The Importance of Water

Many people overlook the huge importance of water. An adequate supply is vital for our body and mind to undertake day to day activities and we need to make sure that we drink enough of the stuff in order to function at our peak levels.

If you think about it for a moment, our need for water really comes second only to the air that we breathe. We are comprised of around 70% water and it is required for almost every bodily function including digestion, nutrient absorption, circulation, removing toxins and regulating temperature.

So it stands to reason that if you're undertaking any form of regular physical exercise then the need for water becomes far greater.

I am often guilty of not drinking enough water and the negative effects of this can creep up on you. I find it much easier to sip little and often throughout the day, making sure that I have enough with me when training. 

Here are a few interesting facts you may not know about water:

75% of people around the world are chronically dehydrated.

In over a third of all people, the thirst mechanism is so weak that it is often mistaken for hunger.

Even very low levels of dehydration can slow down the metabolism by as much as 3%.

Studies have revealed that drinking a glass of water can completely shut down midnight hunger pangs for people trying to lose weight.

A lack of water intake is the most common cause of daytime fatigue.

Research shows that drinking eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day can significantly reduce back and joint pain by up to 80%.

You only need to drop 2% in body water levels to experience short term memory loss, trouble with basic math and difficulty focussing on simple tasks.

Studies show that drinking at least five glasses of water per day can decrease the risk of colon, great and bladder cancer by over 50%.

The best way for the body to get water, is by drinking it. alcohol and many soft drinks actually steal water from the body and other beverages such as coffee require water from the body to be digested.

So...remember to keep drinking the clear stuff!