Why is hydration so important?
Water is essential to life, and it is the one thing that we cannot go without for a sustained period of time. Hydration plays a pivotal role in both fat loss and muscle gain, a hydrated cell works more efficiently and is better primed to burn fat and make energy. If fat cells are hydrated then they are more primed for utilisation by the body, a win for those looking to shape up.
The human body is roughly 70% water, so it is essential to stay hydrated for you to function and perform optimally. Hydration also plays a massive role in digestion, energy levels and mood. Mid-afternoon brain fog can be eradicated with adequate hydration.
How much?
The simplest way to look at it is:
Per 25kg of BW you roughly need 1 litre.
So a person weighing 75kg would need 3 litres per day.
Now I admit that this may sound a lot to most of you, and you may think you get enough in. Your body isn’t stupid though, so if you’re only taking in one litre a day it will accommodate to this.
Everything functions better the more water it gets. Think of a plant and how much better it grows and looks when it has been watered. Neglecting the plant makes it looks disheveled and it will eventually die. By watering it remains healthy.
Really?
While Volvic is clearly looking to make money, the sentiment rings true with their advert of drinking 1.5 litres a day for 14 days to see how much better you feel. You’ll be surprised as to how vital water is for everyday activity; your day will be more productive. Buy a two-litre bottle in the morning and make sure it’s drunk by the time you leave work. Don’t take my word for it, give it a try.
Let me pre-warn you first though, it is not recommended for you to jump straight into drinking your daily requirements, slowly titrate yourself up over a two-week period. Firstly, because the new water needs to filtered by the kidneys so it’s not recommended for the big jump. Secondly, the new liquid will need to come out also as your body adapts, so unless you want to be known as the office Red Rum, take it easy and build up.
Hunger pangs have been shown to be nulled by drinking one to two glasses of water also, so the next time you’re craving something unhealthy reach for the water instead.
By Adam at W10 Performance.
