The importance of water

May 17 2008 by Katherine Neal, The Journal

THE temperature is rising, the sun is shining, and life is great. But you’re starting to tire; you have a slight headache and frankly could do with a lie down! The most likely answer is the effects of mild dehydration.

How much water should you drink each day? It’s a straight forward question but unfortunately there are no simple answers. Everybody knows the eight glasses a day mantra, but people are different and your need for water depends on many factors including the weather, your activity levels and your health.

One thing is certain: water is more important to our health than most people realise and the majority of us don’t drink enough.

Although it’s a great idea to keep water within reach at all times you can satisfy some of you fluid intake through what you eat. Many fruits and vegetables contain significant amounts of water. For example, water melon and cucumbers are nearly 100% water. On average food can supply around 20% of your water needs, the remaining 80% coming from drinks.

Drinks such as milk and fruit juice are mostly comprised of water; even tea and coffee can contribute but should not form a major part of your daily fluid intake because of their caffeine content. Alcohol increases the body’s water requirement so can’t be included. Drinking more water will not only help you avoid the symptoms of dehydration, it also has many other health benefits.Here are the top five reasons for drinking more water.

It helps keep your skin looking smooth and supple.

It helps you think more clearly – research has shown that a hydrated brain functions at optimal levels.

It can help you lose weight – quite often we can mistake thirst for hunger and take in extra calories.

It can improve your mood – in a recent survey 80% of people using dietary self help said drinking more water was beneficial to their mental and emotional health.

It doesn’t cost anything and is calorie-free.

For help and practical advice contact Katherine Neal for a nutritional consultation on (0191) 215-9292, www.nutritionalknowhow.com