Did you know that it’s not meat or muscles that make up human beings, but water. Around two thirds of our bodies consist of H2O, so water has a great impact on how we feel and on our health.
This might sound like a paradox but our blue planet is plagued with water issues – merely one per cent of the world’s water resources are suitable for drinking. We should all do our small part to protect sources and consume in moderation. Without this valuable element, we could only survive for a few days.
Essential for life: Water’s internal role
Water fulfils important functions in our body, for example, the regulation of metabolism and the body’s temperature. Water is needed to supply cells with nutrients. It helps to transport harmful substances out of your body and to detoxify cells. Our body loses up to 2.5 litres of liquid every day through kidneys, bowels, lungs and skin. The body therefore must refuel its water supplies regularly. If you don’t drink insufficient amounts of water, kidney or circulation failures may occur. Our natural sensation of feeling thirsty protects us against this. If it’s ignored, short concentration, tiredness and headaches can occur.
Healthy: Water’s role in daily life
We have known the positive effects of water long before Sebastian Kneipp. Water based treatments such as taking hot and cold showers, going to steam rooms, or undertaking aerobics in water are all common forms of hydrotherapy, which can help reduce pains in joints and muscles and furthermore support metabolism and the immune system. But even having a relaxing bath in the evening or a refreshing cold shower in the summer can help us to feel better.
Indispensable: Water is life
At all times, whether we are working in an office, doing exercise or even relaxing on holiday – we should always make sure we are sufficiently hydrated. This does not only apply to you: most children end older people need to be reminded to drink enough water. Non-sparkling mineral or tap water is best, but flavoured water or carbonated water will also do the trick. Food is also a great source of water for our body. Vegetables and fruits containing a lot of juice (for example cucumbers, tomatoes, melons and strawberries) are a great choice. If you drink a glass of water in the morning right after getting up, this can compensate for the loss of water that occurs during the night and help to activate the digestive system. If you drink water before and during eating, you can neutralize the gastric juices and reduce your hunger.
Good to know
There’s more than one type of water
Water is divided into four main types according to its origin and the substance it contains:
Natural mineral water: The origin of this type of water is a protected underground spring, which contains minerals. It must be bottled on site and the source must be officially acknowledged. Additives are not permitted except for carbon dioxide.
Table water: Normally, this type of water is simple drinking water to which minerals and carbon dioxide are later added.
Spring water: Every type of water, which comes from a natural source, may be called by this name. However, it must comply with strict criteria in order for it to be fit for drinking.
Special types of water with healing properties: This type of water has a certain amount of minerals and nutrients and thus has a healing or preventive effect on the body. The composition must be scientifically proven and noted on the label.
Suggestion: Always have a bottle of water within sight. If this doesn’t help, you can download a smartphone app from iTunes which reminds you when to take a sip of H2O!