Water definition

1. Noun

A colourless, transparent, odourless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.

Our body is 70 percent water; therefore, it’s logical that any lack of sufficient water intake will affect our appearance. That’s why drinking water is undoubtedly the easiest and most efficient way of preventing the signs of aging, maintaining the skin smooth and hydrated and the body healthy (not to mention all the other amazing things it does…)

HOW MUCH WATER DO I NEED TO DRINK DAILY?

Normally it’s recommended that a person drink at least 1.5 litres of water, although this really depends on your day-to-day conditions, where you live, how much you exercise, your age your weight and more. For some people it could be increased to 2 or 3 litres daily.

To understand how much you need there is a calculation that can be done based on your weight, your exercise level and other lifestyle factors. As everyone has very different needs, it is best to check in with your Naturopath or Functional GP for your own individual level.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DRINK WATER?

As soon as you are up and about in the morning start with a glass or glasses of water.

It should be room temperature or warm water to help wake up the digestive system and rehydrate your body after your 6-8 hours of deep sleep. Ideally avoid drinking cold water from the fridge as it shocks the body first thing, and we don’t want that!

If you feel like a warm drink reach for the herbal tea but avoid the coffee first thing in the morning to get you going ( food should be your fuel, not the coffee).

Of course, all throughout your day water intake is essential and it’s very important to drink and recuperate lost fluid after exercising or any active work you are doing and to help the body

TIPS TO GET YOUR WATER INTAKE

Once you know how much you should be drinking divide it by 8 hours and work in some benchmark time frames during your day e.g., drink 1 litre by 10am, drink 1 litre by 2pm, drink 1 litre by 6pm.

If it helps, consider having your water in a clear water bottle so you can have a visual that is easy to measure and if not just use your favourite and keep it handy.

If you’re like me and don’t like the flavour of your tap water, then buy bottled water to ensure you are getting your fluid intake.

Summer days it can be great to add some lemon, mint and cucumber or your favourite fruits to add some natural flavour.

HOW DOES WATER AFFECT OUR SKIN?

Drinking water will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keep the bowels moving well to eliminate toxins building up in the body and help keep headaches at bay. If you get the 3pm munchies try drinking water before you reach for the sugary snacks. You might just be surprised. In many instances you may think you are hungry when you are in fact dehydrated.

Water helps to eliminate the toxins in our body that are stored up through contact with pollutants, tobacco smoke, stress and other sources of free radical formation. Concretely, free radicals are the principal cause of skin diseases and premature aging.

Water not only gives skin a healthier appearance but helps to eliminate these elements, which can cause the skin to appear dull and lifeless, dirty and even contribute to acne.

Additionally, water helps vitamins and nutrients to easily flow throughout the body. In particular, it collaborates with all of the body’s organs to distribute vitamins E, C and B12, which help maintain the skin smooth and young.

WATER INSIDE AND WATER OUTSIDE

When cleansing facial skin or the body, it’s best that the water be lukewarm or warm, very hot water can dry out the skin excessively and contribute to damage on skin’s that are sensitive or reactive.

So if you want to help your creams, masks and serums to work better and help keep your skin clear and healthy, then up your water intake and think of it has part of your skincare routine. Happy water drinking!