Cleansing, purifying and transformational, water is a vital life source. All living things, including humans, depend on it for wellbeing.
Our bodies are around 50-60% water, and being dehydrated can mean you are unable to function fully.
This can lead to all sorts of issues, from mild health concerns such as feeling tired or having a slight headache, to more urgent problems such as confusion, disorientation or a fast heart rate.
Drinking water is the most effective way to stay hydrated
The NHS recommends drinking around six to eight glasses of water throughout the day, but you may need to increase this if:
- You sweat more in the hot weather
- You’re very active
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- You’re ill or recovering from illness
Most drinks contain a percentage of water, but they can also contain sugars, calories and other potentially harmful ingredients. Alcohol increases urination, so can be dehydrating.
Your intake can also come from foods which contain a high percentage of water, such as:
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Watercress
- Apples
- Celery
- Lettuce
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Soup
- Courgette
What does water do for your body?
Water plays a key role in many of our body’s functions, including:
- Lubrication – water keeps the tissues in the eyes, nose, mouth and lungs lubricated
- Protection – water protects your body’s organs and the nervous system, including the spinal cord and brain
- Kidneys – water helps kidneys rid the body of waste and toxins
- Body temperature – water helps to get rid of excess heat as sweat, regulating temperature and preventing the body from getting too hot
- Digestion – water produces saliva and other fluids to help with digestion by preventing constipation and an overly acidic stomach
- Joints – water lubricates cartilage, increasing a joint’s shock-absorbing ability
- Cells – water helps transport nutrients and oxygen around the body
- Cognitive function – water prevents difficulties with concentration, memory, and mood
- Skin – hydrated skin looks plumper and more radiant
A simple way to tell if you’re dehydrated is to check the colour of your urine
If it is darker than a pale yellow or straw colour, your body is telling you it needs more water.
TOP TIP Don’t only drink when you feel thirsty, as your body is already dehydrated.