Water – the fountain of life!

Why is drinking water important?

Nearly all of your body’s major systems depend on water to function and survive, so keeping hydrated is crucial for health and wellbeing. Even though we know this many of us do not consume enough fluids each day.

• Keeping hydrated does more than just quench your thirst – it is essential for keeping your body functioning properly and feeling healthy.
• We get most of our water from drinking  beverages, food also contributes a small amount of our daily intake.
• Water is one of the essential elements of the human body. A whopping 60 per cent of our body is made up of water.
• Each day we lose water through our breath, sweat, urine and bowel movements, which is why it is important to continue rehydrate throughout the day.

How much water should we drink?

According to The World Health Organisation, adults should drink 1.5 – 2.5 litres per day.

By consuming the minimum recommendation, we are helping our bodies to function better and therefore improve overall health.

What can staying hydrated do for our bodies? Here are 10 reasons to stay hydrated:

• It protects your tissues, spinal cord and joints!

Keeping properly hydrated helps lubricate and cushion your joints, spinal cord and tissues. Keeping your body well hydrated is even more helpful for individuals who undergo Chiropractic Adjustments. The connective tissues and ligaments in the spine need water for strength and overall flexibility. If you don’t drink enough water after an adjustment, your ligaments may lose strength and elasticity due to dehydration.

• It helps make saliva!

Water is the main component of saliva. Saliva helps us digest food and is essential for breaking down solid food. It keeps the nose, mouth and eyes moist; this prevents friction and damage.

• It helps with constipation!

Eating fibre isn’t the only way to prevent constipation! The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation and an overly acidic stomach

• It helps with digestion!

Drinking water before, during and after a meal will help your body break down the food you eat more easily – contrary to what some believe. This will help you digest food more effectively so you can get the most out of your meals!

• It maintains your body temperature!

Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments. Water that is stored in the middle layers of the skin comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up, this sweat keeps your body cool.

• It helps with physical performance!

Keeping hydrated during physical activity is essential. Hydration affects your strength, power and endurance. Exercising in the heat without enough water can lead to serious medical conditions like decreased blood pressure.

• It may help in weight loss!

Studies have linked weight loss with drinking water if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and fizzy drinks. Drinking before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness. Drinking more whilst dieting and exercise may just help you lose those extra pounds!

• It helps keep skin bright and healthy!

With dehydration the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling. Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production.

• It aids in our brain function!

Proper hydration is key to keeping our brain function in tip top shape! Dehydration can affect brain function and can negatively impact on focus, alertness and short-term memory.

• It aids absorption of nutrients!

Keeping hydrated helps dissolve vitamins and minerals and other nutrients from your food, which makes it possible for them to reach various parts of the body.

If you would like some further information or to speak to a member of our team please call us on: Hitchin 01462 420077 or Luton 01582 579687, alternatively e-mail us at: hitchin@healesclinics.com or luton@healesclinics.com.\