Alternative Answers

☀️ It's HOT out there this week — let's talk hydration

Most people think "drink more water" is enough when it's hot. It's not — and here's why:

What heat does to your body: When temps rise, you sweat more to cool down.

But sweat isn't just water, it's loaded with sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals your body needs to function.

Lose too much without replacing them, and you can end up more dehydrated even while chugging water all day.

Why electrolytes matter: Electrolytes regulate fluid balance, muscle function, nerve signals, and energy production.

Without them, water passes through you faster than it can actually hydrate your cells.

Low electrolytes = fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, brain fog — even when you've been drinking water all day.

Why minerals matter: Minerals like magnesium and potassium are essential for cellular hydration — they help pull water into your cells instead of just flushing through your system.

This is the difference between drinking water and actually being hydrated.

Our favorite ways to replenish:
💧 Just Ingredients Electrolytes or INSTANT hydration (grab it online or in Target)

💧 Spectramin, Quantum Hydration, or Rehydration — all available in our office

🧂 A pinch of Celtic sea salt in your water daily — simple, affordable, effective

Stay cool, stay mineral-rich, and don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate. 💦

🌿 Tick Season Tip: Clove Water

Hi everyone! I'm Dr. Keri with Alternative Answers.

With tick season in full swing, here's a simple at-home recipe to add to your seasonal self-care routine: clove water.

Cloves have long been valued in traditional herbal practices for their warming, supportive properties. Modern research points to eugenol — the primary compound in clove oil — for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and antibacterial qualities. Early lab and veterinary studies also suggest clove oil may have repellent properties against ticks when used topically.

This is a supportive practice, not a replacement for standard precautions — keep wearing protective clothing outdoors and do a thorough tick check when you come inside.

📝 Recipe below ⬇️

Internal Clove Water:
Boil 6 cups distilled water with 1 tsp cloves for 15 minutes. Let cool, strain, and drink 1-2 oz daily. (Reduce dose for children — ask us if you're unsure on amount.)

Topical Clove Spray:
In a 4 oz glass bottle, combine 3½ oz witch hazel with 15-20 drops clove essential oil. Shake well before each use. Witch hazel is used as the base because it blends better with the oil than water.

As always, reach out to our team with any questions! 💛

I could probably make hundreds of these videos but this is a good start! lol