Many of us know that we should all drink more water for our health, but do you really know why and how? Do you struggle to remember? You are not alone. So, let’s explore the Why, Why Not, and How of drinking water to help you make drinking water a habit.
Why Drinking Water is Important for Your Health
As Dr. Maya Angelou once said, “Water is a life force. Drink water, and as much water as you can. It will not only hydrate you, it will purify you.” Water makes up about 60% of our body weight, and every system in our body depends on it to function properly.
In your beautiful body, water helps regulate body temperature, transports nutrients and oxygen to cells, and aids in the removal of waste products.
When you drink more water you can:
- Boost your energy and brain function. Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue, headaches (especially if you are prone to migraines), moodiness, and difficulty concentrating. Research shows that even a 1-2% drop in hydration levels can impair cognitive function and mood (source: Harvard Health Publishing). Eek! Get that water into you if you want a stable disposition!
- Improve your digestion. Water helps keep things moving in your digestive system, so not drinking enough water can lead to constipation.
- Help you maintain a healthy weight. When you drink more water you will feel full and therefore make healthier food choices, which can lead to weight loss. Pre-dating the last 50 years, water is pretty much all humans have drunk for Millennia. It is the original, and best, drink and should be the first thing you check in on before embarking on a healthy lifestyle change.
- Improve your skin health. And if the brain and weight control rationale aren’t yet having you reaching for a tall glass of H2O yet, then, then know that when you drink more water you also hydrate your skin, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As Dr. Howard Murad, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Water is the foundation of all life and that includes your skin.”
- Help prevent urinary tract infections. When you don’t drink enough water, you’re more prone to urinary tract infections (UTIs) because the concentration of urine in your bladder is higher, which can irritate the lining of your bladder.
Why Do We Not Drink Enough Water?
Despite the many benefits of staying hydrated, it can be challenging to drink enough water. Many of us lead busy lives and simply forget to drink, while others may have concerns about the quality of their water.
Some of the main factors preventing us from getting enough water include:
- Busy schedules – it can be easy to forget to drink water when we’re caught up in our daily routines.
- Concerns about water quality – some people may avoid tap water due to knowledge of chemicals in the water, leading to a commitment to only drink bottled water.
- Taste preferences – some people simply don’t like the taste of water and may prefer sugary drinks or other beverages.
- Dehydration – ironically, being dehydrated can make us feel less thirsty, making it even harder to drink enough water.
So, you ask, how do I start creating better habits so that I drink more water naturally, without thinking about it?
Here are Some Practical Tips for Making Hydration a Habit:
- Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning: Starting your day with a glass of water can help you feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.
- Carry a water bottle with you wherever you go. This will serve as a constant reminder to drink and make it easy to access water throughout the day.
- Infuse your water with fruit or herbs to give it some flavour. Lemon, cucumber, mint, strawberry & basil are all great options.
- Set reminders on your phone or computer to drink water at regular intervals throughout the day.
- Eat more water-rich foods, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and tomatoes.
- Drink a glass of water before each meal to help support you make better eating decisions.
- Invest in a water filtration system or use a filter pitcher to ensure that you have access to clean, great-tasting water at all times.
- Make sure you’re drinking enough water during and after exercise to replenish the fluids you lose through sweat.
- Use an app to track your water intake and remind you to drink more throughout the day.
- Try drinking herbal tea or water with lemon to add variety to your hydration routine.
- Keep a water bottle on your nightstand and take a few sips of water before going to bed and right after waking up to help start and end your day hydrated.
As Dr. Fereydoon Batmanghelidj, an author and advocate for the healing powers of waterpoints out, “Chronic cellular dehydration is the root cause of many painful degenerative diseases.” By making hydration a priority and following these simple tips, you can help support your body’s natural functions and promote overall health.”
If you “choose hydration” and follow these simple tips, you can help support your body’s natural functions and promote overall health, with a view to live a long and energetic life.