Water: the ultimate digestive drink

Water: the ultimate digestive drink

When you hear the words ‘gut health’, you probably think about fibre, probiotics and eating plenty of vegetables. But don’t underestimate the power of water when it comes to protecting your gut. 

Not only does water help keep your digestive system operating smoothly, it also supports the balance of good bacteria in your gut, which is key to overall wellbeing. 

Read on to learn more about the link between water, digestion and gut health!

The ultimate digestive drink

It’s no secret that water plays a big role in digestion. It’s a key component in our saliva and stomach acid, and it helps the body break down and process food more easily. Simply put, water makes food more digestible.

Adequate water consumption is also important for helping your body absorb nutrients from food, and keeps things moving – quite literally – by softening stools and ensuring healthy, regular bowel movements. 

Although many factors can lead to constipation, including dietary changes, illness and medications, dehydration is a common culprit. 

According to Dr Vincent Ho, a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University, “Our stools are made up of around 75 per cent water. Once the water content falls below 75 per cent, any slight decrease in water content can lead to quite a large increase in the thickness of that stool. And the thicker the stool, the more difficult it will be to pass.”

A natural metabolism enhancer

Have you ever drunk a glass of water when you were craving a snack, only to realise you weren’t actually hungry, after all? 

It’s not uncommon to confuse thirst with hunger. Drinking water is a great way to figure out what you’re really craving and may help ease those ‘hunger’ pangs. 

Similarly, drinking a glass or two before and during meals can help prevent over-eating and lower your calorie intake. Why? Because water expands your stomach and signals to your brain that you’re full.

Drinking water can also boost your metabolism. One study showed that drinking a 500ml glass of water increased metabolic rate by 30 per cent, while another suggested drinking an extra 1.5 litres of water on top of the recommended daily intake assisted in weight and body fat reduction.

Give your gut flora a boost

Your gut microbiome refers to the tiny ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi in your intestines. These micro-organisms help break down food and turn it into nutrients. They can influence everything in your body from digestion and inflammation to your immune system and metabolism. 

Experts believe there’s a link between gut imbalances and various health issues including autoimmune diseases, endocrine disorders and even mental health. 

So, where does water come in? Proper hydration creates the right environment for a healthy and balanced gut microbiome to thrive. Some research even suggests that hydration may promote a more stable and diverse gut microbiome. 

However, not all water offers the same protection. Having a high-quality water filter system that removes impurities like chlorine, arsenic and heavy metals – which, according recent studies, can disrupt our gut microbiota – is essential, providing added peace of mind. 

The zazen Alkaline Water System takes it further with a 10-stage micro-filtration process that not only eliminates these toxins but also adds alkaline minerals like magnesium, calcium and sodium for enhanced cellular hydration. 

Having a water filter at home is a smart way to ensure you always have the cleanest, healthiest drinking water for gut health and overall wellbeing.