Shannon's Water Challenge And The Benefits Of Keeping Hydrated

I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw a picture of a glass of water with a sunset behind it saying how being properly hydrated can help with weight loss, focus, energy, digestion, clear skin and transporting nutrients and oxygen to your cells.

It got me thinking - other than bringing a water bottle to ice hockey or the gym I would never really think of just drinking a glass of water.  It’s just so boring!  It makes you wonder, when even the experts can’t agree on it exactly, how much should we be drinking? So, I did some research.

An adult human body is made up of 60% water. H.H. Mitchell[1] states the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, the lungs 83% water, skin 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79% water. Even bones are a watery 31%.

Water does so many different things from regulating body temperature, flushing out waste, acting as a shock absorber for brain and spinal cord, and joint lubrication.  Can you imagine the havoc being dehydrated does to the body?

Are you starting to think water is important yet?  Yeah, me too!

After seeing those stats, I realised how much I disregarded my water intake. So, I thought I would take part in that challenge. 

I bought myself a new water bottle. In my head I was more likely to keep it with me and drink from it if it was an extra purchase (I can’t say it hasn’t worked). The goal was to drink eight 250ml glasses of water (recommended by NHS Eatwell Plate), or two water bottles a day! Hand on heart I can say the first week was hard; I had to constantly remind myself to drink, but after that it got easier.

My biggest take away from the challenge has been that I find it easier to recognise that I am thirsty, so my first stop is to the water bottle and not the cupboard for a snack! For me this is a huge win, especially while home schooling.  That first week back into home schooling I think I probably ate my body weight in biscuits…

I have a new-found appreciation for how much of my body is water, and how important keeping hydrated is to allow everything to function properly.

Trying to up my water intake has made me more aware of when I am thirsty not actually hungry.  I actually find myself wanting more water, which I never thought I’d say!

I also have more energy and I’m sleeping better. Whether that’s down to the water or other changes I don’t know, however drinking water has become easier.

So now is the part where I challenge you! How much water do you drink on a daily basis?  Is it enough to keep your body functioning at its best?  While the jury is still out on how much water is the right amount, why don’t you start by doing the recommended amount from the NHS and see if you notice a difference?

For added support on your journey for a healthier you get in touch at info@katecampbellfitness.com

[1] Journal of Biological Chemistry 158