We all know we should drink more water in the summer when it gets warmer, so we don't get dehydrated but do we really know what this all means and the effect dehydration can have on the body.
For a lot of us, we forget to drink enough water , but maybe if we knew more about why it would help us to keep topped up! As we age our thirst decreases so we can be more at risk of dehydration, as the urge to drink reduces.
For a lot of people drinking water is not on their list of priorities, and this is something we need to change. Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and wellbeing.
Here are some of the main reasons why we need to keep hydrated :
60% of our body is water, blood is around 90% water and our brain is around 90% water.
Water is essential for kidneys to function
Water boosts energy, delivers important nutrients to all of our cells, especially muscle cells, postponing muscle fatigue.
Water helps to move the digestive process along and through the system.
Dehydration causes the skin to become more vulnerable to skin disorders and wrinkling.
Cushions the brain, spinal cord and other sensitive issues
Dehydration can reduce the joints shock absorbing ability leading to joint pain.
Dehydration can affect our brain. Reducing focus, alertness and short term memory. It can also lead to fatigue and confusion.
Essential for regulating body temperature
Can help with weight loss
Water helps to reduce hangovers!
Finding ways to drink enough water can be hard - what should be an easy thing is often not . Some tips to help increase water content are:
Create new habits. Have a glass of water when you wake up, before every meal, each time you go into the kitchen, when you sit down to watch TV.
Make a jug / bottle of infused water to drink during the day. Infuse with things like mint, cucumber, berries, lemon etc find your favourite flavour.
Fill up bottles in the morning for the day , and place around the house / work / car so that you always have water with you and know how much you have drunk.
Download an app or set reminder on phone to drink every hour
Eat foods that have a high water content - such as cucumber, tomatoes, apples, celery, watercress, melon, lettuce, courgette.
Instead of thinking about drink water as a bit of a chore, think of the positive impact it can have on your health and wellbeing and keep hydrated happy and healthy this summer.
Σχόλια