Did you know that water is the second most common molecule in the universe? 

Water can be found on Mars, the moon, and almost every other object in our solar system.  Yet this important molecule is something that many of us take for granted in our day-to-day life.

Human bodies are made up of about 60% water.  This level may fluctuate from person to person depending on their gender, age and water intake habits. It’s critical that our water levels are continually replenished because we constantly lose water through bodily processes such as breathing, sweating, digestion and urination.

“Current medical recommendation is that we should all aim to drink two litres of water per day, although it’s a good idea to increase that volume slightly if you’re an active person, or perspiring a lot.”

How drinking water improves your health

Water is vital to ensure that your body and organs function properly. Being hydrated:

•  Boosts energy levels by allowing proper cell function
•  Detoxifies the body through urination and sweating
•  Lubricates your joints
•  Improves and maintains muscle health
•  Assists weight management
•  Aids digestion and can increase nutrient uptake
•  Clears your skin
•  Regulates body temperature

Experts suggest that the best way to stay hydrated is to sip water throughout the day, not only having a drink when you’re thirsty. Feeling thirsty means that your body is already in a dehydrated state. Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder and you will soon create the helpful habit of continually sipping water. Urine colour is also a good indicator of your level of hydration. If it’s clear or light, you’re doing ok, but a darker yellow may indicate that you’re dehydrated

What if I don’t like to drink water?

Drinking water can sometimes be difficult and ‘boring’. But, with a little forethought, there are many ways to switch things up to help you give your body what it needs:

•  Add a bit of citrus, cucumber, fresh mint or berries to lightly flavour the water
•  Add extra water to juice to dilute it. This also aids in reducing your sugar levels.
•  Balance out your caffeinated drinks with herbal / decaffeinated teas throughout the day. Caffeine is a diuretic which causes your body to release water, so it’s important to offset that reaction with other alternatives.

You can eat water, too!

Another clever way to ingest more water is to ‘eat it’. Increase the fruits and vegetables in your diet, or eat more soup / broth based meals. If you find that your

appetite is increased, or you’re snacking a lot more than usual, check that you’re not actually dehydrated. It is quite common for people, especially children, to confuse the feelings of dehydration and hunger. Drink some water first and see if that satiates your hunger pangs.

All living things need water to survive. By maintaining optimum levels of hydration throughout your day, you are giving your body and brain the best opportunity to do the work it needs to do!

And, don’t forget, that it’s super important to drink water after you’ve had a chiropractic adjustment as it helps your body heal and settle into its healthier state.