The Importance of Hydration

Adequate hydration is essential for overall health. Research shows that hydration also plays a key role in:

·       Skin health

·       Neurological function including cognition and mood

·       Gastrointestinal function

·       Renal function 

·       Body composition 

Experts recommend that:

 women consume 2-2.7 litres of water daily,

and men 2.5-3.7 litres per day.

So what does our body do with the water we consume?

SKIN HEALTH – 

The skin is our bodies largest organ. The primary function of the skin is to protect the body from the external environment, including chemicals, materials and physical stressors; whilst also regulating body temperature. The skin also acts as reservoir for nutrients and water. The epidermal barrier of the skin is designed to prevent water loss in our bodies (1). If our bodies are dehydrated, our skin becomes less effective at performing its vital roles. 

BRAIN FUNCTION –

Water plays a vital role in our everyday brain activity, making up approximately 75% of our brains. Water also gives our brains the electrical energy for optimal functioning (2). Our brain consists of over 100 billon neurons which act as messengers sending signals for our body to move, walk and talk. These neurons are encased in myelin sheaths for protection and efficiency. Water is essential in optimising the thickness of these myelin sheaths, which in turn ensures efficient signals through our brain and bodies (3). 

DEHYDRATION?

Research suggests dehydration can lead to greater fatigue levels and compromised alertness in adults (4). Simply put, when we are dehydrated our brain function is likely to be less effective and require more neurological activities to achieve the same result as when we are adequately hydrated.

Therefore, adequate water consumption can assist us in living, feeling and performing our best, every day!

REFERENCES: 

1.     Liska D, Mah E, Brisbois T, Barrios P, Baker L, Spriet L. Narrative Review of Hydration and Selected Health Outcomes in the General Population. Nutrients. 2019;11(1):70.

 2.     Kempton M, Ettinger U, Foster R, Williams S, Calvert G, Hampshire A et al. Dehydration affects brain structure and function in healthy adolescents. Human Brain Mapping. 2010;32(1):71-79.

 3.     Benton D. Dehydration Influences Mood and Cognition: A Plausible Hypothesis?. Nutrients. 2011;3(5):555-573.

 4.     Benton D, Young H. Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and mental performance?. Nutrition Reviews. 2015;73(suppl 2):83-96.