Hey folks!
So we all know the importance of drinking water but recently there have been reports that the age old advice of 8 glasses per day is not accurate and is not based on any scientific evidence so why do we need to drink it and how much of it should we REALLY be drinking?
Well firstly, our bodies are made up of 60% water and it is vital for many bodily processes.
Drinking water helps maintain the balance of bodily fluids. Functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, saliva production, nutrient transportation and maintenance of body temperature.
Your brain communicates with your kidneys and tells it how much water to excrete or hold on to for reserves. When you’re low on fluids, your brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism and therefore you should always listen to your body when it tells you you’re thirsty and get yourself a drink of any sort (except alcohol) when it gives you that cue.
Drinking water can also help you control your calorie intake as oftentimes we mistake thirst for hunger and we end up snacking or over-eating when in fact our bodies just need water.
Also, foods with a high water content such as fruits, vegetables, soups, porridge and beans, will keep you fuller for longer.
Water is essential during exercise as when the body sweats during exercise, it loses water and electrolytes which causes the muscles to shrivel causing muscle fatigue so it’s super important to make sure you’re re-hydrating yourself before and during exercise sessions to keep your muscle performance at it’s best.
Water is essential for hydrating your skin also and preventing wrinkles as dehydrated skin looks more dry and wrinkled.
Drinking water keeps your kidneys healthy when they are excreting water soluble waste products such as blood urea nitrogen. If you do not give your body enough water, your urine will be very concentrated in toxins and you are at risk of developing kidney stones.
Water helps to prevent constipation and keeps things moving along your digestive tract normally.
Tips to increase your intake of water;
– Always keep a bottle at your desk in work, beside your bed at home and in your car
– Have a drink or beverage with every meal
– Eat more water rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
If you have trouble drinking water and you struggle with the taste of it then you might want to try some infused water recipes such as the one below! It really flavours the water and you get the added benefits of the fruits you add!
Strawberry Flavoured Water;
– 4-6 strawberries quartered
– 1/2 a lemon sliced
– Small handful of basil scrunched
– Ice and cold filtered water
Recipe from: http://natashaskitchen.com/2013/06/15/naturally-flavored-water/
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