Water,We all know we should drink it. We probably all know we should take on board 2-3 litres a day (that’s a minimum of 5 pints, or roughly 8 small glasses). However, most of us are probably not managing our recommended intake.
This blog will hopefully give you the knowledge and motivation to push yourself towards that cold tap!
So why can’t we just hydrate with Irn Bru (*other fizzy drinks are available?) Well, excess sugar will create its own barrage of problems (not least diabetes), along with the added sweeteners, empty calories and chemical preservers in various juices. At present, we’ll stick with the benefits of good old tap water. You should note that about 20% of your recommended water intake should come from foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, so no need to drink 12 glasses a day!
We’re lucky enough in Scotland that our water is very drinkable pretty much country-wide. And given that our bodies are made up of cells that are approximately 80% water which needs replenished, it’s a good thing we have such a ready supply.
Cons
Ok so let’s get the cons out of the way first. Why would we choose not to drink enough water?
Drinking enough water may mean you need to empty your bladder more often, which may lead to using unfortunate public conveniences.
Too much water is generally accepted as more than 3-5 litres per day, but that changes with the individual. Drinking too much water can create imbalances in the mineral levels in your body, causing bloating, headaches, inability to concentrate and seizures.
Pros
Now to the good bit. The pros.
Drinking just the right amount of water helps you:
- concentrate
- maintain a regular body temperature
- keep kidney function at an optimum
- lubricate and cushion your joints
- keep your spine healthy by hydrating your intervertebral discs
- efficiently digest your food
- maintain frequent healthy bowel movements
- helps to fight off infections
- keeps your skin looking bouncy and more youthful
That all sounds pretty useful for the average human. Did you know that water has trace amounts of electrolytes in it? These are elements like magnesium, potassium and sodium which help us function on a basic level – a balanced sodium levels mean you can transmit nerve impulses which keep your muscles functioning, like your heart. So fairly vital.
Here are some signs that your body needs more water:
- You feel thirsty
- Warmer weather
- More active lifestyle
- Muscles cramping
- You are a breastfeeding mother
- You are ill i.e. have a fever, infection, diarrhoea or sickness
Let’s take the last one. Water helps carry oxygen in your blood to your body’s systems and organs. This means our bodies work more efficiently. It also helps serve as a means to evacuate toxins and rid the body of harmful bacteria, which overall means that we fight infections and remain healthier.
So, try picking one pro from the list that inspires you most and get that water bottle filled up. Cheers!
If you have any questions or would like to book an appointment to see a physiotherapist, please call Physioflexx on 01560 483200 or book online at the link below:
Book Online - Physioflexx Ayrshire
