Stay energised, stay hydrated
Signs of mild dehydration are things we’ve all felt ’ thirst, headaches, dry mouth, muscle cramps and less frequent loo visits. The cause is simple ’ loosing more fluids (mostly water) than you take in. A study by The British Journal of Nutrition [1] on dehydration in women discovered that fluid depravation affects your mood too, particularly decreased alertness, and increased sleepiness, fatigue and confusion. When the women were given water after abstaining, it took five minutes to reverse the effects, with increases in happiness, and decreases in confusion; after a longer time improvement in fatigue, vigour and calmness were also noted.
How does water help your body?
Interestingly, there’s little scientific evidence to prove that drinking gallons - well, 8 glasses or 2L as usually touted - of water makes much of a difference to your skin [2]. Though if you don’t usually drink much water, you would most likely see a difference ’ there’s anecdotal evidence for this (surely all those supermodels can’t be wrong). We know staying hydrated with water can boost your energy levels, help with headaches (and dilute a hangover), and aid weight loss (a common tip is to fill up with water before eating), so keep up the water intake and for max brain clarity, definitely drink if you feel thirsty, are in the sun or especially in the sun and working out.
How to stay hydrated
SweetLeaf Water Drops Natural Stevia Water Enhancer
Do you need encouragement to drink more water? Try adding SweetLeaf Water Drops to your water bottle. Thanks to stevia, the South American native plant’s sweet taste and lack of calories, carbs or artificial chemicals, it’s a great way to enjoy drinking water. Choose from Lemon Lime, Peach Mango, Raspberry Lemonade or Strawberry Kiwi flavours.
Waters Co Ace 1.5L Alkaline Water Filter
The Waters Co Ace 1.5L Alkaline Water Filter removes fluoride, chemicals, heavy metals, bacteria and odours and re-mineralises and ionises ordinary tap water. There is plenty of research into tap water versus filtered water, and I have to admit, I wouldn’t want to drink water that isn’t filtered.
The Beauty Chef Boosters
The Beauty Chef has created a range of liquid boosters which not only taste delicious, but can be used to encourage more water consumption. Collagen, Antioxidant, and Hydration are all best taken daily with water. So not only will you be improving your complexion from the inside, but you'll be encouraged to drink more water by using these seriously amazing skin boosters.
Keep a full water bottle
Keeping a reusable, sleek water bottle you is better for upping your water consumption, and better for our environment. Reusable bottles such as the gorgeous glass Fressko range or stainless steel, insulated Swell range can make water taste cleaner and more pure, and gives you peace of mind knowing you're not contributing to plastic wastage.
Did you see our hydration feature story in our December digital magazine?
[1] The British Journal of Nutrition. [2] Lab Muffin. This is only a guide. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.