If you want to promote healthy skin, enjoy proper digestion and would like a natural detoxifier- then water is a basic necessity. The body is more than two-thirds water, and keeping it hydrated is vital.

Additional reasons to have water as a regular part of your day include:

• Healthy blood and bones: Your blood is over 80 percent water and your bones are over 50 percent water. Proper hydration is required to optimize the creation and maintenance of new blood and bone cells.
• Toxin elimination: Plain water naturally helps remove toxins through the lymphatic system, intestines and kidneys.
• Lubricated joints: Water helps protect against wear and tear and can even help reduce joint pain.
• Proper digestion: Water helps prevent constipation by adding softness to stools and fluid to the colon.
• Alertness: Even minor dehydration can lead to headaches, irritability, impaired concentration and fatigue. The human brain is 85 percent water; keeping it hydrated is essential for proper functioning.
• Healthy skin: Water hydrates from the inside out, helping to maintain the elasticity of the skin and support this essential body barrier.

Research suggests that losing as little as 1% of your body weight in fluid may reduce mental performance, as well as potentially inducing fatigue and headache. This mild level of dehydration can easily occur over the course of a normal day’s activities, which highlights how important drinking little and often is for your health. Being dehydrated can also affect our mood and mental wellbeing, with studies suggesting that energy levels, cognition and emotions may all be affected.

The standard recommendation is to drink six to eight 300ml glasses a day. There is little scientific evidence that such a high volume is essential for everyone. However, make sure you drink throughout each day - so keep a large glass or glass water bottle handy at all times. If you are trying to wean yourself from colas and such like, consider switching to sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime as a refreshing, healthful alternative.

To find out more, feel free to contact Gansbaai Pharmacy today!