We’re constantly being told by health experts to drink 2 litres of water a day to help sustain a healthy lifestyle…but why is it so important?!?!
Not only is approximately 65% of our body made from water, but it is also vital for many physiological processes in our bodies such as body temperature regulation, helping our muscles to work and aiding the transport of vital minerals and organic substances around our bodies. Just from these examples it is easy to see that water is essential for us to simply survive. One huge benefit of water is its ability to aid weight loss.
Research has shown that thirst and hunger pangs can be triggered simultaneously. If the body is heavily dehydrated the need for water may be confused with a need to eat, such a mistake leads to a consumption of excess calories which the body doesn’t even need. Also, if your body is not used to getting any water the natural way for the body to act is to store any water consumed, which on the scales is observed as excess weight. However, if the body is always hydrated it recognizes that you drink water regularly and releases it from its stores aiding weight loss.
Acquiring water for the body is not limited to just drinking water alone. Water can also be obtained from milk, fruit and veggies.
So how much water our we supposed to drink to reap all these health benefits? On average it is recommended that we consume a minimum of 8 glasses a day. This should be more if you are looking to loose weight and if you take regular exercise to replenish the water lost via sweating. Before exercise it is recommended that you drink 1-2 glasses of water and at regular intervals during your workout.
However, is drinking 8 glasses a day enough water for those of you that aren’t looking to loose weight or partake in regular exercise? The amount of water required for your body is very much dependent on how much you weigh. The general idea is to be able to drink half your body weight (pounds) in water in ounces. For example, if you weigh 140 lbs you should be drinking at least 70 ozs in water
Some of the benefits of drinking water:
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appetite suppressant
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increases metabolism
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improved skin
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increase in concentration
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reduction in water storage (retention)
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detoxifies the body
If you are not a fan of water, then try adding a slice of lemon or lime to give it a different taste. It’s much healthier for you then sugary fruit juices or fizzy drinks. I personally try and make sure that I drink 3 glasses with every meal and at least one glass with my snacks to make sure I’m getting my daily quota, although this is sometimes easier said than done.
Given the recent sunshine that we have been having in the UK recently I have been making a conscious effort to drink pure water and not just water from tea. I have noticed some great results in my skin already, it’s definitely much clearer and glowy. It can be a struggle to get 8 glasses in a day, but once you get going it does get easier.
Do you struggle to fit in your 8 glasses a day? Or for those of you that do drink lots of water have you noticed any benefits?
I’m reasonably relaxed about this one now because I’ve heard that all drinks count – not just water. So my tea and coffee intake should get me there easily
Yes you can get a good intake of water from tea, but I definitely want to consume more pure water.
I definitely need to make an effort to drink more water although it is a lot easier when the weather is warmer! x
I agree, the warm weather does help.
I think I drink waaay too much water. At work I’m constantly drinking water or tea and then constantly going to the loo – it’s like a never ending cycle. I think it’s because I get bored. I even have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. Can’t be good…
I would love to research the effects if drinking too much water – it almost sounds impossible. 🙂 x
I drink a lot of water as I talk so much for my job that I find I need to. But I do notice that if I don’t drink much I will get a headache or just feel very tired.
Great article! It’s been proven that drinking too much water can have serious health consequences. It causes dilution of vital salts in your blood (sodium and potassium) which can cause you to experience low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias and fainting. At worst, if you continue to overdo it (take for instance the poor lady who was told by an unqualified nutritionist to drink something crazy like 10L a day), you run the risk of cardiac arrest and death. Water is of course vital. You can survive for 7 days without food, but only 3 without water. But the key is moderation.
I drink loads of water, and can’t understand when people say they can’t drink it or don’t like it. I do add electrolytes to it especially if I’m training lots as drinking too much pure water means you are flushing out your electrolytes. I never drink during a meal as it dilutes your gastric juices and isn’t good for your digestion.