Why Hydration is Important

Your body is primarily made up of water, making up about two-thirds of a male body and about half of a female body. Without water our bodies wouldn’t be able to survive, so it really is important. In this blog post we looks at some other ways hydration is important to our bodies.

Improves physical performance

Hydration has been found to help improve your physical performance. While dehydration can increase fatigue and reduce motivation. Your muscles are about 80% water, so it does make sense.

Helps brain function

Dehydration has been shown to impair aspects of the brain function in studies. Just mild hydration has shown it can worsen your memory, mood, concentration and overall brain performance.

May prevent constipation

Water helps to ‘move things through’ your digestive system. If you regularly don’t drink enough water and suffer from constipation, drinking more water throughout the day may relieve your symptoms.

Can help with weight management

Interestingly, our brain finds it difficult to know the difference between thirst and hunger. If you think you are craving a snack, having a glass of water may just remove the craving. Also, drinking water prior to a meal has been found to suppress your appetite in studies. Meaning you may eat less during a meal.

Could prevent headaches

Some research has shown that staying hydrated could prevent headaches and migraines in some people. Not all the studies agree with this hypothesis. Still, it won’t hurt to try if you suffer from headaches frequently.

How much should I drink?

The NHS recommends you drink 6-8 cups or glasses a day. This can be water or other fluids such as tea, milk and sugar-free drinks. It’s important to note, that this may vary depending on your activity levels, age, gender and other lifestyle factors. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns regarding your hydration levels.