Water has always been the cornerstone of my way of eating.  I am fortunate that from a young age I have enjoyed water and have never needed to add anything to it in order to consume it.  Although, water consumption has generally been easy for me, I have never consistently taken the optimal amount of water.  Furthermore, I go through bouts of water consumption laziness and followed by bouts of focused water consumption.

I know that there is a significant difference in my overall well-being based on when my consumption is high versus when it isn’t, yet despite a proven result I have struggled to create a consistent habit.  Over the next month I am going to focus my posts on the importance of water consumption as the foundation of overall health and well-being. To start with here are 6 benefits of drinking water regularly:

1. Helps to flush the body of toxins and maintain the balance of bodily fluid

Your body rids itself of toxins through your urine and sweat.  The kidneys play a vital role in the processing toxins and excreting them when it is adequately hydrated.  Water is needed for a multitude of other bodily functions: the production of saliva, transportation of nutrients; digestion; blood circulation; maintenance of body temperature.  The kidneys regulate how much water to excrete or store for the various bodily functions. When the body is insufficiently hydrated the kidneys cannot perform at their optimum increasing one’s risk for kidney stones as well as for urinary tract infections.

2. Supports weight-loss

During the process of removal of toxins, water also aids the removal of the by-products of burnt fat.  Studies have shown that one’s metabolism can be boosted by up to 30% over a 1.5 hour period by just drinking half a litre (17 ounces) of water.  Optimally the water should be consumed 30 minutes before a meal.  Furthermore by consuming the water prior to a meal it helps you feel satiated sooner thus consuming less food.  And most importantly water has no calories; so replacing whatever your existing beverage is with water will reduce your overall calorie intake.

3. Keeps your complexion fresh and glowing

Water moisturises your skin from within helping to slow down the appearance of wrinkles; dark patches and sallow colouring.  While it is a great anti-aging resource, don’t expect over-hydration to reverse the aging process; but it will prevent the dry, papery feel that dehydrated skin can have that accentuate wrinkles and lines.

4. Keeps you regular

Good hydration aids digestion as well as the good functioning of the colon.  When the colon is poorly hydrated it pulls water from other areas of the body, particularly from the digestive tract which can lead to constipation.  Water (particularly in conjunction with fibre) aids regular, predictable, healthy movements.

5. Energises you

Water helps increase your productivity and energy levels.  Insufficient water can result in cells not being adequately hydrated which can lead to muscle fatigue.  During intense exercise, staying hydrated can help improve your overall performance both physically and mentally.

6. Impacts brain function

Your brain is made up mostly of water.  Drinking lots of water helps you to concentrate better and focus more.  It also increases your level of alertness and your capacity to think.  Studies have linked dehydration with impaired memory as well as increased feelings of anxiety; so we can deduce that water can assist the brain in the management of stress.  Lack of adequate hydration can also lead to an increase in headaches. That’s plenty of reasons to create a healthy water habit.