top of page
  • Writer's pictureSharron Jenkins

How much water do we really need to drink to stay healthy?

Deep water running and aqua aerobicsare excellent cardio workouts without the impact. Working out in the water is one of the most therapeutic and enjoyable fitness activities you can do as it builds cardio, strength and resistance whilst being easy on your joints.

How much water should we drink

You’ll be relieved to hear that this isn’t another beauty article recommending that you need to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day which will magically smooth out your wrinkles and promote youthful glowing skin.


Controversially, there’s some argument that little or no scientific evidence exists to back up that particular theory.



 


blue-sky-sun-shining-down-on-tree-leaves

I don’t know about you but personally, I’m no big pure water drinker and struggle to down 3 glasses each day. I even need to think about doing that (apart from when there’s a heatwave or I'm working out)!










A couple of years ago I downloaded an Ap on my phone to help me reach the widely touted 8 glasses per day target. But I found the constant notifications irritating and a tiny bit stressful so I uninstalled it after a few days. So far, I’ve lived to tell the tale and my middle-aged skin hasn’t dried out - yet ...



 


Good News! Tea, Coffee & sugar free drinks all count!!!

According to the NHS “Eat Well website we should drink 6 to 8 glasses of “fluid” a day. Water, lower fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count if you’re not keen on pure water. Hurray!

There is plenty of evidence that water intake is essential for your health as it makes up 60% of the human body transporting nutrients, aiding digestion, regulating temperature, etc.


Some of water’s benefits include:


1. Water keeps our kidneys working.


Our kidneys remove the waste from our bodies. They filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine. They help control our blood pressure, so they’re crucial to keeping our bodies running smoothly. Good water intake can help to keep them working efficiently.


2. Water can help prevent headaches, naturally.


Going without water for too long causes dehydration headaches for some people - I’m one of them. In 2004 study on the effects of water on headaches, participants experienced “total relief” from their headaches within 30 minutes of drinking water.


So, on busy days when you’ve been rushing around and forgotten to have a drink– try reaching for a glass of water or take a few swigs from your plastic-free water bottle before reaching for the painkillers for natural relief.


3. Water can help improve fitness


Deep water running andaqua aerobicsare excellent cardio workouts without the impact. Working out in the water is one of the most therapeutic and enjoyable fitness activities you can do as it builds cardio, strength and resistance whilst being easy on your joints.


4. Swimming

couple-swimming-in-ocean-wth-orange-beach-balls