever stopped to wonder why it matters so much? Turns out, water does way more than just quench your thirst. From helping you feel more energized to improving your mood and focus, staying hydrated plays a huge role in how you feel every single day. Let’s break down why hydration is so important and how to make it part of your daily routine. What Does Water Actually Do for Your Body? Believe it or not, your body is made up of about 60% water. That’s a lot! And every single cell in your body needs water to work properly. Here are just a few of the thing’s water helps with: Keeps your body temperature in check (so you don’t overheat) Delivers nutrients and oxygen to your cells Helps get [...]

Butterflies in Your Stomach – A Great Example of the Gut-Brain Connection!

Have you ever felt "butterflies in your stomach" before a significant event or during moments of stress? This sensation is not just a metaphor but a vivid illustration of how closely our gut and brain communicate, influencing our overall health and well-being. The notion that gut health and well-being are connected is not new. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, famously stated, "All disease begins in the gut", over 2000 years ago. Throughout history and across various cultures, dietary practices have long been devised with a focus on promoting overall health. Your Brain and Belly talk in several ways. Your brain and gut have bidirectional communication through several different mechanisms including: Direct nerve connections. The vagus nerve, a key player in the autonomic (“fight or flight”) nervous system connects directly to nerves lining the intestinal walls. These nerves are sometime called [...]

Minding the Three Pound Universe – Strategies to Maintain a Healthy Brain

The brain is the most complex structure known to man. Although it weighs only a bit over three pounds, the brain is composed of more than 100 billion nerve cells (neurons) that play the central role in processing information, determining our thoughts and perceptions, coordinating bodily functions, and storing our precious memories. It’s no wonder the brain was termed “The Three Pound Universe” by noted author Judith Hooper. Brain health is a critical component of healthy aging, and one that we stress often at Be Well Solutions. Cultivating a healthy brain should be a lifelong objective for all of us. Brain Development Brain development begins during pregnancy, and a healthy pregnancy properly nurtures the developing brain. Appropriate prenatal care helps ensure proper nutrition for the developing brain, as well as avoidance of toxins and infections that can affect brain development. [...]