Why Upping Your Water Intake Can Have Extreme Beauty Benefits

A nice, tall, cool glass of H20. Just thinking about it has the power to make us feel thirsty. and yet, most of us are aware that we should be drinking more. Doctors estimate that the majority of people are actually dehydrated, despite the fact sales of bottled water have surged in recent years. There are a host of apps that encourage and alert us to drink more, infuser bottles that give us flavoured sparkling water on demand for those who dislike the plain stuff, and numerous challenges set on fitness communities such as Livestrong. So we know we should be drinking more - but why?

The body is constantly losing its water content through urination, sweating and other bodily processes and yet it needs water to function optimally. If we don’t adequately replace these levels through what we drink, then the body quickly starts to suffer and the first place it shows is places we’d rather it didn’t, such as a dehydrated, lined complexion. And with summer heatwaves currently in progress, or many of us jetting off to warmer climes on vacation, the problem can be exacerbated.Those taking strenuous physical exercise, older adults and people in places of high altitude are also more at risk.

Maintain Your Body’s Vital Functions

The body is roughly 60% water in it's composition -  a massive amount that accounts for the severe effects dehydration can have. And the fluids that your body uses that water for power some of the most essential functions - digestion, circulation, getting nutrients around the body and maintaining your core temperature. Water is mainly excreted through your kidneys, which purify the body and process toxins in the bloodstream. Your pituitary gland is responsible for telling your kidneys how much water to hold onto or lose - a vital function.If you get low on fluids, this gland should trigger feelings of thirst. But when you drink alcohol, this function is depleted - too much fluid is excreted, which leads to the terrible headaches and dry mouth you may experience the morning after a night out.

Control Your Appetite

Dieters and supermodels alike have long preached the benefits of upping your water intake, and drinking steadily throughout the day. The reasons for this are many. Firstly, the brain can easily misinterpret a thirst signal as a hunger one, especially in a situation where we are constantly surrounded by food. That means that if you don’t keep well watered, you may end up over-eating. Secondly, if you’re consuming water, it keeps your hands busy and away from the temptation to snack, as well as physically filling your stomach so that you feel fuller. One good tip is to drink a glass of water immediately upon waking up, and another before every meal. Another benefit is that by consciously upping your water intake you are limiting other, more calorific beverages you might have had instead. Those sweet coffees and sodas that contain lots of empty calories. So drinking right can have a big impact on your overall diet and weight. You can boost this effect by also choosing foods with a high water content. The body absorbs these much more slowly, helping you to feel fuller for longer. Things like soups, oatmeal, fruits such as melons and peaches, vegetables and bean-based dishes can all help increase your overall water intake.

Brings You Energy

How many of us complain of feeling ‘tired all the time’?. Well, water can again help to alleviate this feeling. Not only can you get rid of ‘brain fog’ and increase your mental focus when you are well hydrated, but it also helps your body to re-energise. Cells that don’t have the correct balance of fluids and electrolytes quickly shrink up, which can result in your muscles feeling fatigued. This effect is made a lot worse if you are exercising as well. So if you feel tired, try a glass or two or water first before reaching for the coffee.

Sort Out Your Skin

It turns out a lot of our skin woes are down to dehydration as well. Fine lines, wrinkles, puffy eyes and a loss of radiance can all be caused by not drinking enough, as the body diverts water away from these functions when it is low on supplies.Futhermore, eye bags are thought to be related to poor kidney function, which again is linked to water consumption. To combat this, alongside upping your water intake, choose a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid - this wonder-molecule helps to trap moisture in the skin cells, ensuring they stay plumped up and looking good for longer.