The Importance of Hydration

The science behind hydration: When you take in water as fast as you lose it, you create a balance between the water reservoirs in the body. We remain sensitive to the water balance in our blood system, and are well equipped at replacing any daily fluids lost through bodily functions, including: Excretion: A person can lose a ½ a litre to several litres of urine a day. Breathing: When inhaling, moisture is added to the air as it passes through to our lungs. Once we exhale, the humidified air is then lost. The amount of water lost depends on the levels of humidity of the air. Sweating: We lose a under a litre of water daily when it evaporates from the skin. This amount can increase dramatically when we sweat profusely due to vigorous workouts or high body temperature. Digestion: Generally, we lose little water through the digestive track. However, in the case of severe diarrhoea and vomiting, many litres can be lost.

Proper hydration does more than just quench your thirst. It has numerous benefits to your health.

1. Water is the main component of blood, which supplies cells with oxygen and nutrients and carries waste out of the body.

2. Water regulates internal body temperature. Through the process of sweat production and evaporation, your body can avoid overheating. The blood on the skin surface is cooled, and it carries this cooling effect to the body’s interior.

3. Water lubricates joints. When you’re well hydrated, the water inside and outside the cells of contracting muscles provides adequate nutrients and removes waste efficiently so you perform better. Contrary to popular belief, muscle cramps do not appear to be related to dehydration, but, instead, to muscle fatigue, according to Sam Cheuvront, Ph.D., an exercise physiologist.

4. Water cushions vital organs

5. Water helps prevent dry mouth. Water keeps your throat and lips moist and prevents your mouth from feeling dry. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste–and can even promote cavities.

6. Water promotes cardiovascular health. Dehydration lowers your blood volume, so your heart must work harder to pump the reduced amount of blood and get enough oxygen to your cells, which makes everyday activities like walking up stairs–as well as exercise–more difficult.

7. Water keeps skin supple. When a person is severely dehydrated, skin is less elastic. This is different than dry skin, which is usually the result of soap, hot water and exposure to dry air.

8. Water helps cleanse your body — inside and out. Your kidneys need water to filter waste from the blood and excrete it in urine. Keeping hydrated may also help prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. If you are severely dehydrated, your kidneys may stop working, causing toxins to build up in your body.

So how much should we drink? It is suggested that we consume at least 3 ½ litres per day for men and 2 ½ litres per day for women. It is also suggested that you should continually sip throughout the day even if you are consuming the recommended amount of water.

So grab that 1 Litre water bottle and fill it a couple of times a day to feel great, have more energy and look younger!