Drinking enough water is fundamental for good health. Try these tips for keeping hydrated!
Drinking enough water is fundamental to a well-balanced diet, and to our wellbeing. It’s important for our physical performance, for mental function, for digesting, absorbing, and transporting nutrients around the body, to eliminate waste products, and to help keep our body temperature within the ideal range. There is also evidence to show that being well hydrated is associated with a number of health benefits – including reduced blood pressure and improved bowel function.
If you’re not well hydrated, it can affect your health, wellbeing and performance, through symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, headaches, irritability and sleepiness. Preventing dehydration is critical to our survival, and water balance is regulated in the body by sensitive and precise mechanisms that control both water intake and losses. We are made up of between 50 and 80% water and our needs for intake vary widely according to environmental conditions, physical activity and individual metabolism. As a general guideline, it is recommended that we try to drink between 2-2.5 litres each day.
Aiming for 2 litres or more may seem like a lot, but some planning ahead will help. As soon as you wake, start your day with a large glass of water, have a glass with each meal, and fill a 1 litre drink bottle or jug to sip throughout the day. Increased feelings of satiety (or fullness) have been shown to be connected to adequate fluid intake, meaning you might be less likely to reach for a snack when you don’t really need it. This can reduce your overall kilojoule intake and therefore positively affect your weight. Water also improves dental health – in Australian and New Zealand, our tap water contains fluoride, which is important for strong teeth, so if you’re choosing water over sweet, sugary drinks, you’ll be protecting your teeth as well as your waistline.
If your plain water needs a lift, try still or sparkling water with a slice of fresh lemon, lime or orange, or if you’re feeling more creative why not check out some of Jenny Craig’s delicious recipes by clicking the links below.
Infused water
Raspberry Lime Iced Tea
Green Smoothie
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