We are continuously being told that drinking a lot of water is important, it is healthy and can aid weigh loss.
The NHS recommends drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water per day, the equivalent of 2 Liters.
Why is that?
Here I sum up for you some good reasons to keep yourself hydrated during the day, every day!
DRINKING WATER…
… HELPS TO MAINTAIN THE BALANCE OF BODY FUNCTIONS.
Our bodies are composed of about 60% water.
Water is essential for bodily functions, such as maintaining the body temperature, digestion, circulation, creation of saliva, and nutrients transportation and absorption.
…HELPS YOUR KIDNEYS
The kidneys function is to cleanse your body, expelling liquids which are in excess and toxins through the urine. When you are getting enough fluids the urine flows freely, it is light in color and free of odor.
When your body is NOT getting enough fluids both its color and odor are denser, because the kidneys have to trap the water for other bodily functions.
If you chronically drink too little water, you may be at a higher risk of developing kidney stones!
…MAINTAINS NORMAL BOWEL FUNCTION
Adequate hydration helps the flow of your wasted nutrients along the intestinal tract, preventing constipation and bloated belly.
…HELPS WEIGHT LOSS AND HELPS TO CONTROL HUNGER.
Drinking lots of water helps you feeling full for longer and reduces the quantity of food you intake. This is why it has been adopted for years by the dieters. Drinking a non-caloric beverage and eating water-rich food occupies more volume and nutrients are absorbed more slowly, which helps you feel full.
…ENERGIZES MUSCLES
Drinking lots of water during exercise can help muscles perform well and prevent fatigue.
It is very important to drink double the amount of water while exercising to replace the fluids lost by sweating.
…HELPS THE SKIN TO LOOK YOUNG
The skin contains a lot of water and its primarily function is being a protective barrier to prevent fluids loss.
Dehydration makes the skin looks more wrinkly and dry.
4 TIPS TO MAKE SURE YOU DRINK YOUR WATER:
1. Have a glass of water before every meals and snacks.
2. Makes the water more enjoyable, adding some ice cubes, lemon slices, mint leaves, strawberries, cucumber…
Have fun making your own DIY flavoured waters!
Avoid buying water with added flavor. Those drinks are often high in sugar and they have diuretic effects, which means they make you urinate more and more often, causing dehydration, the exact opposite to what you want!
3. Eat high water content food.
4. Carry a water bottle with you always!
In particular on the train during summertime, keeping hydrated prevents dizziness and headaches.
