Hitting the Water: Six health benefits of getting your daily water intake

We all hear that we should be drinking more water… but why? Experts recommend you should drink at least two litres each day, but the optimum amount is closer to three litres for women and four litres for men. Evidence also suggests that sipping that water gradually throughout the day rather than drinking irregularly is better for you. That might seem like a lot of effort, but it really is worth it. Here are six reasons why keeping your glass (more than) half-full is good for you.

1) More energy

Water is essential for ensuring that oxygen travels around the body, and also keeps your muscles energised. On the other hand, dehydration forces your heart to work harder to try to get that vital oxygen to all your tissues, and that makes you feel fatigued.

2) Better performance

Even mild dehydration results in reduced muscle strength, power and stamina. So if you want to be on top of your game, you need to drink up.

3) Increased brain function

Many studies have shown that, when we don’t drink enough, we lose the ability to focus, our reactions slow down, and our short-term memory is impaired. We also experience lower moods.

Your brain is mostly water, so keeping hydrated will help it to function at its best. Drinking water also reduces our levels of cortisol — the hormone that produces stress — meaning that we feel more relaxed.

4) Improved weight management

Water speeds up your metabolism so that you burn calories more quickly — great if you’re trying to lose weight. Since our bodies often mistake being thirsty for being hungry, if you stay hydrated then you’re less likely to feel the need to snack. Water also helps to reduce fluid retention, as your body doesn’t hold on to as much if it’s getting enough, and regular hydration helps flush away the water in your system.

5) Clearer skin

More water in your body means plumped up skin cells, improving your skin tone and smoothing wrinkles. Water also removes toxins and impurities from the skin, and increases blood flow, leading to a clearer, brighter complexion.

6) Greater comfort

Water is vital for the performance of your digestive system and getting rid of waste from the body. Dehydration can lead to constipation, acid reflux, heartburn and stomach ulcers.

Need advice on keeping your body healthy and sticking to healthy habits? Call us on (08) 9203 7771, email info@ngp.net.au  or book an appointment and we’ll help guide you on living your best life.