As the leading global supplier of sustainable water dispenser solutions, Waterlogic holds hydration at its core. They promote proper hydration in the workplace and as part of a daily routine, helping people understand the benefits of taking enough fluids throughout the day and encouraging them to implement real change in 2020. The average adult can survive up to three weeks without food but, take water away, and you might only last for 100 hours. Water is vital for all cell functions. It helps your brain to produce hormones and neurotransmitters, your joints to stay lubricated, your skin to keep cool through sweating or respiration, and your body to excrete waste effortlessly. A lot to drink in? Well, sip slowly as it’s all here in Hydration Benefits: Why is Water the Essence of Good Health?
It is little surprise then that the British Nutrition Foundation places an emphasis on drinking plenty of fluid as upwards of 89% of Brits suffer from dehydration.
The risks of dehydration
Dehydration occurs when there is a net outflow of water: that is, you’re losing more fluid than you’re taking in. The loss could result from excessive sweating during hot weather or exercise, a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea, or simply not drinking enough of the right fluids.
Dehydration results in several symptoms; ranging from difficulties with concentration and mild irritability through to acute conditions such as heat exhaustion, and even life-threatening heat stroke.
Repeated dehydration can impact kidney function, while electrolyte imbalances could trigger a seizure. In the most severe cases, dehydration causes a dramatic drop in blood pressure, which reduces the oxygen entering your body. This is also known as Hypovolemic Shock.
Young children, the elderly, and the infirm are at the highest risk, but we can all suffer from a degree of dehydration with categories ranging from mild or moderate to severe. The last reflects a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical treatment. Thirst, a dry mouth, a headache, and muscle cramps can indicate you are already dehydrated.
The benefits of staying hydrated
Proper hydration has immeasurable benefits for both your health, your productivity and overall well-being.
Water helps you focus
Dehydration can cause brain cells to shrink, reducing the organ’s effectiveness. So, drinking enough fluid is critical for you to remain clear-headed, focused, and creative. Water also delivers essential nutrients to the brain and removes toxins from the blood. Hence, when you’re hydrated, you feel alert and able to concentrate.
Drinking plenty of fluids improves your complexion
Water flushes toxins and other unwanted substances out of the body meaning that if you are hydrated, there are fewer contaminants in your system. This improves your complexion by avoiding the skin from drying out, with those who drink plenty of fluids as part of their regular diet showing the best of glowing skin health and the fewest signs of aging.
Water increases your energy
When properly hydrated, you avoid getting low blood pressure, which helps your heart pump more oxygen around your body. You feel energised, ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
Three essential tips for staying hydrated
1. Add a burst of flavour
If water doesn’t excite you, try adding a slice of lemon or cucumber, or even a sprig of rosemary, to your bottle. By tweaking your water with a flavour your taste buds enjoy, you’re more likely look forward to sipping throughout the day.
2. Use an app to remind you
Even with the best of intentions, busy schedules can get in the way of hydration as you forget to take a break. Software developers have come up with the answer: smartphone apps that remind you to drink. Download, set your daily drinking goal, and let your phone give you a nudge when it’s time to take a sip.
3. Invest in a dispenser
Investing in a reliable water dispenser guarantees a safe supply of great-tasting water. Your colleagues, employees and visitors can hydrate freely without concern for their health.
Food sources of hydration
There are plenty of hidden hydration sources as up to 20% of your daily fluid intake comes from food. Pick the right fruit or vegetable, and you could quickly eat your way to hydration.
Cucumber has the highest water content of any solid food at 96.7% by weight and is a natural addition to salads or for dipping. Celery weighs in at 95.4% water content and given its low calorie, high water, and fibre content, it’s perfect for curbing an appetite. Radishes, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflowers are also excellent – there are many choices when it comes to hydrating with food.
A final choice, juicy watermelon not only has an appealing fluid content, it also offers one of the best sources of lycopene: the potent antioxidant and anti-carcinogen that gives red foods their colour.
How much should you really drink to stay hydrated?
Factors such as air temperature, weight, exercise and diet will influence how much you should drink. Provided your urine is a light colour, you don’t have a headache, and you’re not feeling irritable, you’re probably drinking enough. For children, pregnant women, and the elderly, it’s best to be aware of your physical state and seek specialist advice if at all concerned.
The European Food Safety Authority recommends that men consume 2.5 litres of water a day, while women should aim for two litres, with 80% coming from drinks and the remainder coming from food. The NHS National Health Service suggests ‘six-to-eight glasses,” roughly 1.2 litres.
