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Water may not be your drink of choice – on cool days especially – but it’s essential for every process in the body, including those connected to mental health. Here are just some of the important roles water plays…
- Lung function
When any part of the respiratory system is dehydrated, the airways (including your mouth and nose) constrict. This impacts breathing and can make asthma, allergies and illnesses such as bronchitis worse.
- Nutrition
For the body to be well nourished, the nutrients and minerals you eat must first dissolve in water – which means the best diet is wasted if you’re dehydrated.
- Muscle action
Healthy muscle function requires sodium, potassium and calcium ions – all of which are transported through water – so if you want to avoid cramp and support mobility, hydrate!
- Lubricated joints
The cartilage found in joints and spinal discs comprises around 80% water, which is what allows them to cushion the skeletal system from daily impact. Long-term dehydration can diminish this ability and lead to joint pain.
- Healthy skin
Skin relies on water to help keep its youthful appearance and minimise environmental damage. If you’re taking antioxidants to prevent damage from free radicals, it’s worth noting that they require adequate water in the body to be effective too.
- Brain function
Water cushions the brain and spinal cord. It also plays a key role in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters, which impact healthy brain functions such as reasoning and thinking.
- Energy production and stable moods
A dehydrated body is a lethargic body, so if you want energy, keep your water levels high. The same rule applies to your emotional state – irritability and restlessness (in children especially) are sometimes signs that it’s time to drink (ideally not caffeine, juice or fizzy cold drinks).
- Toxin removal
In order for the body to eliminate toxins, it needs the lymph system to flow, which cannot happen in a dehydrated environment. The bowel also needs water to function properly, otherwise constipation and an overly acidic stomach can result.
- Immune system
The lymph system is closely tied to immune function, so proper hydration supports the body in warding off bacterial and viral infections, coping with allergies and food intolerances, and dealing with toxins.
The amount of water needed each day varies from person to person, but two litres is often recommended. This doesn’t all have to come from beverages though – fruit, salad and vegetables generally have a high water content, and count!
If you can’t face plain water, try mixing lemon and cucumber slices with ginger and mint for a zingy infusion that’s rich in vitamins and great for helping to reduce a bloated tummy.