Vitality

Vitality

If you're waiting for a brain wave it's worth remembering that lack of water is directly related to a lack of energy. It's hard to think straight, let alone creatively, as the body begins to conserve its water supply, slowing everything down, particularly thought and action, as the remaining fluid is given over to the more vital processes.

The Body and the Water it Needs

The body is designed to use a lot of water - it fulfils many primary and ancillary functions in almost every cell and organ - in fact the body as a whole comprises of 75% water. Without drinking regularly the body will soon become dehydrated - we loose fluids in our breath, from our skin (perspiration), and going to the loo (urination and defecation). It only takes a couple of days without a drink for the body to become severely dehydrated to life-threatening levels.

It is common for people to be mildly dehydrated most of the time and not realise it. Thirst is not the initial indicator of a lack of water but is a symptom that manifests itself well after the physiological effects of mild dehydration have already begun.

Because humans are designed to 'refuel' with water it is quickly and easily absorbed by the body (in approximately 5 minutes). Other drinks require the body to filter out impurities and toxins before they can be used and therefore are less efficient. In the case of caffeine drinks the body will actually lose more fluids than were originally taken onboard as they are diuretics - meaning you actually dehydrate whilst drinking coffee or tea.

Diuretics make the body urinate and in the process it looses vital electrolytes - natural salts the body uses to maintain voltages across their cell membranes especially in nerve, heart, and muscle cells.

Water by contrast has no ill effects on the body and it is recommended that an adult should drink approximately two litres a day to help maintain health regulation of all your body's systems.