21ST DECEMBER 2017
5 Reasons Why You Need to Drink More Water
We’ve all been preached to about how important it is to drink eight glasses of water a day and how hydration is the key to a healthy body. There’s so much emphasis put on drinking enough water that it’s surprising we’re not all guzzling down litre after litre of the stuff all day, every day.
However, there is a lot of truth behind it and there are a tonne of reasons why you need to drink a lot of water. In fact, the chances are you need to drink more. Here’s why:
1. Thirst Can Be Mistaken for Hunger
A lot of people who are dieting or watching their weight take to drinking more water as a way to help manage their calorie intake. It’s not uncommon for the body to confuse the feeling of being thirsty with being hungry, and so a large glass of water can keep the hunger pangs at bay until your next scheduled mealtime. This is especially helpful if you’re trying to avoid midday snacking.
2. Visiting the Gym Dehydrates the Body
A quiet and relaxing day at home will see the body use a lot of energy and water, so you can imagine how much is used when you’re working out and sweating a lot. If you visit the gym or take part in any other form of strenuous activity you need to be drinking more water as a way to replace the water lost. Otherwise, you run the risk of dehydrating. It’s all about balancing your body’s fluids.
3. Water Boosts Muscle Energy
Muscles that aren’t regularly given a boost of fluids struggle to keep their electrolyte levels up, and this results in muscle fatigue. If you are exercising you’re going to need muscles that can keep up with whatever workout you throw at them.
4. Water Keeps Skin Clear and Looking Its Best
Let’s face it, nobody wants dull or sallow looking skin. Anyone that takes the time to workout and keeps their body looking its best, needs skin to match. Drinking a lot of water ensures your skin remains hydrated and healthy.
5. Healthy Kidneys Need Lots of Water
In order to work to their full potential, kidneys need a lot of water and those that do not get enough water struggle to rid the body of toxins. A great way to tell whether your kidneys are getting enough fluids is to check the colour of your urine; the lighter the urine, the better the job!
Even if you think you are drinking enough water, most people are surprised to find that they’re not. It’s helpful to drink water with every meal, at regular intervals throughout the day and during every workout.
