Drinking plenty of water is a well-known and basic wellness tip, but busy lives often make it an easy one to forget. It is easy to resent buying water when you have a tap at home, so days are often spent water-less; a can of DC or a post-lunch Starbucks substituting for good old h2O.
While obviously hot, cold, alcoholic and soft drinks all have their places in our diets, it is important not to neglect the central importance of water. Astonishingly, healthy adults lose between 2.5 and 3 litres of water each day -more if you are exercising, flying (1.5 litres over a three hour flight!), or in a hot climate. It is vital for human survival to remain hydrated, and in light of this 3 litre a day loss, we need to be replenishing our water reserves constantly.
Humans should never feel thirsty – it is a sign that you are already dehydrated. Dehydration can cause lethargy, headaches, mood changes, dry skin, low concentration, tiredness, nausea and will hamper any attempts at exercise. As hangovers charmingly remind us, dehydration all in all makes you feel pretty appalling.
Luckily it’s easy and cheap to increase your water intake, and the health benefits are both felt immediately and long-lasting. Carry a flask with you, buy a bottle instead of a coffee, take advantage of the tap at home – however you do it (I’m into sparkling water at the mo because makes it slightly more interesting), work to get your water intake up, and reap the rewards…
1) Skin – increased hydration encourages fresh looking, clear skin by flushing out toxins and filling cells with water creating a more toned and firm appearance. Dry skin is a common symptom of dehydration, and will sort itself out when water consumption is increased
2) Weight Loss – water consumption contributes to weight loss in two ways. When you feel hungry, you are often actually thirsty. By drinking water instead of reaching for the biscuit tin, you will keep hunger locked up ‘til lunch without having to snack on waistline-expanding treats. AND, if you swap fizzy, calorific drinks for water – you will reduce your sugar intake, both protecting your teeth and again, your waistline: WIN WIN WIN!
3) Heart Health – drinking plenty of water thins your blood and reduces blood pressure, which for all sorts of reasons is a very good thing
4) Metabolism – water is important in eliminating the byproducts of your digestive system; the more water you drink, the quicker you will get those nasties out
5) Hair – I’m sure all the men reading will be glad to know that water = shiny and healthy hair
6) Body – stiffness, joint problems and muscle swelling; all can be avoided. Water consumption will dramatically improve your physical condition at any age by flushing out lactic acid and increasing the cushioning around joints.
7) Long-term Stuff – water has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer – the help it gives to the digestive system reduced the risk of colon cancer by up to 45% according to one study
So here are just seven reasons why water is the best beverage ever and we should all drink it more. Women should aim to drink 2.1 litres a day, and men 2.6, but not much more – be careful not to drink 200 litres of the stuff in an attempt to drown out that tequila headache that you are struggling with on a Sunday morning…
The very old and the very young are especially at risk from dehydration, so pass on the word to your Grannies and all them thirsty babes out there. And get drinking!
Source: http://hotwaterandlemon.com/the-seven-wonders-of-water/
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