Our bodies are made up of 60-70% water.  Approximately 85% of your brain, 80% of your blood and 70% of your muscle is water.  Every cell in your body needs water to live - it plays an important role in virtually every bodily function.  Next to oxygen, water is the most essential element in our physiology.

Water has many functions in the body:

·         It helps remove the dangerous toxins you take in from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals used in the   products that you use on your skin and hair.

·         It carries oxygen and nutrients into all your cells.

·         It helps to regulate your temperature

·         Water protects and cushions vital organs and joints

·         It helps to keep our liver and kidneys functioning properly

·         Helps to metabolize fats

·         It is the basis for all our fluid secretions, saliva, tears etc

No other substance is so multi-functional.  Maintaining sufficient water levels is essential not just to optimise health but simply to function in daily life.

Being low in water affects us quickly, with symptoms including:

·         Constipation

·         Dry skin

·         Increased incidence of urinary tract infections

·         Headaches

As dehydration sets in, more serious symptoms include:

·         Blood pressure can fall dangerously

·         Blood clots may form

·         Normal kidney function is impaired

So how much do we need?

The average urine output for adults is about 1.5 litres a day.  An additional litre is lost through breathing, sweating and bowel movements.  Food usually account for 20% of your fluid intake, so if you consume 2 litres a day along side your normal diet, you will typically replace your lost fluids.

This need increases with exercise, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, during times of ill-health and in hot/humid environments.