It is no secret that water is essential to human health, and consuming an adequate amount each day is imperative to maintain proper bodily functions. With this in mind, the quality of the water we drink can also hold a significant impact on our overall health and well-being.

So, what are the benefits of drinking high-quality water? In this article, we will explore 15 points to consider as you make hydration a greater priority in your ongoing wellbeing.

Did you know that your body is 75% water?  

On a daily basis we need to replenish these stores and this is  not found in caffeinated or alcoholic beverages but rather in water suited for cellular hydration  including foods, herbal teas and balanced, mineralised water.

So what are the benefits of drinking water from a fresh, clean source?

Here is a quick summary of 15 reasons why drinking good water daily is so important!

1. Essential for Survival: Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water. Losing even 1.5% of your water levels can lead to the often harmful effects of dehydration, including dizziness, nausea and fatigue, ranging in severity to more detrimental illnesses, like heatstroke, heart injury, and kidney failure.
2. Helps Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Water helps to maintain healthy body weight by increasing metabolism and regulating appetite.
3. Supports Energy Levels: Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration. If you are an athlete in training, dehydration can cause a disruptive effect on muscle metabolism and prolonged impacts on performance. Remaining adequately hydrated can help better promote exercise endurance and delay time to exhaustion.
4. Reduce the Risk of Several Cancers: Drinking adequate amounts of water has also been noted in various studies to aid in decreasing the risk of certain types of cancers, including colon cancer, bladder cancer, and breast cancer. In a study investigating the association between drinking water habits and the occurrence of breast cancer in women, it was concluded that while there are obviously other influencing factors, such as food consumed, smoking status, and age, researchers have called for more analysis to be performed in the future on the subject. Beyond cancer, studies have also been conducted in the effect of poor hydration in the foetal state having a potential correlation to chronic disease later in life.
5. Reduce physical Pain: For a majority of sufferers, drinking water can significantly reduce joint and/or back pain. When properly hydrated, our bodies can provide the adequate lubricant and cushioning needed for our joints and spinal cord to operate as designed. Failing to maintain proper hydration can cause undue stress on joint health, leading to varied amounts of pain and discomfort.
6. Removing Waste: Good hydration is vital to supporting waste removal in the  body.  The water we drink becomes part of the fluid in the body which helps with flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease. This is an integral part of our good health and wellbeing.  The body removes waste through urination, bowel movements and sweating through the skin. A lack of water here can lead to constipation, kidney issues and other serious health implications.
7. Prevent Headaches: Headaches can occur for  a variety of  reasons and causes but dehydration is a main reason for headaches. Staying hydrated can prevent and alleviate headaches as the adequate supply of fluids promotes proper brain function.
8. Vibrant Skin: Who doesn’t want the skin of their youth – plump, clear, glowing ?  Water naturally moisturises skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance. This is achieved through adequate hydration maintaining   a natural electrical charge within  the cells, not only helping to power its functions, but also aiding in maintaining its healthy shape.
9. Better Digestion: Fluid aids in the digestion process and helps prevent constipation. Water and fluid is needed to help wash the food you have consumed follow the necessary digestive pathways, through the intestines and into the colon. Inadequate amounts of water can slow and block this process, leading to extended periods of discomfort, bloating, constipation and even eventually  illness.
10. Transporting Nutrients: Fluid is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation. Body fluids are created primarily from the water we drink  and the water sourced from your food.  Whether you are at rest, active with exercise, or in a period of recovery, these fluids aid in many body functions including  regulating blood pressure for better distribution of oxygen and essential elements for the body.
11. Regulates Body Temperature: Our bodies regulate temperature primarily through sweating. When we sweat, we bring water right to the skin’s surface, which then evaporates and takes a degree of heat with it, cooling us down. If water loss exceeds water intake and we become dehydrated, we have less water from sweating, leaving our bodies with a harder time regulating temperature. Staying hydrated helps ensure that we can sweat effectively and stay cool, which is especially important during hot weather or when exercising.
12. Reduce that Hangover: Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine output which  can lead to dehydration. When we drink alcohol, our bodies lose more fluids than usual, which can cause symptoms like headache, dry mouth, and dizziness. One of the key benefits of drinking water alongside alcoholic beverages can help keep us hydrated and reduce the likelihood or the severity of a hangover.
13. Maximises Physical & Mental Performance: During exercise, we lose fluids through sweat and accelerated bodily functions, and without consistent replenishment of fresh water and electrolytes, dehydration can quickly arise, leaving limited supplies and decreasing mental & physical performance. Staying hydrated during exercise can help us maintain energy levels, regulate body temperature, elevate psychological & cognitive function, improve endurance and reduce the risk of injury.
14. Can Help with Regulating Moods: Dehydration has been linked to mood changes, including fatigue, irritability, and anxiety. Studies have shown that drinking enough water can help  egulate mood and improve cognitive function. Another of the many water benefits is that it can help us feel more alert, focused, and positive.
15. Support Immune Health: Water plays an essential role in supporting the immune system. It helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, flushes out toxins, and supports the function of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infection and detoxification. Drinking enough water can help boost kidney function, improve immune health and reduce the risk of illness.

Tips to Help You Drink More Water

Are you struggling to drink enough water throughout the day? Not sure if you’re even properly hydrated?

You're not alone.

 Many of us find it difficult to meet our daily hydration needs, but it's important to keep our bodies properly hydrated to maintain good health.

Now that we know how water benefits the body, here are some tips to help you drink more water:

1. Keep a bottle of water with you at all times: One of the easiest ways to stay hydrated is to carry a reusable water bottle with you wherever you go. Whether you're at work, running errands, or exercising, having water readily available will remind you to take a sip and keep your body hydrated.
2. Have a healthy beverage with every snack and meal: Make it a habit to have a glass of water, herbal tea, or another healthy beverage with every snack and meal. This not only helps you stay hydrated but also promotes better digestion and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
3. Choose beverages you actually enjoy: Don't force yourself to drink plain water if you don't enjoy it. There are plenty of other healthy beverages that can help you meet your hydration needs, such as flavoured water, herbal infusions, coconut water, sparkling mineralised water.. Just be mindful of added sugars and preservatives.
4. Eat more fruits and vegetables: In addition to drinking water, you can also increase your hydration by eating a balanced variety of fruits and vegetables. Many fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and strawberries, have high water content and can help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

Remember, staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and well-being. By following these tips, you can make it easier to drink more water and keep your body properly hydrated.