Hydration for Optimisation
There is a huge gap in knowledge regarding the understanding as to why sufficient hydration is important for health, performance and general wellbeing.
Water is the single most critical nutrient. The human brain is composed of ball park 90% water, blood is approx. 80% and the lungs around 90%, that’s without mentioning muscle mass, kidney function, digestion and heart function. Water is critical for health, growth and development.
As little as a 2% drop in body water can lead to a small but critical shrinkage of the brain, which can impair neuromuscular coordination, decrease concentration/slow thinking and reduce athletic/exercise performance by around 10%.
Drinking more water is one of the safest, healthiest ways to detox the body. What’s more, when you drink more often you will feel satiated, leading to weight loss from reducing food intake. Often when you feel hungry the signal from the body/brain is actually telling you that you need to drink more. So grab a glass of water before you grab a couple of biscuits!
What are the benefits of maintaining adequate hydration?
*Healthier skin
*Healthier teeth and bones
*Healthier joints
*Healthier mind and body
*Healthier digestive system
*Reduces fatigue
*Helps in weight loss
*Helps build muscle
*Increases muscle tone
*Reduces risk of fatigue
So how much is enough?
It’s recommended that average Joe or Jane, requires a minimum of 8-12 cups of water per day, however this amount is far to low for active people. Depending on your size, gender and perspiration rate (we’re all different after all) 2-3 litres per day should be sufficient.
When you feel thirsty your body is likely insufficiently hydrated. Try and get in to the habit of drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning. Don’t consider sweet juices, fizzy drinks, tea and coffee as a substitute for good old filtered water! Sugar, salt and caffeine dehydrate the body. If you are struggling to kick the morning coffee habit then try to drink a glass of water along side it.
