The Importance of Water
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The body is made up of 50-75% water. Water is required for most body functions such as regulating body temperature, removal of waste products from cells, keeping the bloodstream liquid enough to flow through the blood vessels, the movement of nerve impulses through the nervous system, carrying and absorption of nutrients to cells and tissues and to help maintain the health of every cell in the body in addition to other functions. [i]
What happens to your body when you’re dehydrated?
Fatigue: Dehydration causes a slow down in enzymatic activity resulting in tiredness and fatigue.
Decreased level of Brain Functioning: With dehydration, many functions of the brain become inefficient as the level of energy generation in the brain decreases.[ii]
High Blood Pressure: Dehydration will lead to your body retaining sodium to compensate. Persistent dehydration can lead to an increased pressure places on arteries and a subsequent rise in blood pressure. [iii]
Skin Disorders: Dehydration means that toxins are not efficiently eliminated through your skin which could lead to dermatitis and psoriasis as well as wrinkling and discoloration.
High Cholesterol: In response to dehydration, your body increases cholesterol production to keep cells moist & pliable to allow the cells to exchange nutrients & waste. Dehydration also decreases the flow rate and volume of your blood which may increase chances of cholesterol accumulating in arteries.[iv]
Bladder or kidney problems: Dehydration can lead to bladder or kidney problems due to the heavy concentration of urine that is passed. Drinking 8 glasses of water a day will help to keep the bladder active & decrease the accumulation of bacteria.[v]
Digestive disorders: water is essential to ensure food is digested, to ensure that nutrients are delivered to cells and to eliminate toxins & waste from the body. Without water and alkaline minerals, a number of digestive disorders including ulcers, gastritis and acid reflux can occur.[vi]
Water also helps you lose weight!
Drinking water can speed your metabolism & burn more calories! An interesting study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that within 10 minutes of drinking 480mL (16 fl. Oz) of water, metabolic rates in both women and men began to rise and increased by 30% after 30-40 minutes. The study suggests that just increasing your water consumption by 1.5L (50 fl. Oz) per day could result in over 2kg (5lb) weight loss!
A study conducted in 2010 found that when combined with a low calorie diet, drinking just 500mL (16.9 fl. Oz) of water right before you eat increases weight loss. Participants who drank water prior to eating consumed an average of 75-90 calories fewer at meals because they felt fuller faster.
Try to drink 2-3litres (67-100 fl. Oz) per day for radiant health. Don’t worry about visiting the bathroom more frequently, this settles down in time.
Tips for drinking water:
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice to water
Hot Tip: Lemons are a good source of citric acid, potassium, calcium, phosphorous and magnesium. Lemon water can assist in the process of digestion, elimination and has several antibacterial properties.
Pop ice cubes made from fruit into your glass of water
Keep a glass of water on your desk or a bottle in your bag for quick and easy access and to remind you to drink more water
Add some flavor. Pop your favorite fruits into your water to mix things up and encourage yourself to drink more water. What’s your favorite combination?
See our online community for more ideas and inspiration.
