Whether you want shinier hair, younger skin, or a healthier body (or all three!), pure, clear water is the world’s top beauty beverage.
Water makes up more than half of your body weight and is needed for every function your body performs…
Water makes up more than half of your body weight and is needed for every function your body performs; it transports nutrients into the cells of the body and helps to keep the cells well-hydrated so they can function properly and efficiently. It also carries vital elements, oxygen, hormones, enzymes, and chemical messengers to all parts of the body.
How Much is Enough?
Every day you lose water through breathing, perspiration, urine, and bowel movements but how much do you need to drink each day to replace these lost fluids? We need around eight cups per day which equates to about 2 liters but remember that can be contained in food and other drinks, not just plain old tap water!
If you’re not drinking enough and your body is dehydrated, then not only is cell function affected but metabolic wastes will not be removed as efficiently. Basically – your body won’t be able to rid itself of toxic waste as efficiently as if you were hydrated, and this can spell bad news for your skin!
It Makes You Glow
Drinking water frequently throughout the day helps to keep your skin moist and plump. Staying adequately hydrated also helps your body eliminate toxins when you go to the toilet. These toxins would otherwise accumulate and escape the body through your skin’s pores, which can result in clogged pores and acne. Being well-hydrated will also reduce the likelihood of sunken eyes and dark circles.
Water = Good Hair Day
Drinking water will promote a healthier scalp and healthier hair. When your body doesn’t get enough water, it begins to dry out. The skin and hair are the first and most noticeable areas of dryness from dehydration.
It Gives You Energy
Even minor dehydration can cause impaired concentration, headaches, irritability, and fatigue
It Helps You ‘Go’
Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don’t get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration – and the result is constipation.
It Helps Flush Toxins
When you’re getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color, and is free of odor; this means that you’re eliminating toxins regularly and efficiently. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increase because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.
Top Tips for Staying Hydrated
Many of my clients who come to me with skin problems aren’t drinking enough water. I get it, when you’re busy working or running around after the kids, it can be hard to get your daily fill with water but there are some simple ways in which you can ensure adequate hydration every day.
- Eat more veg: Vegetables such as courgette, celery, broccoli, spinach, and cabbage contain between 90–95% water by weight so a healthy diet full of colorful veggies is a great way to sneak extra water into your system!
- Tea: Herbal teas not only offer warmth and hydration, but they can also fight off infection, increase energy, promote relaxation, and even fight acne and prevent wrinkles. During the summer you can add some freshly pressed juice and slices of citrus fruits to create a delicious and healthy iced tea.
- Chlorophyll water: Chlorophyll is the dark green pigment found in plants and vegetables. It’s also known as plant blood as it’s similar in structure to our own blood. It’s a great supplement with a whole host of health and beauty benefits. It is usually mixed with peppermint oil giving it a slight minty taste, making it really palatable and tasty.
- Ginger and lemon: This drink packs quite a punch but the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger and lemon make it a great drink for clearer skin and a healthier tummy. I like to juice a chunk of ginger and lemon then top it up with hot/cold water in a large 1.5ltr flask and drink throughout the day. If this drink is too strong you could add a dash of honey.
Do you notice a difference in your skin when you don’t drink enough water? What are your top tips for staying hydrated?
