The average adult body is made up of 50 to 65% water and we are constantly reminded to drink more water, but often we don’t realise why this is important for our health. Here are 5 reasons why you should keep sipping away:
1. Maintain the balance of bodily functions
Our bodies lose large amounts of water daily through bodily functions and through our skin. Water maintains the balance of functions within our body such as digestion, absorption, and temperature regulation. If we start to experience dehydration, organs in our body are put under pressure and begin to affect these very important functions.
2. Energise Muscles
Lack of hydration causes muscle fatigue and this means that muscles won’t perform as well as they should. Dehydration causes muscle shrinkage, which in turn causes muscle protein breakdown and cause muscles to decrease.
3. Support the Kidneys
The kidneys are responsible for cleansing and ridding the body of harmful toxins. Without adequate liquid, the function of the kidneys is jeopardised, and can also cause kidney stones (the pain of which is equated to childbirth!)
4. Maintain healthy skin
Our skin contains lots of water and we also loose a lot of water through our skin daily. Dehydration makes the skin appear dryer and more wrinkled – definitely not a look that you want to be sporting!
5. Control those calories
Water contains no calories and so is the obvious choice over other beverages, which contain calories of varying amounts. Drinking water will also aid in controlling hunger pangs and snacking due to its filling effect.
Invest in a large water bottle that is around 2L in capacity and ensure that you get through one bottle a day to remain energised, alert and keep the hunger pangs at bay. Add a slice of lemon or lime for flavour – this will also aid the digestive system.
At the Core Results gym and fitness facility in Chichester, we don’t have vending machines, but free filtered water to help you on your way to ultimate hydration.