Following oxygen, water is the next most crucial element of human survival. About two-thirds of our body weight is water and is essential for the proper function of the body. Even a slight amount of dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue and poor concentration, whilst more severe cases can cause disease, organ complications and eventually death.
Just a few of the important roles that water serves include digestion, immune function, detoxification, and the support of optimal muscle, joint and brain function. Unfortunately we are not drinking enough water and dehydration has become a significant factor in the poor health and disease we see today.
How much water should I drink to be fully hydrated?
To maximise our health, we should aim to drink about 1 litre of filtered water per 30 kg of body weight, per day. Filtering water ensures
that the chlorine added to kill any bad bacteria in the water is taken out, so the good bacteria in our gut, is not also killed. Good bacteria aids to keep your gut flora in balance and assist to perform vital functions such as breaking down unused material, improving immune function, vitamin production such as biotin and vitamin K and preventing the growth of harmful bacteria.
Is all water the same?
If you drink bottled water, check out the trace mineral analysis i.e. sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium, together with how many bicarbonates it has. These elements are great in aiding the immune system, and the higher the bicarbonate level in water, the more effective the body will be at drawing the water into its cells (you stay hydrated for longer). Evian and Fiji water are two great examples of water that have high levels of these elements in them. If you drink filtered tape water, add a pinch of quality sea salt to it, as this will also improve the trace minerals content allowing the body to be healthier and morehydrated. Take the Renewed Health challenge, and drink the right quantity and quality of water each day for 2 weeks and you will be amazed at how much more energy you have.