Enhancing Your Hydration: Water, Teas & Coffee Alternatives

Three years ago, I delved into the world of tap water and realised the necessity of distilling it to remove toxins. However, in my quest to purify my water, I discovered that along with toxins, essential nutrients were also being stripped away. This led me to explore different ways to replenish these vital nutrients in my water. What I found was a treasure trove of possibilities as there are countless ingredients we can add to our water to enhance our overall well-being. By incorporating these habits of adding nutrients to our water, we are cultivating a positive and beneficial practice for our daily lives.

Water is essential for life, but sometimes plain water might not be enough to meet our specific health needs or goals, especially, as mentioned, if you’re distilling your water. Adding supplements and various bits and bobs (as we’ll see) to your water can boost hydration, replenish lost nutrients, and provide additional health benefits too. So let’s explore various supplements, herbs and potions you can incorporate into your water, why they are beneficial, and the specific health advantages they can offer. I do want to explore also, other beneficial drinks we can incorporate into our lives and adopt as new or updated habits such as the glorious world of Teas and Coffees, including Coffee alternatives. So let’s flow through this wonderful world of fluids together, in my favourite form, LIST form! I hope you find it informative and useful, even if you’re just looking to update your current drinks menu or spice up your existing drinking habits or morning Coffee, I believe there is a drink here for everyone!

What to Add In

So let’s just do it, let’s dive straight in to the various things we can add to our clean water:

Electrolytes
Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are minerals that help maintain fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signalling. After exercise or in hot climates, you lose electrolytes through sweat. Replenishing them helps prevent dehydration. They also aid in muscle contraction and can reduce the risk of cramps. Electrolytes help regulate energy levels by maintaining proper cellular function. We have a Potent Electrolytes Blend.

Lemon or Lime Juice
These yummy citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C (Vitamin C strengthens the immune system), antioxidants, and other beneficial nutrients. Lemon water can stimulate digestion and help with detoxification. I have a hot lemon every morning to wake up my digestive system! The antioxidants in citrus fruits can promote healthier, glowing skin too.

How to Use: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime into a glass of water.

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Apple cider vinegar is known for its acetic acid content, which can have several health benefits. ACV can improve gut health and aid in digestion. It may help lower blood sugar levels after meals, and it is often used to help suppress appetite and promote weight loss.

How to Use: Add 1-2 tablespoons of ACV to a large glass of water. To improve taste, add a touch of raw/organic honey. Ancient Purity supplies Raw UK-Made Apple Cider Vinegar with ''The Mother.''

Herbal Infusions
Herbal infusions like mint, basil, chamomile, Dandelion, Raspberry Leaf, Oolong and SO many more, add flavour and deliver various health benefits depending on the herb used. For example, chamomile and lavender can reduce stress and promote relaxation, mint can soothe digestive issues and reduce bloating, basil can help detoxify the body and reduce inflammation and oolong can aid in weight loss and lower cholesterol.

How to Use: Steep fresh or dried herbs in hot (not boiling) water, let it cool slightly, and enjoy.

Collagen Peptides
Collagen is a structural protein that supports skin, joints, and hair health. It can improve skin hydration and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It supports joint health and can reduce symptoms of arthritis, and it promotes stronger, healthier hair and nails.

How to Use: Mix a scoop of collagen peptides into a glass of water or your morning Coffee. It dissolves easily and is tasteless. We have Unflavoured Organic Bovine Collagen Peptides.

Crystal Energy
Crystal Energy is added to enhance hydration, improve nutrient absorption, and detoxify the body. It may also promote better energy flow, mental clarity, and overall well-being by aligning the body's natural frequencies. We call it "Liquid Longevity".

How to Use: Add 10 drops of Crystal Energy to your water.
Here you can Check out our Crystal Energy.

Celtic Sea Salt
Celtic Sea salt contains trace minerals that are not present in regular table salt. It provides essential minerals like magnesium and calcium. It helps balance the body's pH levels, which can improve overall health and can enhance water absorption.

How to Use: Add a pinch of Celtic Sea salt to your water, especially after exercise or during a fasting period. I personally add Celtic Sea salt to my water every morning to replace vital minerals. Obviously, Ancient Purity supplies high-quality Celtic Sea Salt.

Spirulina & Chlorella Powder
Spirulina is a nutrient-dense algae rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. It provides a wide range of nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. Spirulina can improve energy levels due to its high protein and nutrient content. It can also help remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. Both Spirulina and Chlorella are nutrient-dense superfoods. Chlorella contains chlorophyll, detoxifies the body, and provides essential nutrients like iron and B vitamins. Together, they enhance nutrition, improve detoxification, and promote overall health.

How to Use: Mix a Teaspoon of S&C powder into your water. It has a strong flavour, so consider adding lemon juice to mask the taste. If you find this too strong, stick to adding it to your smoothies and juices insTead. Here’s our Spirulina & Chlorella Powder.

Adding supplements and various bits and bobs to your water can significantly enhance your hydration routine, providing additional health benefits that go beyond basic hydration. Whether you’re looking to replenish lost electrolytes, boost your immune system, or support skin and joint health, there are numerous options to tailor your water to your specific needs. If you happen to have underlying health conditions or are taking medication, just make sure you’ve done your research before consuming any new vitamins and supplements.

Teas

The world of Tea. One of my favourites. Let’s have a look at a list of different types of Teas and their associated health benefits:

Green Tea

• Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which can help reduce oxidative stress.
• May enhance brain function and improve fat metabolism.
• Linked to lower risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Black Tea

• Contains flavonoids that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Can improve gut health by promoting the growth of good bacteria.
• May lower blood sugar levels and cholesterol.

Oolong Tea

• Combines the benefits of both green and black Teas.
• Boosts metabolism and can aid in weight management.
• Can improve brain function and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Chamomile Tea

• Promotes relaxation and can help with insomnia.
• May reduce menstrual pain and muscle spasms.
• Contains anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Peppermint Tea

• Aids in digestion and can alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Has a cooling effect that may relieve tension headaches.
• Can help freshen breath and reduce nausea.

Ginger Tea

• Excellent for alleviating nausea and motion sickness.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve pain and muscle soreness.
• May improve digestion and boost the immune system.

Hibiscus Tea

• Rich in antioxidants, which can help lower blood pressure.
• May reduce cholesterol levels and support liver health.

Rooibos Tea

• Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, particularly aspalathin.
• May improve heart health and reduce inflammation.
• Known for its potential to relieve allergy symptoms.

Lemon Balm Tea

• Helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
• May improve mood and cognitive function.
• Contains antiviral properties and can aid in digestion.

Matcha

• A powdered form of green Tea that offers a higher concentration of antioxidants.
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories more efficiently.
• Enhances mood, concentration, and memory due to its high L-theanine content.

Pu-erh Tea

• Fermented Tea that can help improve digestion and gut health.
• May aid in weight loss and reduce cholesterol.
• Known for its potential to detoxify the body and reduce oxidative stress.

Chai Tea

• Contains antioxidants from black Tea and spices.
• Can improve digestion and help alleviate nausea.
• Provides a warming, invigorating effect.

I bloomin LOVE Tea. It’s a bit of a hobby of mine. I have a small Japanese Tea set with the sweetest little Teapot and almost eggcup size cups, which myself and my husband use to have Tea ceremonies. It’s a beautiful practice and as you can see, quite beneficial too. Each Tea type offers unique health benefits, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. Depending on your specific health goals, you can choose the Tea that best suits your needs. Or choose them all, that’s good too.

Coffee Alternatives

I have cut out caffeine for a few reasons, health and anxiety being the main ones, but I’ve missed it, because I actually quite enjoy the taste of Coffee! So finding a good Coffee alternative has been a journey, and I’ve tasted many different ones, all with their own benefits and all with their own unique tastes. So here’s a list of some of the best Coffee alternatives I’ve found, along with their health benefits:

Chicory Coffee
Made from the roasted roots of the chicory plant.

• Naturally caffeine-free, making it a great option for those avoiding caffeine.
• Rich in inulin, a type of prebiotic fibre that promotes healthy gut bacteria.
• May help regulate blood sugar and improve digestion.

Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)
A blend of turmeric, milk (or plant-based milk), and often other spices like cinnamon and ginger. So lovely on a cold, winter’s day/night.

• Anti-inflammatory properties due to curcumin in turmeric.
• Can improve brain function and lower the risk of brain diseases.
• Supports joint health and boosts immunity.

Dandelion Root Coffee
A roasted herbal beverage made from the roots of dandelion plants.

• Acts as a liver detoxifier and promotes bile production.
• Helps with digestion and has mild diuretic properties.
• Contains antioxidants that may reduce oxidative stress.

Mushroom Coffee
Coffee alternatives blended with medicinal mushrooms like Chaga, Lion's Mane, or Reishi. We do the lovely little Cheerful Buddha Blends, highly recommended so check these out.

• Enhances focus and mental clarity, especially with Lion's Mane.
• Boosts immunity and reduces inflammation, particularly with Chaga and Reishi.
• Can reduce the jitters and crash associated with regular Coffee.

Yerba Mate
A traditional South American drink made from the dried leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant.

• Contains caffeine but provides a gentler energy boost than Coffee.
• Rich in antioxidants and nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E.
• May improve mental focus, physical performance, and weight loss.

Barley Coffee
A caffeine-free alternative made from roasted barley grains.

• High in fibre, which can aid digestion and promote a feeling of fullness.
• Contains antioxidants and can improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
• Has a nutty, robust flavour similar to Coffee but without the acidity.

Cacao (Organic, Raw or Ceremonial)
Made by brewing roasted cacao beans that have been melted down into a paste or powder, offering a chocolatey flavour. You can have either Raw Cacao Powder, which is also amazing to replace hot chocolate with, or pure, Ceremonial grade Cacao, such as Keith’s Ceremonial Cacao. This is without doubt, one of my favourite Coffee replacements.

• Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which promote heart health.
• Contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that provides a gentle energy boost without caffeine jitters.
• Boosts mood and may help with cognitive function due to its natural compounds.

These Coffee alternatives offer a range of health benefits while providing a flavourful and often energising experience. Depending on your preferences and health goals, you can choose the alternative that best suits your lifestyle. If of course, like me, you actually quite love Coffee and the taste of it we do offer a different type of Coffee. Its called Thrive Coffee, instant butter blend and it’s absolutely delicious (note too that it also contains Caffeine). I can’t personally have a lot of caffeine so a Teaspoon of this is perfect for me.

Just the thought of a nice hot drink at the beginning of the day, for me it’s a hot lemon to start with, perhaps a nice Tea or Coffee late morning or lunch time (this is including all the alternatives as well), and a beautiful herbal Tea to finish the evening (I choose from one of my many options of loose Teas I’ve collected, but I love a good peppermint or mint Tea!), what more could you want. A lot of socialising is centred around going to places for drinks; I’m referring mainly to Teas, Coffees and smoothies etc here though, not alcohol haha, although it’s a point though, it’s a social thing isn’t it, to “go for a drink” – so try experimenting with different herbs, supplements, powders and perhaps create a new, healthy habit in the long run. It sounds like such a small thing, to change your drinking habits, but it can have BIG impact. So give some of the above a go and see how you go; the possibilities are endless!