{"id":4713,"date":"2023-06-10T21:16:05","date_gmt":"2023-06-10T14:16:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/why-hydration-and-gut-health-go-hand-in-hand\/"},"modified":"2023-06-10T21:16:05","modified_gmt":"2023-06-10T14:16:05","slug":"why-hydration-and-gut-health-go-hand-in-hand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4713","title":{"rendered":"Why Hydration and Gut Health Go Hand in Hand"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">B<\/span>y now, you\u2019ve likely heard us <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/not-drinking-enough-water\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/not-drinking-enough-water\/\">stress the importance of staying well-hydrated<\/a> far too many times. And while we never want to give \u201chelicopter parent,&#8221; hydration has been shown to be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/optimal-hydration-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/optimal-hydration-longevity\/\">key marker of healthy aging<\/a> time and time again. (Just saying&#8230;!)<\/div>\n<p>In truth, this comes as little surprise, as the human body is made up of nearly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usgs.gov\/special-topics\/water-science-school\/science\/water-you-water-and-human-body\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.usgs.gov\/special-topics\/water-science-school\/science\/water-you-water-and-human-body\">60 percent water<\/a>. As such, H2O is vital for just about every bodily function: breathing, neurological activity, circulation, you name it. And while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/foods-with-soluble-and-insoluble-fiber\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/foods-with-soluble-and-insoluble-fiber\/\">fiber<\/a> usually is the talk of the town when it comes to gut health, proper hydration is equally important for keeping things properly flowing.<\/p>\n<p>We caught up with <a href=\"https:\/\/sarahrobbinsmd.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/sarahrobbinsmd.ca\/\">Sarah Robbins<\/a>, MD, MSc, FRCPC, a gastroenterologist, gut health expert, and the Founder of<a href=\"https:\/\/wellsunday.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/wellsunday.com\/\"> Well Sunday<\/a>, who shared why proper hydration is so important for gut health and the best hydrating foods to eat so your gut stays happy and healthy all (blisteringly-hot) summer long.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why is hydration so important for gut health?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s break it down. In the simplest of terms, Dr. Robbins shares that <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34642755\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34642755\/\">hydration is essential for digestive health and function<\/a>. \u201cIt plays an important role in gastrointestinal tract secretions, the digestion and absorption of nutrients, waste elimination, and gut microbiome support,\u201d Dr. Robbins says. According to her, this <em>also<\/em> means that your body&#8217;s fluid balance and energy levels ultimately depend on how well your gut is absorbing water.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-gut-health\/\" current-title=\"Dehydration Can Be a Disaster for Gut Health\u2014Here\u2019s How a Gastro Stays Hydrated in the Heat\" current-image=\"hydration-and-gut-health-grilled-watermelon-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-12-10\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-gut-health\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-gut-health\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydration-and-gut-health\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>What\u2019s more, Dr. Robbins explains that digestion would be nearly impossible without adequate hydration. \u201cHydration is critical for the formation of <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15354035\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15354035\/\">saliva<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18473176\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/18473176\/\">gastric acid<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1366612\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1366612\/\">enzyme secretions<\/a>. necessary for the digestion and absorption of nutrients,\u201d she says, which makes total sense. Additionally, the gastroenterologist notes that it\u2019s responsible for ensuring waste gets through the gut and kidneys smoothly (pun intended). Plus, it\u2019s one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/warm-water-constipation-relief\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/warm-water-constipation-relief\/\">best ways to help prevent (and relieve) constipation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Fluids also help facilitate nutrient absorption and maintain the health of the cells lining the cut. \u201cFluid inside the gut improves the mixing of food in the stomach and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Water mixes with fibers in the gut, facilitating its role as a prebiotic, creating a gel-like substance with soluble fibers and binding to insoluble fibers to eliminate waste,\u201d Dr. Robbins says. \u201cThe gut lining serves as a barrier and aids in nutrient absorption while keeping harmful bacteria and substances out of the bloodstream. Proper hydration also provides an optimal environment for the proliferation of a healthy gut microbiome.\u201d<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cFluid inside the gut improves the mixing of food in the stomach and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. Water mixes with fibers in the gut, facilitating its role as a prebiotic, creating a gel-like substance with soluble fibers and binding to insoluble fibers to eliminate waste,\u201d Dr. Robbins says.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>That said, Dr. Robbins caveats that research on the gut is only in its infancy, and more research is needed to conclusively determine the impact of hydration on the gut.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>So, what\u2019s the best way to maintain a well-hydrated gut microbiome?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>While few things are more thirst-quenching than a big ol\u2019 glass of water, Dr. Robbins notes it\u2019s not the only route to a well-hydrated gut. \u201cFluid intake through both liquids and foods is important for gut health and overall hydration. Drinking water is the most obvious way to hydrate, but water-rich foods also contribute significantly to daily fluid intake,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Case in point: Dr. Robbins notes that many fruits and vegetables are composed of over 90 percent water. \u201cConsuming these foods can help maintain hydration while also providing fiber and nutrients,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>Think of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydrating-foods\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/hydrating-foods\/\">hydrating foods<\/a> as a one-two punch of fluids and necessary nutrients. \u201cFiber present in many water-rich foods can support gut health by promoting healthy bowel movements and serving as a food source for beneficial gut bacteria,\u201d Dr. Robbins says. Plus, she points out that not all fluids are equally hydrating. (Looking at you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-of-dehydration\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/causes-of-dehydration\/\">alcohol, which can easily have the reverse effect<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/alcohol-gut-health\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/alcohol-gut-health\/\">especially on the gut<\/a>.)<\/p>\n<p>TL; DR? Dr. Robbins says that the most effective what to harmonize both your gut and your hydration levels includes: plenty of water, plant-based foods with a high water content, and fiber&#8230; and fewer sugary foods and\/or boozy beverages.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>TL; DR? Dr. Robbins says that the most effective what to harmonize both your gut and your hydration levels includes: plenty of water, plant-based foods with a high water content, and fiber&#8230; and fewer sugary foods and\/or boozy beverages.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2><strong>8 hydrating foods that are also great for gut health<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Dr. Robbins says that gastroenterologists recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/foods-high-in-electrolytes\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/foods-high-in-electrolytes\/\">hydrating foods<\/a>, because they provide both water as well as other essential nutrients (like fiber and antioxidants). \u201cEating these foods can help maintain hydration and contribute to a balanced, fiber-rich diet that supports overall gut health,\u201d she says. But she stresses that this doesn\u2019t, by any means, replace the need for drinking water. \u201cDrinking water is still necessary, as it&#8217;s unlikely you&#8217;ll be able to meet your entire hydration needs from food alone,\u201d Dr. Robbins says.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Cucumbers: <\/strong>Composed of about 96 percent water, cucumbers are one of the most hydrating foods available. They also contain a good amount of fiber and vitamin K.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Celery:<\/strong> Celery is approximately 95 percent water. Besides providing hydration, it\u2019s also a good source of fiber and vitamin K.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watermelon: <\/strong>Watermelon is approximately 92 percent water and it&#8217;s packed with vitamins A and C. It also contains <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lycopene-benefits\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/lycopene-benefits\/\">lycopene<\/a>, an antioxidant linked to heart health, sun protection, and possibly cancer prevention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strawberries:<\/strong> Like watermelon, strawberries are about 92 percent water. They&#8217;re also high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bell peppers: <\/strong>Bell peppers are about 92 percent water. They\u2019re also rich in vitamin C and fiber.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Oranges: <\/strong>Oranges are about 88 percent water and are high in vitamin C. They also contain fiber and several other important nutrients.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dark leafy greens:<\/strong> Depending on the type, lettuce contains about 95 percent water. It also contains folate, vitamin C, and vitamin K.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Zucchini: <\/strong>Zucchini is about 95 percent water, and it\u2019s a good source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>An RD shares a guide to the most hydrating foods:<\/em><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"A Dietitian\u2019s Guide to the Most Hydrating Foods | You Versus Food | Well+Good\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bHr9aWfg6WI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By now, you\u2019ve likely heard us stress the importance of staying well-hydrated far too many times. And while we never want to give \u201chelicopter parent,&#8221; hydration has been shown to be a key marker of healthy aging time and time again. (Just saying&#8230;!) In truth, this comes as little surprise, as the human body is &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4714,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4713","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4714"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}