Hydration: Vital for Health
How many glasses of pure water 💧 do you drink a day? This is a question that I ask on the intake form of new clients I work with. The response I get a majority of the time is “not enough”.
By simply increasing your water intake you will feel and function so much better. If you were to make two changes this week, increasing your water intake and increasing your step count. You would start to notice an improvement in how you feel.
I do understand though, in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated. Yet, the truth is that proper hydration is essential for maintaining good health and is something that you need to prioritise.
Let's delve into why ensuring an adequate water intake is not just a matter of quenching your thirst but a fundamental aspect of well-being.
Our bodies are comprised of approximately 60% water, highlighting the essential role that this liquid plays in our overall health. Water is the foundation of various bodily functions, acting as a vital component in processes such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and temperature regulation. When we don't consume enough water, our bodies face numerous challenges.
One of the primary functions of water is to facilitate digestion. It helps break down the food we consume, making it easier for our bodies to absorb essential nutrients. Without sufficient water, digestion becomes sluggish, potentially leading to discomfort and nutrient deficiencies over time.
Moreover, water plays a crucial role in regulating body temperature. When we sweat, our bodies lose water to cool down. Without an ample supply of water, the cooling process is compromised, increasing the risk of overheating, especially in warmer climates or during physical activity.
Perhaps most notably, dehydration can have a noticeable impact on our energy levels and cognitive function. As water supports the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to cells, dehydration can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating. It's not uncommon to experience a dip in mood and mental clarity when deprived of proper hydration.
The signs of dehydration are not always immediately apparent, which makes it essential to be proactive about maintaining adequate fluid intake. Thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and dizziness are common indicators that your body is in need of more water. However, waiting until you feel thirsty may already mean you are mildly dehydrated.
To prevent dehydration, make a conscious effort to drink water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses (2-3 litres), though individual needs may vary based on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. Including water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables in your diet can also contribute to your overall hydration. Drink a large glass first thing in the morning is a great way to kick start your day. Prioritise this over your coffee.
Quality Really Does Matter
While the water from our taps is free from bacteria or other pathogens that might make us acutely sick, the tap water is being exposed to:
Chlorine and Chloramine: Often added during the water treatment process to disinfect and kill bacteria. Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia.
Heavy Metals: This can include substances like lead, copper, and mercury, which may leach into the water from plumbing systems or industrial sources.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These can include industrial solvents, pesticides, and other chemicals that may leach into water sources.
Disinfection By Products (DBPs): Formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic and inorganic matter in water.
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs): Trace amounts of medications, hormones, and other substances from human use can find their way into water supplies.
If you don’t actively filter the water you drink, YOU become the filter. You might ask yourself what does it matter if I do become the filter? Over time if your body is consistently filtering chemicals, you will be placing your body under additional chemical stress.
Why We Need To Reduce Chemical Stress 🤔
Chemical stress on the body can contribute to sickness and disease through various mechanisms. The body has complex regulatory systems designed to maintain internal balance, or homeostasis. When exposed to chemical stressors, these systems can be disrupted, leading to negative health effects. Here are few ways in which chemical stress can contribute to sickness and disease:
❌Oxidative Stress: Some chemicals can induce oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA. Persistent oxidative stress is linked to the development of various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.
❌Cellular Damage: Certain chemicals can directly damage cellular structures and components. This damage can interfere with normal cell function and trigger inflammatory responses. Over time, repeated exposure to harmful chemicals can contribute to chronic inflammation, which is associated with various diseases.
❌Altered Metabolism: Certain chemicals can interfere with metabolic processes, leading to imbalances in energy regulation, glucose metabolism, and lipid metabolism. These disruptions can contribute to metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity.
Take home point from these three points is INFLAMMATION.
You might be thinking that this doesn’t sound too much of a big deal and that the unfiltered tap water you drink day in day out will be okay and you don’t need to make a change. However, if you have read this far, you are obviously interested in seeing what changes you can make in your life to promote health and wellness.
And if you ask me, making a conscious effort of how much quality water you drink is an easy win. There might be an initial investment in a good quality water filter, but over time and per glass of water you drink, the investment pays dividends.
We have been using the Aqu Tru filter (we are not affiliated with the company) for over 6 months now and it has been an absolute game changer. The quality of the water is so much better to the water we used to drink out of the Brita filter. To the point where I can even taste the plastic in “good quality” bottles of water.
While you may think changing the water you drink is only a small change and fairly insignificant, it isn’t. On it’s own maybe, but together with small changes in other areas of your life it will make a BIG difference in creating an internal environment, one better suited for health.
"Consistent small changes add up over time. In health, daily habits matter, and even small adjustments can lead to significant improvements."
In conclusion, staying hydrated is not just about satisfying your thirst; it's a fundamental aspect of supporting your body's ability to function optimally. While water is not the sole source of toxins, it is as a controllable, that we can have a lot of control over, especially when compared to variables like air pollution.
By reducing overall toxin exposure, our bodies are prompted to optimise detoxification. This can be done by prioritising good quality water intake. It not only quenches your thirst but also helps safeguard your health and well-being.