Hydration

Science-Backed Benefits of Drinking Water

The human body is made up of approximately 60% water and so it is vital that we keep ourselves hydrated throughout the day.

If that wasn’t enough, here are some of our favourite science-backed benefits of drinking water:

Water helps to keep your body in a good, physical condition

During exercise our body’s sweat to help keep our body temperature within the normal range, after all, you wouldn’t want to overheat. But sweating also means your body is losing fluid and the best way to top it back up is to drink water.

You should consider drinking water before, during and after an exercise session to prevent dehydration. Research shows that losing just 2% of your fluid content can negatively affect your physical performance.

Improves mental function, too!

Without water, your brain struggles to work. If you didn’t fill your car with fuel before a long journey (or charge it if you have a new electric or hybrid version), you wouldn’t get far. The principle is the same for the human body with nutrition and hydration.

If you’re dehydrated both your energy levels and your overall mood can be affected. So, if you’re finding yourself getting a little catty, take a few sips of water from your Hydratem8 tracker bottle.

In one study, females who lost just 1.36% of their fluid experienced changes in their cognitive function, mood and had headache symptoms. In other words, just a small amount of fluid loss can begin to impair your mental status. Don’t forget we don’t just lose water through sweat either, urinating, defecating and crying can also result in water loss.

Water prevents hangovers

We’ve all been there, the morning after the night before, your stomach is in knots, your head is banging and you can’t stand the sight of food. If only you’d known that drinking water before your big night out could’ve stopped you feeling like that.

Alcohol makes you pee more often making it a diuretic which contributes to dehydration. So, drinking a big glass of water before going to bed can help to reduce the symptoms of a hangover, particularly headaches and thirst.

It might promote weight loss

There is some evidence that drinking water can reduce your calorie intake and boost your metabolism. Drinking a glass of water before you enjoy a meal can make you feel full without taking on any calories. Therefore, you take on fewer calories and won’t feel the need to eat more, unnecessary food.

A further study shows that consuming 2 glasses of water before eating three daily meals can aid weight loss in a calorie-restricted diet.

Water helps to flush out toxins

The kidneys use water to flush out certain waste products from the body. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps to keep your kidneys working effectively.

When you drink plenty of fluids, your urine should be a light straw colour. If it’s too dark then it could be a sign of dehydration. Therefore, it’s important to drink plenty of water every day and increase your intake when exposed to hot weather or taking part in the exercise.

Sources
Dennis, E, A et al. (2010). Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. Obesity (Silver Spring): 18(2), pp 300-307.
Hobson, R, M and Maughan, R, J. (2010). Hydration Status and the Diuretic Action of a Small Dose of Alcohol. Alcohol Alcohol: 45(4), pp 366-373.
Murray, B. (2007). Hydration and Physical Performance. J Am Coll Nutr: 26(5 Suppl), pp 542S-548S.
Tack, I. (2010). Effects of Water Consumption on Kidney Function and Excretion. Nutrition Today: 45(6), pp S37-S40.

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