Constantly feeling tired? Dry skin? Suffer with headaches?
These could be just a few of the signs that you are not drinking enough water.
On average the human body is made up of 65% water. For young children this figure is higher and for those who are overweight that figure is lower – as people with more fatty tissue have less water in their bodies compared with people with less fatty tissue, who have more water.
Why do we need to stay hydrated?
Our bodies can be seen like a plant – if you don’t water it, the plant will die. The same principle for food being like fuel in a car – if you don’t put fuel in your car, it won’t work.
Water helps our bodies transfer materials through ourselves to help them get to where they need to go. For example, the carbohydrates and proteins our bodies use as food are metabolised and transported by water in the bloodstream. It also transfers waste out of our bodies. Another sign that you are not drinking enough water could be dark urine and constipation!
How much is enough?
It is recommended that we drink between 6-8 glasses of water per day. Carrying a water bottle with you and refilling throughout the day is a good way to ensure you keep hydrated. Herbal teas also count towards your water intake.
If you are exercising you will need to ensure that you keep hydrated as you lose water through sweat when working out. At Peak, we have a range of water bottles that you can keep with you and a water fountain to keep you topped up, so there is no excuse not to drink enough water – you could even try adding a slice of orange or lemon to give it some flavour and if you are looking to lose some weight, drinking plenty of water is a simple yet effective way of doing so – as it keeps hunger pangs at bay!
