Too often busy lifestyles take over all our time and when this happens then drinking water is one of the first things forgotten. And yet water is an essential requirement for your body’s health and existence. In an earlier article Hydration, keeping up with our summer heat, Janne discussed the benefits of drinking water and some signs of dehydration. It also mentioned that the body is made up of 60% water for males and 50-55% water for females and that human muscles and brain are made up of 75% water. When the brain is correctly hydrated it is better supplied with fresh, oxygenated blood needed to stay alert. Hydration is also required to facilitate the disposal of waste products of metabolism and to help support healthy cellular chemical function.

How does a lack of water cause stress?

In the article Are you feeling stressed right now? Honestly?, Janne mentioned that the body produces cortisol in response to stress. Dehydration can cause cortisol levels to increase which, of course, can lead or add to increased stress. Basically water is needed by the brain to produce hormones and neurotransmitters.

How can you make sure you are getting enough water?

In general men need approximately 2.5 litres per day and women need 2 litres of water per day. That includes any water from dietary sources including fruit and vegetables. Here as some tips for making sure you stay well hydrated:

1. Adding a few slices of lemon or lime and a squeeze of juice can add variety and help with digestion.
2. Keep a bottle or jug of water nearby – making it easy to drink water and keep an easy track on how much water has been consumed.
3. Ice blocks made from fresh fruit can help to add flavour to water (make ice-blocks from juice or whole slices of fruit).
4. A few sprigs of mint with lemon make a refreshing drink on a hot day.
5. A few slices of cucumber add a clean and refreshing treat.
6. Add slices of your favourite fruit in a jug of water and chill overnight.
7. Add some unsweetened cranberry juice and allow it sink to the bottom for a drink that looks enticing.
8. Choose water instead of other beverages when eating/drinking out (you’ll reduce your calorie intake and save some money at the same time).
9. Freeze some water in a freezer safe bottle to take when going out all day or on a picnic, bushwalk, to provide a cool and refreshing drink in the afternoon.
10. After boiling vegetables, save and chill the water for a refreshing, healthy and tasty drink.
11. Add a few drops of rose water.
12. Brew some green tea or your favourite herbal tea and chill overnight.

   

Janne Ramsay Naturopath

Janne Ramsay is a Naturopath and Nutritionist. She has experience in assessing how stress is effecting your health and providing appropriate and individual nutritional, dietary and lifestyle recommendations so that you can deal with the causes and symptoms of stress and get back to a healthier you. Find out more about Janne here