We all know we should be drinking plenty of water and that it’s important to stay hydrated, but do we fully understand why? We always tell you drink water after a visit, and check in at consultations and reassessments, however it’s an important part of your health journey to understand why hydration is so important and how we make sure we are getting enough water.
Water is needed to combat the
effects of dehydration from perspiration, breathing and excretion. It flushes
out and carries out the waste matter from the body’s cells. Lack of water
causes a build up of waste matter, which can lead to exhaustion. Water
also plays a large part in our temperature control system.
A lack of water can cause
constipation, as the gut is starved of water. This leads to bowel
dysfunction. Our kidneys filter out impurities from the blood and a lack
of water means the urine is too highly concentrated and it will become dark yellow.
This may cause kidney stones to develop, urinary tract infections and other
bladder problems.
THE COLOUR OF URINE SHOULD BE
VERY PALE YELLOW – CHECK THAT YOU ARE DRINKING ENOUGH WATER!
De-hydration can cause symptoms
such as back pain migraines/headaches, light-headedness, loss of concentration
and fatigue. Water can also act as natural pick-me-up. If you drink a
large glass of water, instead of a caffeinated drink, you will be amazed at how
much energy you’ll have!
One thing we often hear is how difficult it can be
to ensure you are drinking water each day, so here are some tips to help you
stay hydrated.
TOP TIPS
ü Start your day with a mug of hot water and lemon. Tea and coffee can wait; this will provide a lovely refreshing drink to start your day.
ü If you enjoy a coffee, have a glass of water alongside.
ü Drink room temperature water as it more easily absorbed and used by your
body.
ü Drink a minimum of 1.5-2 litres of water per day, more if the weather is
hot or you are doing strenuous exercise. Larger people need more water.
ü Keep a small bottle of water with you to stay hydrated at all times. Be
aware of how many you need to drink to reach your 1.5- 2 litres.
ü Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. A great
way is to have a bottle with the times on the side to show when you to drink
throughout the day.
ü Adding a slice of fruit to your drink makes it a bit
more appealing to drink.
TOP FACTS
Remember tea, coffee, alcohol
and some soft drinks actually cause you to lose water.
Caffeine not only causes
chemical dependency, but it is also a diuretic. which means it pulls water
out of your body.
Water suppresses the appetite
and helps the body metabolise stored fat and reduces fat deposits, which is an
important factor in helping people to permanently lose weight.
Weight loss can lead to ‘sagging
skin’. Water helps to plump up the skin and leave it clear and healthy.
