By Carolyn O'Byrne

What are you drinking? What you drink has a bigger impact on your health than you might think. Your body agrees that water is the #1 drink of choice. Every cell in your body needs plenty of water to live, thrive, and reproduce correctly. It not only needs it to be healthy, it needs it to cleanse itself and rid itself of unhealthy substances. Water is 100% necessary for proper digestion, elimination, breathing, skin health, lubrication of tissues and so much more. Without proper amounts, you wouldn’t have access to the nutrients that you need, and your blood volume and brain fluid would decrease. Not having enough fluids will also cause dehydration which can be very dangerous and become a matter of life or death.

Many people think that dehydration is just a summer concern. While you are more susceptible to dehydration in the summer months due to the heat which causes us to sweat and become overheated, dehydration is an all-year issue. The winter may be just as dangerous as cold air is very dry and when the heat is on it dries out the air even more. Since you are not sweating and hot like you are in summer months, it can sneak up on you fast and cause a problem when you least expect it. Dehydration symptoms include headaches, dizziness, seizures, and shock. When you are dehydrated it also drains your energy and makes you tired.

So, is water the only thing that you can drink? Well, it wouldn’t hurt! But if plain water is a turn off and you prefer a little zing in the flavor of your drink, think about natural herbal teas. As an added health bonus, get used to it unsweetened. Not only do teas have a wonderful flavor, they are very nutritious in many ways, each one of them having different nutritional qualities. Add a squeeze of a citrus fruit to your tea or water or some berries or other fresh fruit. Or try this wonderfully refreshing drink: add sprigs of mint to a cool glass of water. Buy an insulated water bottle, such as those offered from BlackCanyon Outfitters to keep your drink cool while you are driving – and to also help manage your water intake. Hydrate on purpose and make it fun.

Coach Carolyn O’Byrne, is the wife of a trucker, author of the book "Gut Instinct," life coach and colon hydro-therapist. She works with drivers driving them toward results in physical and emotional health. Go here to grab your FREE audio and find her on her website www.BeYourOwnDriver.net or on social media @BeYourOwnDriver.