Water is an essential component for life and without it humans can only survive for a few days. Consuming enough water on a daily basis is crucial for a number of reasons: to deliver nutrients to cells, combat infections, regulate temperature, and maintain proper organ function. Further, the kidneys and liver work to remove toxins from our bodies and need water to do their job effectively.
Hydration and your body
Water makes up over 75% of body weight in infants, around 55% in elderly, and approximately 60% in adults. Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you consume, and your body doesn't have enough water and fluids to carry out its normal functions. If you don't replace these fluids, you will become dehydrated, which can have significant effects like mental and physical fatigue, irritability and lethargy.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are essential minerals that regulate and support hydration by helping the body absorb more water, and assist it to perform various functions. Our unique blends contain a comprehensive electrolyte profile which provides over 3x the hydration then drinking water alone.
How to stay hydrated
There are different recommendations for the ideal amount of fluid intake per day with the Mayo clinic, recommending 3.7L for men and 2.7L for women (inclusive of food sources) and the NHS: 6-8 glasses of fluids. Although these evidence-based recommendations are useful to know they will still need to be modified depending on several factors, such as (but not limited to):
- doing activities or exercise that make you sweat
- exposed to hot, humid (or altitude) conditions
- your current state of health, underlying health conditions
- if pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to know you’re dehydrated
A sure-fire way to know when your dehydrated is to understand your body and look out for common signs. A common indicator is your urine, if it’s a light yellow or colourless this is a good sign, however, if its dark yellow or amber colour, you may be dehydrated. Other signs can be dry mouth, fatigue, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, light-headedness, and dizziness.
Benefits of hydration
If you need further convincing here are 10 reasons to drink more fluids.
- Improved brain function: dehydration can affect mood, concentration, memory
- Digestive health: regular bowel movements, easier to break down fiber
- Extra energy: dehydration can slow down circulation and oxygen flow to the brain
- Weight loss: since it provides a feeling of fullness, can boost metabolism.
- Reduced joint pain: as cartilage is ~80% water, hydration keeps them lubricated.
- Improve temperature regulation: if your dehydrated, your body may store more heat.
- Avoid kidney stones: dilutes minerals in the urinary tract making stones less likely.
- Healthy heart: Balanced electrolyte concentration supports normal heart function
- Detoxification: supports natural systems which remove waste and harmful substances
- Fewer headaches: fluid loss can induce migraines and headaches in some people.