When anthropologist Gina Bria was studying how desert cultures survive with minimal water, she received unsettling news. Her elderly mother was struggling with chronic dehydration in her care facility. That call made her wonder if the wisdom she learned from her studies of desert-dwelling communities could help with her mother's hydration.

Through her research, Bria knew that the gel water in chia seeds helped the Tarahumara people of Mexico stay hydrated. So, she directed the caregivers to put ground chia seeds into her mother’s orange juice each morning. The results were remarkable, with her mom’s dehydration quickly resolving thanks to this ancient practice.

If you're ready to rethink hydration, you're in good company. Most of us have been taught that drinking eight glasses of plain water is enough - but the science of gel water paints a richer picture. Hydration is about how well your body absorbs and uses water - not just how often you refill your glass.

What Is Gel Water?

Bria, along with coauthor Dr. Dana Cohen, describes gel water (sometimes referred to as living water) as a fourth phase of water. They explain that it is distinct from liquid, vapor, or ice. Its molecular structure is H₃O₂, which makes it more bioavailable for our bodies.

Gel water is naturally found in plants, especially fruits, vegetables, seeds, and cacti. In addition to the Tarahumara people, it helped the Aztecs and Incas go long periods without drinking regular water.

• It absorbs more slowly, staying in your body longer.

• It conducts electricity more efficiently, supporting vital functions.

• Its higher osmolality (particle concentration) makes it easier to absorb in the small intestine, where most hydration happens.

Quick Tips to Try Today

Want to boost your hydration using gel water principles? Dr. Schaefer recommends starting with these:

• Drink 16 oz of water with lemon first thing in the morning.

• Stir 1/16 tsp of salt into each 8 oz. glass of water to increase absorption.

• Add citrus (lime, lemon, grapefruit) to your water.

• Load up on fruits and veggies full of water and electrolytes.

• Cook with bone broth - it's rich in gel water and collagen.

• Use coconut and ghee.

• Add crushed chia seeds to drinks and smoothies.