44: Peeing Too Much? The Hydration Hack Every Mom Needs

 Ever wonder why drinking more water leaves you running to the bathroom constantly? In this episode, I break down the science behind proper hydration and why adding minerals to your water is the key to absorbing it properly. Learn how electrolytes help your body retain water, reduce frequent urination, and improve energy levels. Plus, I share my favorite brands and simple tips for getting your hydration on track. 

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Transcript

Hey, hey, welcome back to the podcast! In full transparency, this is my second time sitting down to record this episode. I recorded it originally and realized, Vanda, you just rambled and probably didn’t make a whole lot of sense. So, I’m going to try to reel myself in and help this make sense the way I intend for it to.

[00:17] Today, I’m recording this at the very end of the day, and my brain feels a little bit fried. I’ve had a long day at work, and for those of you that may or may not know, I do still work a full-time job in conjunction with running this business, which I love. It’s great, but some days it is hard—and today has been one of those mentally taxing days.

[00:50] I hope you really enjoyed last week’s episode. Having a guest was really fun for me. I had kind of avoided having guests from the start of this podcast. At first, I told myself, I just want solo episodes. That’s how I want it. But, if I’m being honest, part of me was also intimidated by the whole process—the scheduling, coordination, and everything else involved. Plus, I don’t edit my podcast, and that was another factor.

[01:25] It’s really important to me that this podcast stays authentic. I don’t have time to edit, and even if I did, I don’t want to. I want this to feel like a genuine conversation, ums and likes included. I’d like to think you all identify with me and what I’m sharing, and that’s what matters most.

[02:20] There will be more guests coming on the podcast throughout the year. I’m planning at least one guest a month, and I’m talking to some incredible people about topics I’m excited to share with you. If you have suggestions for topics or specific people you’d like me to interview, let me know! You can DM me on Instagram at Wellness with Vanda or reply to one of my emails.

[03:36] Okay, let’s dive into today’s topic. This one was inspired by my husband. He recently started drinking mostly water, cutting back on Coke, tea, and lemonade—which is great! But he’s a little annoyed because now he feels like he’s peeing all the time. And I was like, “Oh, you haven’t learned this from me yet, huh?”

[04:33] The thing is, if you’re drinking lots of plain water without minerals, your body doesn’t absorb it well. Instead, the water sits outside your cells in what’s called the extracellular space, and your body eventually flushes it out through urination. We want to avoid that and actually benefit from the water we’re drinking.

Why Minerals Matter

[05:49] To understand why minerals are important, let’s talk about electrolytes—specifically sodium and potassium. These minerals help open up channels in your cells, allowing water (H₂O) to be absorbed. Without them, water just sits outside the cells, doing nothing, and eventually gets flushed out.

[06:46] When you don’t have enough electrolytes, your body can’t use the water you’re drinking, which leads to frequent urination. Plus, drinking too much plain water without electrolytes can actually deplete your body of minerals, making you feel more fatigued.

Signs You Need More Minerals

[07:16] Here are a few things to check if you think this might be happening to you:

1. How much water are you drinking? Take your body weight in pounds, divide it by 2.2, and aim for that many ounces of water per day. If you’re drinking significantly more, cut back.
2. Check your urine color. If your urine is clear, you’re overhydrated and need more minerals. If it’s dark yellow or brown, you need more water.
3. Frequent urination: If you’re constantly running to the bathroom, it’s a sign that your body isn’t absorbing the water properly.

How to Add Minerals to Your Water

[09:00] There are several ways to do this:

1. Mineralized Powders: My favorite brands include:
   • Cure Hydration (great flavors!)
   • Jigsaw Health (Electrolyte Supreme)
   • Redmond Relight
   • LMNT (just be mindful of its high sodium content)
2. Mineral Drops: Trace Elements is a brand I recommend. You can add these drops to your water or even coffee. Just be aware they can give your drink a slightly metallic taste, so I recommend starting with smaller amounts.
3. Electrolyte Drinks: If you prefer premixed options, drinks like Gatorade or Body Armor are available, but watch for added sugars and dyes.

Quick Recap

[11:45] If you’re drinking a lot of water and peeing frequently, you likely need to add minerals. Here are your key takeaways:

• Aim for pale yellow urine.
• Adjust your water intake based on your body weight.
• Add electrolytes using powders, drops, or drinks that fit your lifestyle.

[12:07] That’s it for today! I hope this helps you better understand how to stay properly hydrated and feel your best. I’ll talk to you next week!