If we had a £1 for every time, we told someone to drink more water, we would be richer than Jeff Bezos (Amazon founder)
We tell you; the NHS tells you; your mother tells you... but why does everyone keep telling you to drink more water?
Well for a start, the human body is made up of 62% water. Human blood is also 90% water. We can all agree that having adequate blood levels is important, so why? do we not act the same around our hydration levels?
Evidence in studies shows a 2% decrease in hydration can influence mood, increase fatigue and lower alertness.
Aside from water being essential to human function. Drinking water also has incredible benefits.
In this series of blog posts, Runway fitness aims to share reasons to pick up the water and keep dehydration at bay.
1- You will have clearer skin
It may sound too good to be true, but it isn't! Drinking water will help to flush toxins from your body. These toxins if not flushed through could make their way to your skin. This means you'll have fewer spots, breakouts and blackheads. Water will also help hydrate your skin cells meaning fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. More elasticity within the skin could mean reduced bingo wings and we're all for that!
2- Drinking enough water means you will be less hungry
Not drinking enough water is the primary cause of overeating. It's most common that we confuse our body's thirst for hunger. We end up eating more when really, we should be drinking more. In future, when hunger strikes, we should try reaching for a glass of water rather than the snack cupboard.
There is also scientific evidence to support the claim that drinking cold water will boost your metabolism. This occurs as the body increases the temperature of the water during the digestion process.
3 - Adequate hydration leads to increased performance
Relating to exercise, dehydration causes a significant reduction in performance. A loss of 2.5% in total hydration causes a 45% drop in capacity to perform a high-intensity activity.
When you don't drink enough. Your physical and mental capabilities are limited. This is due to an imbalance in electrolytes. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and phosphate which carry signals between our cells. When we are dehydrated signals become mixed up and cause improper body function.
As a result of dehydration, we often will feel sluggish and mentally tired. Dehydration can also lead to headaches, constipation and bloating.
So in order to perform as the best version of yourself. Go pour yourself a glass of h20.
3 Tips to drink more water in include:
1 - Drinking a glass before and after your main meals
2- Keep a glass or reusable bottle of water with you all-day
3- Drink one glass of water per hour during your workday