On average, over 60% of the body is made up of water!
It is vital that we drink enough water to maintain the body’s fluid balance which transports nutrients around the body, regulates body temperature, digests food, and removes toxins and waste. Water is lost through breathing, sweating, and digestion, so it is important that we keep up our intake, especially when increasing our activity levels.
Have a look at the benefits of drinking enough water:
- Energy
Water boosts your energy levels. Tiredness and fatigue are the most common symptoms of dehydration. Drink more water to keep you alert, awake, and ready for the day ahead. Ensuring that you are hydrated before physical activity helps you to perform at your absolute best.
- Weight Loss
Water naturally reduces your appetite. Your body can become confused between hunger and thirst and you end up eating more than you need throughout the day. Dehydration causes fat cells to become harder to break down so you need to drink more water to lose weight. Water also increases your metabolism and has zero calories.
- Headaches
Headaches can be a symptom of dehydration so drink a glass of water to see if it clears. Regularly sipping water can reduce the severity of headaches and migraines.
- Brain Function
The brain is made up of about 85% water. If you become dehydrated it can affect your concentration and even your short-term memory. Drinking water helps you think, focus, and be more alert.
- Skin Benefits
Water flushes out toxins and bacteria in the body, reducing acne and moisturising the skin keeping it fresh, soft, glowing, and smooth. Water is one of the best anti-aging treatments, reducing and even removing wrinkles!
- Removing Toxins
Water is an excellent detoxifier, flushing out toxins and waste mainly through sweat and urine. It promotes kidney function and reduces the occurrence of kidney stones by diluting the salts and minerals that cause them. It also reduces the risk of UTI’s (urinary tract infections).
According to the NHS, in climates such as the UK, it is recommended that we should drink approximately 2 litres of water per day (6-8 glasses) and more when you are exercising and in the heat.
Overall, drinking an adequate amount of water each day has so many health and lifestyle benefits. It is free, has zero calories and no sugar content.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon, lime, or even cucumber.
Resources:
NHS (2021)
i try to take atleast 8 glasses of water EVERY day
its very simple to remember i drink after EVERY time i am been toilet and wirh every meal too.
Yep! So simple… but so often over-looked or forgotten. After reading this, I am resolved to be better about consuming water. I was actually better about doing it when I worked in my office, as compared with working from home (which is the situation now). Thanks. – Scott