Drinking plenty of water is often hailed as being one of the best things we can do for our health, yet it’s something many people have difficulty persevering with. The body is made up primarily of water, but it’s also a liquid that is easily lost through perspiration and needs replenishing frequently, to keep everything working as it should.

The health benefits of water

Water is important for many aspects of general health and can be beneficial to the skin, digestive system and heart. Water is uniquely placed to help flush out toxins and impurities, relieving the body of their harmful side effects.

By drinking enough water on a daily basis, food is digested properly and constipation and bowel problems are avoided, as well as long-term health problems like heart disease, kidney stones and even cancer.

It is recommended that the average person drink six to eight glasses of water every day. This can be bottled or tap water and drunk in its purest form or diluted with squash. Water acts as the body’s essential lubricant and stops joints and muscles from seizing up, keeping everything well-oiled and preventing cramp.

Other reasons to drink water

Water is essential to weight loss or maintenance as it doesn’t contain any fat, calories, salt or sugar, yet has the ability to suppress the appetite and keep the body running efficiently. Added to that, many people often mistake thirst for hunger, so drinking water in the first instance can help determine if hunger is even an issue before reaching for unnecessary food.

Being deficient in water can lead to dehydration, which often means feelings of lethargy, lack of energy and tiredness. This in turn can lead to limited motivation and an inability to concentrate on even the simplest of tasks. Persistent headaches can be another result of dehydration as the body is reminded to drink more water.

Exercise is more effective if accompanied by plenty of water and in situations where the body is pushed to its limits, it needs water more than ever. Fitness experts at nuffieldhealthcareers.com recognize the importance of water when it comes to exercise and its effect on the whole body.

How to drink more water

One of the simplest ways to increase water intake is to get into the habit of carrying a water bottle around with you everywhere. This means you can constantly sip from it, refilling as necessary. Never exercise without a supply of water. Health professionals agree that water is crucial to a good workout.

Another simple way to drink more is to substitute water for other drinks of choice, if not all of the time, then at least some of the time. If you usually drink tea, coffee, carbonated drinks, or juice, try to drink water instead. Drinking water regularly can stop any problems before they start, especially as it’s accepted that signs of thirst already mean you are dehydrated.

In the beginning, it can be difficult to drink more water, but this is mainly because it has not yet become a natural habit. In the early days it’s a good idea to keep note of how much water you drink until it becomes easier and not something to think about anymore.

By increasing water intake to an acceptable level, the body has the protection it needs to run smoothly and fight many complaints, illnesses and even serious diseases.

This guest post was written and contributed by Zoe on behalf of Nuffield Health Careers, to help promote their recruitment services for those looking for a career in the health sector.