Express Yourself – Benefits Of Drinking Water

Benefits of drinking WATER!

Drinking enough water is crucial to maintain good fitness and health. However, the question that all my patients at the Sittingbourne or Maidstone Physiotherapy clinics ask me is how much water is enough?

Guidelines recommend having at least 2 litres of water per day. This is equivalent to eight 250ml glasses per day.

Why does our body need water?

Water is an essential component which maintains the balance of fluids in our body. Our body is made of 80% water and when a body is functioning, it tends to lose fluids in the form of urine or sweat. Our body also loses water with regular body functions like breathing. This loss of water/fluids can lead to DEHYDRATION.

Dehydration has numerous other effects on our body like, reduction in energy levels or a reduced capacity of the brain to function.

When doing exercise it is really important to stay hydrated. A 2% level of dehydration can lead to a drop in performance of up to 20%.

Mild dehydration also has an impact on muscle performance like reduced muscle power/strength, flexibility and endurance.

Mental confusion, difficulty to focus, changes in mood, headaches, migraines, mental fatigue, loss of interest are the effects of dehydration on the brain.

The amount of water you need again depends on various factors like the external temperature, level of physical activity or overall health and wellbeing of an individual. Hot, humid temperatures, strenuous activities and health conditions like diarrhoea, fever, diabetes can need higher water intake.

However, it is best to keep sipping water every now and again to maintain the balance of our body fluids.

Positive effects of drinking water

• 1. Weight loss - a good water intake reduces your appetite and makes you full.
• 2. Boosts metabolism – this increases the amount of calories burnt during the day.
• 3. Prevents urinary tract infections, constipation and kidney stones.
• 4. Enhances skin health.

Alternatives for water

It is generally recommended to have plain water at room temperature as it is the healthiest and most cost-effective choice!

Warm water also helps in keeping your digestive system well.

Sparkling water can be used if one does not prefer to have plain water.

It is better to avoid tea and coffee as supplements for water. They can be definitely consumed as separate drinks, but not in place of water.