We have all heard that there is a strong relationship between water and health, and that it is important to drink lots of water.
Our mothers used to say it when we were young, our doctors say it, and even the health focused media tell us to drink more water, despite the fact that we are bombarded with messages that encourage us to increase coffee consumption, beer and wine consumption, and soft drink consumption.
Two litres or about eight glasses is the recommended amount each day.
It sounds like quite a lot of water.
So why should we really increase our water consumption? There are a few really important reasons why the amount of water should be increased.
Water improves our skin.
Water consumption is known to clear out the toxins and unhealthy elements that make our way through our bloodstream and into our skin.
It is as simple as a washing and filtering effect.
Those that suffer acne know that a reduction in soft drink and fatty foods, replaced by water, will gradually lead to an improved complexion, and smoother and more supple skin and a reduction in acne blemishes.
Water and health, we know that water assists in weight loss.
Water consumption is a major strategy to lose weight.
It makes you feel full and satisfied.
If you feel slightly peckish, instead of picking up a fatty snack, choose a couple of glasses water.
Your hunger pang will be satisfied.
You will have taken in some desperately needed fluid, and more importantly you have reduced that fat-laden, salt-laden, sugar-laden snack you were thinking about.
If you do this several times a day, your consumption of bad foods will reduce.
Water aids mental alertness.
A common magnifier of tiredness and fatigue is lack of water.
A common cause of headache is dehydration.
Your brain needs a large amount of water to hydrate and keep it functioning properly.
If it gets dehydrated alertness is affected and you will feel tired.
If you feel a headache coming on, reach for a glass of water or two before you go to the medication.
You might find that it can be solved really quickly with a top-up of water.
Water helps your heart.
Research has shown that regular water drinkers are less likely to suffer from heart disease.
It is a systemic thing and probably due to the cleansing effect of water and removal of toxins.
There are numerous reasons to give up the soft drink as your main source of fluid and get into water, and I have only outlined only a few.
Change your habits and take control of what goes into your body.
Your heart, skin, stomach and head will be glad you did.