Holiday Guide: RW Knudsen Recharge Review & GIVEAWAY!

reviWhen you’re focused on your family it’s easy to overlook your own needs but good hydration is important at every stage of life – from pregnancy through childbirth, and on-the-run as a busy mom.

Most of us don’t drink enough – The National Academy of Sciences suggests that women should get approximately 91 ounces per day or 2.7 liters of total water from food and drink to avoid dehydration. Of course, pregnancy and nursing increase a woman’s needs. That’s why it’s important to know the signs of dehydration, and to pay special attention to drinking enough every day to avoid minor discomforts such as swelling and bloating as well as more serious concerns such as early labor and exhaustion.  

What to drink? Water is of course top of the list, but what about times when you really need a boost – something that quenches the thirst, replaces lost electrolytes and refreshes with a burst of flavor? What can health-conscious pregnant moms drink when they’re trying to avoid empty calories and artificial ingredients?

You may not know it, but Recharge®, made with R.W. Knudsen Family® brand fruit juice has long been a favorite recommendation of midwives, who know how important hydration is during pregnancy and delivery. This refreshing, all natural sports drink replenishes the fluids and electrolytes your busy body needs - without adding sugar or unnatural flavors and colors.

     

Each 8-ounce serving of Recharge provides pure, filtered water to keep you hydrated, flavorful fruit juice to encourage gulping, and sea salt to replace the crucial electrolytes lost when you’re on-the-go, exercising or outdoors in hot weather. Recharge is available in 32-ounce (Green Apple, Grape, Lemon, Mixed Berry, Orange , Organic Lemon and Tropical flavors) and 16-ounce sizes (Grape, Lemon, Orange , Tropical flavors).

You can find out more about Recharge at http://www.knudsenjuices.com.

DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

Hydration facts for pregnancy, childbirth and moms-on-the-go

 

What is hydration?

Did you know that approximately forty-five to seventy-five percent of a person’s total body weight is made up of fluids, most of which is water?  When a body is well hydrated, fluids are replenished at roughly the same rate at which they are lost.  Dehydration occurs when more fluid is lost than is replaced, an amount which varies from person to person depending on their health, age and body fat.  

How much should I drink every day?

Everyone’s needs are different, and recommendations vary depending on your weight, activity level and climate. Pregnancy and nursing also increase a woman’s needs. While water and other beverages make up about 80 percent of daily intake, food provides the other 20 percent.

• The National Academy of Sciences suggests that women should get approximately 91 ounces per day or 2.7 liters of total water (from food and drink) to avoid dehydration.  
• One way to arrive at a daily goal is to divide your body weight by two to get the number of ounces of fluid that should be consumed each day. A 140 lb woman might therefore aim to drink 70 ounces each day, in addition to consuming water-rich foods.

What are the signs/symptoms of dehydration?

Women who are pregnant or nursing need to pay special attention to their hydration. Dehydration can endanger babies and mothers, particularly during pregnancy when nausea and vomiting are more common, and blood volume is increasing. Signs of dehydration may include:

·         Thirst with dry mouth

·         Dark yellow urine

·         Dizziness

·         Headaches

·         Constipation

• Fatigue
• Chapped lips/dry skin
• Nausea and vomiting
• More frequent Braxton Hicks contractions

                                 

What are the risks of dehydration during pregnancy?

Dehydration can happen quickly, and if left untreated can lead to serious illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, particularly during hot summer months. It can also result in a higher incidence of preterm labor. Additionally:

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, nausea can lead to dehydration and vice versa. Severe dehydration may require immediate urgent care, resulting in rehydration with intravenous fluids. In the first half of pregnancy, mothers need adequate fluids to ensure that their levels of amniotic fluid are sufficient for their baby’s development. The body replaces amniotic fluid at the rate of approximately 1 cup per hour. Later on in pregnancy, dehydration is a common cause of early contractions or labor. Good hydration can help to alleviate common discomforts such as bloating and swelling. 

Delivery

During delivery, when the frequency of contractions increases, a mother’s energy can become quickly depleted. Dehydration can increase fatigue, as well as increasing the body’s temperature which can result in muscle cramping. Good hydration can enhance both physical and mental endurance. 

     

Nursing

Adequate fluid intake is important for nursing mothers. Recovery from birth, and the challenge of establishing an adequate milk supply puts mothers at greater risk of dehydration, which can exacerbate fatigue.  

Moms on the go

When your priorities change and your focus is on your children’s wellbeing, it’s easy to forget to keep yourself well hydrated. During exercise, aim to drink one cup of water every fifteen minutes while working out, and pay attention to the signs of dehydration as you cool off.

Ten Tips to maintain hydration:

1.      Keep a fluid log to help you estimate how much you usually drink each day.

2.      Divide your weight by two to get an idea of the total number of ounces you should be drinking. Consult a physician with any questions.

3.      Fill a PBA-free container with your goal amount at the start of the day and drink regularly until it is finished.

4.      Use a timer on your phone, watch or stove to remind you to take a drink.

5.      Replenish fluids after any activity and increase them on warm to hot days.

6.      Avoid liquids such as processed soda and caffeine, which can increase urination.

7.      Keep liquids cold, or add ice to make it taste more refreshing.

8.      Eat foods that are water-rich. Examples include fruits such as watermelon and grapes, and vegetables such as tomatoes and zucchini.

9.      Make drinking more appealing by adding a twist of natural flavor (fresh lemon, lime etc.) or enjoy an all-natural beverage such as R.W. Knudsen Family’s Recharge (http://www.knudsenjuices.com/products/recharge) which contains 50 percent juice, water and sea salt (for essential electrolytes) without added sugar or artificial ingredients.  

10.  Always check with a physician if signs of dehydration are present.

Resources

·         Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dehydration/DS00561

·         National Academy Sciences 2004: Dietary Intake Levels for Water, Salt, and Potassium http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=10925

·         Mayo Clinic’s Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy: http://www.amazon.com/Mayo-Clinic-Guide-Healthy-Pregnancy/dp/0060746378

NOTE: This fact sheet is designed for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of a trained physician, or to be a substitute for medical care. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have about hydration during pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood.

-Courtesy of RW Knudsen

I am somewhat familiar with RW Knudsen juices, so I thought reviewing them would help me get more acquainted! RW Knudsen has a line of electrolyte drinks similar to Gatorade, etc called Recharge. 

Recharge is an all natural thirst quencher. It has been around since the 80s – but the green apple flavor and mixed berry are new – introduced in 2008.  Recharge is a flavored sports drink made from concentrates. It has electrolytes, no sugar added, and is made with all natural fruit juice.

I got my package of Recharge and put a couple of bottles in the refrigerator. There were 2 sizes: 16 oz, and 32 oz. I tried the Tropical flavor, which is like tropical punch. I thought it tasted much better than similar drinks, and had a lot more flavor. More fruit flavor. I liked it so much I had another cup!

The Bottom Line: Recharge is an all natural alternative to your regular electrolyte drinks. Delicious and a lot more flavor! Pick up a case today!

* I received a case of Recharge products to facilitate my honest & candid review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All views are my own!

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