Drinking water is about so much more than just quenching your thirst. Your body needs water to stay healthy, inside and out. Here are some great reasons to stay hydrated; by drinking enough water every day.

Why You Need Water

Every part of your body needs water in order to work properly – that includes your organs, your tissues and your cells. Your body loses water through respiration (breathing), perspiration (sweating), and digestion (processing food). You lose even more when you exercise or when you’re sick. That means you need to make sure you drink enough water each day, to keep your system healthy and going.

Fast Facts about Water

  • Water makes up about 60% of your body weight.
  • Water helps to regulate your body temperature.
  • Water lubricates your joints and keeps your tissues moist.
  • Drinking water improves your mood, your energy levels and your ability to think clearly.
  • Just a 2% drop in your body’s water levels can cause a 20% decrease in mental and physical performance.
  • Keeping your body hydrated will also keep your skin looking healthy and youthful.
  • You get about 20% of the water your body needs from the food you eat, and 10% as a by-product of digestion. So, you need to get the other 70% by drinking water or other fluids.
  • Herbal teas, like Rooibos, also count towards your water intake.
  • Drinking water with your meals is good for you, because water helps with digestion.
  • Alcohol has a very dehydrating effect, so if you’re drinking a beer or cocktail, be sure to drink some water with it as well.

What Happens if you Don’t Drink Enough Water?

If your body isn’t getting enough water, you will become dehydrated. You’ll feel symptoms like thirst, headaches, sore joints and muscles, weakness and fatigue. You might also have trouble concentrating, or feel especially moody. The best solution is to slowly drink a large glass of water, or a cup of caffeine-free tea like Rooibos.

If you experience more severe dehydration, which can happen if you lose a lot of fluids from being ill or overexerting yourself, seek medical attention immediately. Dehydration can be very dangerous if it isn’t treated properly.

How Much Water do you Need?

Infants and young children need about 1 litre of fluid a day, while older kids and teenagers need 1.5 to 2 litres. Adult women generally need 2 litres and men need up to 2.5 litres daily.

Kids get dehydrated faster than adults, so make sure your children know how important it is to drink water during the school day – especially if they are playing sports. You can even make this “boring” beverage more appealing to your family, by adding lemon slices and mint leaves to sparkling water – much healthier and more hydrating than soda!

Sources

12 Interesting Facts about Water. Retrieved from: https://www.health24.com/Diet-and-nutrition/Beverages/12-interesting-water-facts-20120721

4 Healthy Water Facts that will have you Reaching for Another Glass. Retrieved from: https://www.absopure.com/blog/4-healthy-water-facts-will-reaching-another-glass/

What Counts as Water? How to Stay Hydrated. Retrieved from:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/healthy-beverages#1