MySpaWater.com

Water can play an import role in prevention and recovery from many chronic diseases, including fibromyalgia.

Studies suggest that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated and not even aware. We also know that up to 90% of chronic diseases can either be prevented or treated by adequate hydration. Many of us have grown up hearing that it is important to drink up to 6-8 glasses of water a day – but how many of us follow this suggestion or even know why?

Most of us wait until we feel parched to drink water . This, of course, is not a good idea. Once we feel a “cotton-mouth” sensation, we are already in a state of dehydration. To prevent this from happening, it is essential that we make water our main beverage each day. Why? Well, an adult body is about 70% water and we lose some of this vital fluid through perspiration, breathing, elimination and other bodily functions. To make matters worse, we tend to drink beverages that further dehydrate us. Ex- Coffee, soda, and energy drinks

Lack of proper water consumption can further aggravate the symptoms of certain diseases. For example, people who live with Fibromyalgia suffer from muscle fatigue and weakness, sleep imbalances, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and chronic headaches. Through our research, we have found that drinking more water may help ease some of these symptoms. For instance, if there is not enough water in the body, then muscles can become strained, inflamed and irritated (lack of water can decrease contractile strength by 30%). It is also very important to remember that H20 is also a natural cleanser that purges the body of unwanted toxins. If these impurities linger, over time, they can disrupt the balance of our organs and systems. Ex- Digestive System

By increasing your water consumption, you will notice:

• An increase in energy and focus
• Improved sleeping patterns
• Less headaches (Brain is made up of 85% water)
• Better digestion
• A decrease in muscle and joint discomfort (Muscles are made up of 75% water)

Do you have a hard time drinking water due to lack of flavor? Then you can always make it more palatable by adding some antioxidant rich fruits and herbs. Since people living with Fibromyalgia may have low levels of magnesium and zinc, we decided to research ingredients that contained these mineral sources. For example, basil contains magnesium and zinc.

Here are some additional fruits & herbs that you may add to your water:

Berries (magnesium)

Citrus Fruits (magnesium)

Kiwi (magnesium)

Mango (magnesium)

Cherries (magnesium)

Ginger (zinc)

Papaya (magnesium)

With Fibromyalgia, you want to consume food and beverages that help to strengthen and fortify the immune system. Since fruits and herbs contain nutrients that protect against free radicals and enhance regeneration, it only makes sense to add them to your water. Spa Water will help you increase your water consumption very easily, plus prevent you from sipping drinks that are not so good for you, like soda. Try making water your main beverage for 30 Days – you will definitely enjoy the results.

Below, you will find one of our favorite Spa Water recipes (featured in our Spa Water book) that was inspired by the Colonia Golf and Spa Resort in Sacramento, Uruguay. This Citrus Spa Water is a delicious drink that may be enjoyed year round!

Citrus Mint Spa Water

Ingredients

• 1 Grapefruit
• 1 Orange
• 1 Lime
• 1 Bunch of Fresh Mint (contains magnesium)
• Water and Ice

Directions:

• Slice citrus fruits.
• Layer ice with slices of fruit & mint in a beverage server. Add water.
• Pour this drink into a glass or your favorite water bottle.

Cheers! A Drink to Your Health!

Strawberry Kiwi Watermelon Spa Water copyright MySpaWater.com

Strawberries… What a delightful fruit… Red, sweet, delicious and so nutritious… This May, celebrate National Strawberry Month with one of our strawberry infused Spa Waters. Our Spa Water Book and App offers such a wonderful selection of mouth-watering recipes.

Siena Tall Apothecary Beverage Server With Iron Stand from Classic Hostess

If you are planning a Strawberry Festival or some other type of event this May, you may want to serve an array of these recipes via a Spa Water Bar! Set-up a sturdy table with 2 – 6 Beverage Servers (Classic Hostess offers a beautiful selection of servers) and add a different strawberry infused water to each container. Don’t forget to provide some type of signage for each server so guests know what drink to select. Display some fun and festive glasses – and create some eye-catching glass accents like whole strawberries on a stick, candied citrus peels, fresh peppermint sprigs, or fruit ice cubes.

Spa Water Bars are also a great idea for weddings, barbecues, graduations, baby showers, etc. Depending on the theme of your party or menu, you can definitely offer some tasty beverages that will surely entertain your guests’ taste buds while keeping them well-hydrated. You will also find that this type of refreshment offering is very unique and will definitely provide a memorable experience for all who attend your party, event, or special gathering!

If you create a fabulous Spa Water Bar display, be sure to take some photos and share with us via our Facebook, Twitter and/or Google+ sites! Also, if you have a unique recipe for a Spa Water or drink accent please send it our way and we may feature it in an upcoming Spa Water Blog Article!

Happy National Strawberry Month! Enjoy!

 Cheers! A Drink to Your Health!

We decided to further investigate this topic and found an insightful article by David Haworth in the Savvy Vegetarian. He discussed how he tried everything for lower back pain and discovered that being chronically dehydrated was the main culprit behind his sciatica. We posted his findings below so you may review the amazing lesson that he had learned.

He also shared some “water facts” from Vaidja Dr. Raju of the Raj Spa/Hotel. This lovely facility is a premiere Ayurveda Health Spa located in Fairfield, Iowa. They have also graciously provided three Wise Water Recipes that are featured in our Spa Water Book – A Guide to Creating World Class Spa Water at Home.

"Inside the pages of Spa Water" Pitta Balancing Water from The Raj Maharishi Ayurvedic Health Spa

“Water – Elixir of Life” By: David Haworth

I recently learned a lesson the hard way – painfully. My lower back pain became severe sciatica; I could  barely walk. I tried everything: more rest, exercise, stretching, diet, herbs, adjustments, etc. The problem turned out to be: dehydration! Yes, a bulging disc caused by simply not drinking enough water.

If the muscles don’t get enough water, lactic acid collects so they become stiff and sore and pull bones out of place, such as vertebrae causing the disc to bulge and irritate the sciatic nerve. It’s very unpleasant. The big surprise is that dehydration can be chronic and it takes at least a month, more often two or three, to get rehydrated.

And if you are dehydrated, you cannot really expect to be healthy. Since the body is mostly water, it just doesn’t function properly without adequate water. Immediately, you will have excess Vata (dryness) and Pitta (heat), but most seriously, impurities collect in the body – causing so many problems.

Over 90% of illnesses can be related to dehydration. Joints and muscles, digestion, skin, energy levels, allergies, weight control, mental and emotional problems, insomnia and blood disorders are just a few areas quickly affected by water intake. Ask those who have been on the Water Diet; they feel great. Water is a holistic health elixir. Information on Dr. B’s original Water Cure

• Our daily water intake should be half our body weight in ounces. (128 pounds = 64 ounces per day, a half gallon).
• Not drinking enough water is as harmful to your heart as smoking.
• A 2% drop in body water can trigger fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math and difficulty focusing.
• A 5% reduction in body water results in a 20 to 30% decline in work performance.
• Adequate hydration can reduce risk of colon cancer by 45%, risk of breast cancer by 79%, risk of bladder cancer by 50%, and can ease back pain and joint pain for up to 80% of sufferers.
• Even mild dehydration will slow one’s metabolism as much as 3%.
• Lack of water is the number one trigger for daytime fatigue.
• One glass of water shuts down midnight hunger pangs for most dieters.
• The thirst mechanism of 37% of Americans is so weak it is often mistaken for hunger.

Distilled and reverse osmosis water, being devoid of minerals, are not so healthy, but easily remedied by adding one pinch per half gallon of mineral salt, which is pinkish in color. It’s inexpensively available in bulk, or as the RealSalt brand. Mineral water is best.

Measure actual water, not milk or juice, etc., which have to be digested. The Vedic herbal water recipes may be an exception. If in doubt drink more. Safety first. If you are exercising, sweating, fatigued, stressed or ill, drink more. That half your weight number is a minimum maintenance amount. Thanks to myotherapist Michael Fleischman for relaying knowledge from Vaidja Dr. Raju , Vedic doctor who emphasizes the importance of water.

I hope this is a helpful and significant health tip for you. – David Haworth

FYI – The Raj Spa/Hotel will be on the Dr. Oz Show on May 11, 2012. Be sure to watch!

Cheers! A Drink to Your health!

Spa Water

Hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch? Coordinating a Surprise Party for your best friend? Planning a Launch Event for your new business? No matter what type of celebration you are organizing, our Spa Water Book and Spa Water App will definitely provide some inspiration when it comes to selecting a Signature Beverage for your special event! Now that Spring has arrived, there are so many seasonal fruits and herbs that you may choose to complement your dishes & desserts. The possibilities are endless!

Besides coming up with the perfect drink and menu to serve – don’t forget you will need some fabulous favors! A white tote bag filled with turquoise tissue paper along with a Spa Water Book or Spa Water Hydration Packagewill surely “WOW” your guests! This is also a great way to encourage everyone to continue this healthy hydration ritual at home. It is truly a gift that keeps on giving!

Searching for a perfect gift for Mom? If so, surprise her with a Spa Water Hydration Package this Mother’s Day! This package includes our Spa Water Book (Autographed by Pam Wenzel, author of the Spa Water Book and founder of MySpaWater.com) which provides 22 mouth-watering recipes from Spas around the Globe that she may enjoy at home. Our Berry Essential Spa Water Drops will add a boost of antioxidants & flavor to her water or favorite tea. Also, she will find our Spa Water Bottle makes it quite easy to enjoy infused water (hot or cold) at work, the gym and/or on the road!

Cheers! A Drink to Your Health!

Question~

Hi Pam!

I own a yoga studio and would love to start adding in infused waters.  I am curious how long these waters will stay good once mixed.  Do they have to be changed out every day?
Also, how can we get involved w/your company?  I’d love to offer books for sale, etc.

-Diana Kostigen

Answer~

Hello Diana, thank you so much for your email, great question and congrats on your Vault Yoga Studio~ love your facebook page!

Pam Wenzel~Founder MySpaWater.com

To answer your first question: Even though most infused waters or “Spa Waters” will keep for a few days with refrigeration and plenty of ice, hospitality establishments should offer a fresh Spa Water daily. Clients appreciate fresh ingredients not only aesthetically, but they can also be more appealing to the taste buds! Besides, left overs are rarely a problem, You will find that if you serve it, they will drink!  In case you need some inspiration, here is a blog I had created and shared a few months ago that is very popular in the fitness community. You can bring a cut pineapple or papaya for a garnish and am sure it will be well received!
Good luck and feel free to share your success on our facebook page!

To answer your second question: We do have many wholesale clients and becoming a partner is easy! Just email us at pam@myspawater.com and we will be able to provide you with our wholesale guidelines.

Thanks again Diana for such an excellent question Wishing you great success with your Vault Yoga Studio!

Do you have a question for Pam Wenzel? Send it to pam@myspawater.com (contact form) or ask Pam on Facebook or Twitter.

Experts suggest that up to 90% of ailments could be related to dehydration (joint and muscle pain, poor digestion, skin problems, low energy, allergies, weight control challenges, insomnia and blood disorders), and that adequate WATER consumption could help aide in the prevention and treatment of many chronic diseases such as Diabetes, Arthritis, Obesity and even certain Cancers.  Studies also suggest that as high as 75% of us are dehydrated (many chronic) and don’t even know it. By making water more convenient, tasty and refreshing – you will find that it is a lot easier to drink and enjoy.

5 Tips to Establish a Healthy H20 Routine:

1. Start out slow with a goal to drink one 25 oz. water bottle a day. Continue this for a few weeks and give your body some time to get use to its new state of hydration.

2. Your ultimate goal is to drink half your body weight in ounces per day. This does not mean all at once. For example, a 150 pound person should drink about 75 ounces of water throughout the course of a day.

3. Break your day into hydration segments. Begin by enjoying about 1/4 bottle when you first wake up and then sipping another 1/4 before each meal or snack.

4. Don’t leave home without a full water bottle. Keeping your water accessible is perhaps the most important way to maintain a healthy water routine.

5. If you do not enjoy the taste of plain water, infuse it with your favorite fruit to enhance the flavor and make your water more palatable. Adding certain fruits, vegetables and herbs infuses whole food nutrition that gives water a powerful boost of vitamins and nutrients. For example, lemons enrich water with vitamin C and minerals like calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Studies have shown that drinking lemon water aids digestion, helps your body eliminate waste more efficiently, purifies the blood and even improves the overall appearance of the skin.

As you know, replacing fluids lost during exercise is very important, but poor beverage choices could sabotage your efforts. The main nutritional elements in commercial sports drinks are water, carbohydrates and electrolytes. By making your own sports drink, you now have control over what you consume during and after your work-outs. Fresh Apple, orange, or grape juice (not from concentrate) make an excellent drink base since they are a natural source of glucose, fructose and potassium. Adding salt (replaces sodium lost while perspiring) to a mixture of juice and water is an easy, healthy and a low calorie way to make your own sports drink.

Here is a simple Spa Water Sports Drink Recipe inspired by the Cooper Aerobics Orange Delight Spa Water Recipe featured in our book “Spa Water” -  A Guide to Creating World Class Spa Water at Home.

Fresh Orange Spa Water Sports Drink

Ingredients:

• Juice of 4 Oranges
• 3/8 tsp Sea Salt
• 2 liters of Water
• Orange Slices
• Ice (optional)

Directions:

Mix orange juice, sea salt and water in a pitcher. Pour this drink into a glass or your favorite water bottle. Add some ice and fresh orange slices.

There is nothing wrong with indulging once in awhile, but calorie-rich drinks like soda and other sugary beverages should be enjoyed in moderation. Take the time to be selective of what you eat and drink. Your body will definitely enjoy the positive results!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter  for more great tips on healthy hydration!

Cheers! A Drink to Your Health!

Question~

Answer~

Sweet Pineapple Strawberry Spa Water

     Question~

Do you need to let the Sweet Pineapple Strawberry Spa Water sit for a while so the water becomes flavorful and pink? Wonder if it will keep a day or so? Looks beautiful and yummy.

- Sharyn

Answer~

Hello Sharyn, and thank you for your post! To answer your first question: Yes, you are correct. The longer the water sits/marinates, (2-4 hours) the more flavorful and colorful it becomes. One tip I would suggest, if you are making this water and having difficulty finding sweet or very ripe strawberries, as we experienced here, add a bag of “frozen” strawberries before you add your ice! From my experience, frozen strawberries tend to be consistently sweet, and even though they do not look so appealing once thawed, they are hidden behind your pineapple circles   Another suggestion, if you are having difficulty finding fresh, sweet pineapple, or it is simply not in season, I have found that the canned Del-Monte’s pineapple slices work perfectly~ add the juice from the can as well, it is 100% fruit juice and adds the perfect amount of sweetness to the recipe! Your second question is one we had just recently posted in another Q and A blog. I’ll include the link here as well.

Thanks again for your post! Cheers!

– Pam Wenzel
Founder ~ MySpaWater.com
Do you have a question for Pam Wenzel? Send it to pam@myspawater.com (contact form) or ask Pam on Facebook or Twitter.

Hi Pam!

I made my first spa water today from the spa water app and I loved it! I’m wondering though, how long will the water keep? When should I start over with new fruit? I’ve been adding water as it runs low. Will the fruit be ok overnight without a lid on the pitcher? I scoured the internet before emailing you looking for the information with no luck. I’m sure I can’t be the only one with the question! I’m going to put your book on my wish list for Mother’s Day! …See More

Thanks for such great recipes!

– Dawn Ray
Answer

Hello Dawn, so glad to hear you are enjoying our Spa Water Recipe App!

To answer your question: “How long will Spa Water keep?”

I suggest no more than a few days (2-3) if you are keeping it in the refrigerator overnight (no lid required).
If you are leaving it out all day be sure to use plenty of ice.

After the second day, remove the fruit. You can still enjoy the water if you keep it refrigerated. Depending on
which fruit combinations you are using, the fruit can also be blended with vinegar, olive oil and a touch of honey to make salad dressing or even be added to your favorite smoothie recipe.

Thanks again for contacting us!

Cheers!

– Pam Wenzel

Founder ~ MySpaWater.com
Do you have a question for Pam Wenzel? Send it to pam@myspawater.com (contact form) or ask Pam on Facebook or Twitter.

Cinco de Mayo Jalapeno Strawberry Lime Spa Water

Although celebrating Freedom and Liberty does require free flowing margaritas, we still need to re-rehydrate our special guests! Try this refreshing Jalapeño with fresh strawberries and lime Spa Water Recipe from our Spa Water App.

By the Glass:

• 1/2 Jalapeño
• 1/2 Strawberry Sliced
• 1/4 Lime Wedged (garnish with an extra slice)

Health Note:

Jalapeño peppers have been suggested in treatment of migraines, arthritis and muscle pain and in recent years. They have also become recognized for their antioxidant content and cancer-fighting action.
Strawberries are considered a “SUPER FOOD” and help lower the risk of certain cancers and can even help improve cardiovascular health. Lastly, if you you are trying to detoxify your body, you will find that adding fresh lime slices to water is a great way to remove unwanted toxins and impurities.

 ”If jalapeños are too hot for you, don’t worry, you can still enjoy this tasty drink with the strawberries and lime and still have a festive time.”

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter  for more great tips on healthy hydration!

Cheers! A Drink to Your Health!

My Spa Water will be traveling to Capitol Hill this June to join National experts, public health professionals, and consumer advocates from around the country in a highly participatory event that aims to broaden and strengthen comprehensive policy initiatives to reduce sugary-drink consumption and improve America’s health.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest, in collaboration with other organizations, presents the Sugary Drinks Summit of 2012, a national advocacy conference to motivate and strengthen national, state, and local initiatives, both public and private, to reduce sugary-drink consumption in the United States.

During the event, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter,  keynote speaker joins numerous other distinguished speakers, researchers, government officials, state and local legislators, health professionals, low-income and minority advocates, youth activists, consumer groups, faith-based organizations, health insurers, and business leaders, will strategize to improve health by reversing the dramatic increase in sugary-drink consumption over the past decades.

The meeting will convene a diverse group of experienced activists, as well as those who have only begun to address sugary-drink issues, facilitating an open exchange of expertise and ideas that benefits each level of participant. That interaction will both broaden and strengthen the constituency working to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks and add momentum to a growing public health movement.

SUGARY DRINKS SUMMIT SPEAKERS:

• Mayor Nutter – http://www.phila.gov/mayor/
• Lisa M. Powell – http://www.ihrp.uic.edu/researcher/lisa-m-powell-phd
• Barry Popkin- http://www.cpc.unc.edu/people/fellows/bio?person=popkin
• Michael F. Jacobson- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_F._Jacobson
• Kelly D. Brownell- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kelly_D._Brownell
• Shiriki Kumaniyika- http://www.med.upenn.edu/apps/faculty/index.php/g275/p10186
• Jean Kilbourne- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Kilbourne
• Ian McLaughlin- http://www.phlpnet.org/talc/staff/mclaughlin-jd