Thirst Quencher

Essential for all, here’s why H2O is the baseline for good health

We’ve all heard the ‘eight glasses’ of water a day recommendation, but how much science is behind this guideline? Little, according to leading health resources, yet they all underline the importance of staying hydrated. Perhaps because the effects of not drinking enough are so pronounced — studies indicate that losing as little two per cent of your body’s water content can impair brain function, memory, mood, concentration and heighten feelings of anxiety and fatigue. In case you need more convincing, here are a few more reasons to keep your glass or bottle filled:

Improve energy and brain function

From toddlers to the elderly, research across the board shows that even mild dehydration can negatively affect memory and mood while ramping up the chances of experiencing anxiety. It can also increasing the likelihood of headaches and migraines. Drinking too little water can also hinder the brain’s structure and function, and when prolonged, can lead to problems with reasoning.

Boost physical performance

Sweating during intense workouts can lead to less effective temperature control, and greater fatigue which makes exercise seem more physically and mentally challenging which can negatively impact motivation. It’s especially important to rehydrate during the summer and doing so may even reduce oxidative stress that occurs during high-intensity sports.

Weight maintenance

Water ramps up your metabolism, bumping up the number of calories you burn each day. It also creates a the sensation of satiety, particularly in the 30 minutes leading up to a meal, which can lessen the amount you consume due to feeling full. One study shows that those who drank 16.9 ounces before meals lost 44 per cent more weight (over a course of 12 weeks) than those who did not drink before meals.

Keeps you regular

Consuming little water is often linked to constipation, and therefore boosting intake can be a recommended treatment. Studies indicate that mineral water that is rich in magnesium and sodium is a great way to keep things moving, and carbonated water can also be effective.

Now that hydration benefits are covered, how much water should we actually be guzzling each day? Well, it depends on the person, but according to The US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 15.5 cups for men and about 11.5 cups for women. A few factors will affect this number, including how active you are (sweat more, drink more), your environment (hot, humid climates call for extra fluids) and your health (fever, vomiting and diarrhoea can lead to dehydration).

A simple way to check? If you don’t feel thirsty and your urine is colourless or light yellow, chances are you’re adequately hydrated.

So remember to keep well hydrated after you participate in one of THIA Wellness’s classes or treatment services!