Water is a life source, without water nothing lives.

Our bodies are a bioelectrical water machine that require 1 litre for every 25kg of body weight and more in our Australian summer conditions!

Every cell that makes up our body depends on an adequate supply of fresh, clean water. When the body does not receive a constant, reliable supply of water, it has to ration what is available and cut back on certain functions to make the supply go round. Essential systems like the brain are prioritised, others are impaired or cut back until the brain has decided a reliable source of water has been garnered. Nearly all of our systems do not function as well without the proper water intake.  As the summer temperatures rise, your body’s need for water increases all the more.

Here are some tips to help you get an adequate amount of water:

• Start your day with 2 glasses of water – you’ll be amazed how much better you can feel. Much better for you than the water in your coffee!
• Set your self up to win! Put water jugs and bottles where you can see them, at your work desk, on the kitchen bench, in your bag etc. This will help you remember to drink enough water. An alarm reminder in your smart phone or computer can help to get into a good water habit.
• Set a goal for yourself. Set an amount of water, and a time in the day you should have finished it by. For example, 1 bottle of water by morning tea another bottle before lunch, 2 bottles in the afternoon and another before bed. That way you can easily drink 3L or more each day.
• Drink herbal teas. Caffeine free herbal teas will count as water, try chamomile, raspberry leaf, green, or nettle tea.
• One or two glasses of water 30-60 minutes before a meal helps prime your digestive system for a meal and assists the stomach and pancreas to digest food. Not too much fluid with your food as this will dilute the stomach acid and prolong the process of digestion.
• Drink water before anything else. Meeting a friend for coffee? Have a glass of water before and after your coffee.

Water and Salt

Another component to increasing your water intake is increasing your salt intake. As the body takes in high amounts of water it can become over diluted causing a strain on the body. Don’t be overwhelmed by this, a little natural salt in your water or food allows all the goodness of the water to be absorbed and used correctly. Use a good quality natural salt, either Himalayan Rock Salt or Celtic Sea Salt (ideally with kelp flakes for added iodine), take 1 gram of salt (1/4 tspn) for every litre of water consumed.

By increasing your water intake you should quickly begin to notice the health benefits water offers to the body including increased energy levels, clearer skin and fewer aches and pains.