Are You Drinking Enough? The Importance of Hydration for Your Health and Wellness

Drinking enough water is vital, let's talk about why...

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Hydration is essential for so many aspects of our health, as our bodies require adequate hydration to perform daily essential functions and perform optimally.

Hydration is required for many of our body's systems such as:

• Maintaining bodily functions - water is responsible for several cellular processes such as waste removal and nutrient transport. Without adequate hydration, we risk suffering from constipation as digestive processes rely on water to help food move through the digestive tract. It also helps to regulate our body's temperature as we lose fluids through sweating. 

• Supports physical performance - adequate hydration helps to reduce fatigue during training/exercise and helps to maintain energy levels. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps and feeling weak/dizzy during training. 

• Cognitive function - Dehydration can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks, and impair your concentration. Hydration can also impact our moods and decrease stress and anxiety. 

• Health benefits - our kidney function heavily relies on water intake, and dehydration can lead to severe health problems. Hydration is also important for our skin and immune system. 

If you find it difficult to stay hydrated throughout the day, here are some tips that may benefit you:

• Aim to finish your drink bottle each day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

• Carry a reusable water bottle around and keep it near you - this will prompt you to remember to drink water!

• Monitor your urine colour - darker-coloured urine may indicate dehydration. 

• Adjust your water intake during periods of physical activity or if the temperature is hotter.

• Aim to reduce consumption of caffeinated drinks and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.

Adequate hydration is essential for so many aspects of your physical and mental well-being, so remember to drink your water!