Why is Water Essential?

It's no secret that water is the source of life. If you're like most people, you probably don't drink enough of it.

So how much H2O should you consume on a daily basis? It's a simple enough question that's been proven hard to answer.

According to most authorities, it's eight glasses a day, which equates to about two litres.

Hydration is the key to health

Taking fluid on board isn't just refreshing and quenching it's vital to our wellbeing. Much of the importance of drinking water is backed up by the benefits that it brings to our bodies, on the inside and the outside.

Keeping yourself hydrated can go a long way to influencing how you look and feel.

Water maintains the balance of bodily fluids

Water leaves our body with every breath that we take and every move that we make (No Police reference intended) Every time we speak, sweat and expel urine; we lose water. On average, we lose 700ml of water each day. Replenishing that loss of fluid will stop you from getting dehydrated, keeping you feeling fresher and more energised for your day.

Water can help control calories

While drinking a glass of water won't make you lose weight, substituting it for a can of coke can make a world of difference should you be trying to lose or maintain your weight. It's not just restricted to drinking; water can be found in all manner of foods especially fresh fruits and vegetables.

Water based food takes longer to eat and thus takes longer to be absorbed by the body, making you feel fuller than you might normally be.

Water keeps your muscles energised

Every single cell in your body needs water. The cells in your muscles are no different; they are highly dependent on the circulation of water to keep them functioning, keeping you more active and less prone to injury. Drinking water helps maintain your central nervous system. If you don't get enough of it, your reaction time slows down resulting the amount of energy that your body can exert.

Being dehydrated lowers the blood volume, which then results in poor circulation, which means your muscles will tire a lot quicker.

Water keeps your skin looking healthy

Think of how a plant responds to water, if it doesn't get enough water, it shrivels, give it enough and it dons a radiant glow. Same principals apply to your skin. Skin is our largest organ and relies heavily on water for its maintenance. The cells require nourishment and hydration to function accordingly. Water helps balance out the skin, making it look supple and radiant.

Water keeps bowel movements regular

Bowel movement is vital to our health. Keeping it ticking over can steer you clear of many chronic illnesses. Water keeps the digested track lubricated, keeping you away from the unpleasantness of constipation.

Here's some quick and easy ways to up your intake

The importance of water to a healthy diet is something that can't be understated. Here are few tips to take note of:

• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Approximately 20% of fluids come from our food.
• Have a glass of water with every meal, especially if coffee is involved.
• Get into the habit of carrying a bottle of water with you at all times; you're less likely to discard a water bottle that you've paid a pretty price for, as you would a disposable one.

To find out what other positive changes you can make to your lifestyle, come in and visit us at Vision, Clarence street for a free consultation.