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Daily Nutrition & Well-being

​​Tapping Into Your Health: Why Drinking Water Is Important​

​​Herbalife​ 23 January 2025

​​In the colder seasons it can be easy to neglect our hydration needs. We say goodbye to the sweltering heat, which plays as an easy reminder to stay hydrated, and fall into the routine of a few hot drinks here and there, if we have time!

 

It’s important to recognise just how vital water is for the proper function of virtually every cell, tissue and organ in our body – no matter the season. We are what we drink after all, and in the case of most adults, water makes up 60–70% of our body weight.1 Interestingly, it’s thought that the brain and heart consist of 73% water; muscles and kidneys consist of 79%; the lungs 83%; the skin 64%, and bones 31%.2

 

​It's no wonder our upkeep of water is sacred to keeping our bodies functioning.

 

​Now, if that isn’t enough to make you pause and reconsider your water intake, here are 5 science-backed reasons as to why keeping hydrated is so important for you and your body:  

1. Water acts as a “shock absorber” for the brain and spinal cord

What do we mean by this? Well, essentially water makes up 99% of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is a clear, colourless liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.3,4 It’s this CSF which acts as a shock absorber and “cushions” the brain against the skull and protects the nervous system. CSF also helps maintain buoyancy between the brain and skull reducing the brains effective weight from 1,500 g to around 50 g.5

2. ​Reduced joint pain

​Suffering with stiff, painful joints? Well, the cartilage in your joints contains around 80% water so increasing your water intake can keep your joints, organs, and tissue well-lubricated and help reduce friction between the bones.6–8

3. ​Can support weight management

​Drinking water can keep you fuller for longer and help boost your metabolism.9 According to one study in overweight women, drinking additional glasses of water before meals substantially reduced their body weight, body mass index (BMI) and body composition.10​ ​

Another study reported fewer calorie consumption among adults who increased their water intake by 1%. A reduction in their overall intake of sugar, cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat was also noted.11

4. ​Can improve brain function

Many studies have shown that mild dehydration – as little as 2% fluid loss – in adults and children can affect cognitive functions such as mood, attention, memory, and brain performance.12–15

Similar studies in men and women showed that a fluid loss of 1.6% and 1.4% respectively, after exercise, impacted their working memory, concentration and increased feelings of anxiety and fatigue plus frequent headaches.16

5. ​Enhanced detoxification

​We all love a good detox – mentally, spiritually, and physically. Sufficient water intake supports your body’s natural detoxing processes which help flush out the toxins and remove waste substances out of your body through urination, respiration and bowel movements.17–19

 

​So, treat your body well by drinking around 6–8 glasses of water per day to stay on top of your hydration goals.20

 

​You can add flavour to your daily beverage with our hydrating AloeMax – also available in exotic mango flavour. Or if you’re looking for a warm boost of hydration, try our delicious herbal tea range.

 

​Disclaimer:

​Whilst we strive to provide reliable and accurate information the content in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please consult a medical professional or GP before trying any supplements. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a balanced and healthy diet/lifestyle. 

​Sources:

  1. ​Dhareshwar, SS. Dehydration. Encyclopedia of Human Nutrition (Fourth Edition). 2023. p216–226. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128218488000275

  2. ​Mitchell, HH., Hamilton, TS., Steggerda, FR., et al. The chemical composition of the adult human body and its bearing on the biochemistry of growth. JBC. 1945;158(3):625–637.

  3. ​Khasawneh, AH., Garling, RJ., and Harris CA. Cerebrospinal fluid circulation: What do we know and how do we know it? Brain Circ. 2018;4(1):14–18.

  4. ​NIH. Cancer Terms. Cerebrospinal Fluid.

  5. ​Telano, LN & Baker S. NIH. Physiology, Cerebral Spinal Fluid. StatPearls [Internet]. 2024.

  6. National Council on Aging. 10 Reasons Why Hydration Is Important. 2024. Available from: https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important/.

  7. Cederlund, AA., and Aspden RM. Walking on water: revisiting the role of water in articular cartilage biomechanics in relation to tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. J R Soc Interface. 2022;19(193):20220364.

  8. ​Li, Y., Yuan, Z., Yang H., et al. Recent Advances in Understanding the Role of Cartilage Lubrication in Osteoarthritis. Molecules. 2021;26(20):6122.

  9. ​Thornton, SN. Increased Hydration Can Be Associated with Weight Loss. Front Nutr. 2016;3:18.

  10. ​Vij, VA., and Joshi, AS. Effect of ‘Water Induced Thermogenesis’ on Body Weight, Body Mass Index and Body Composition of Overweight Subjects. J Clin Diagn Res. 2013;7(9):1894–96.

  11. ​An, R., and MaCaffrey, J. Plain water consumption in relation to energy intake and diet quality among US adults, 2005–2012. JHND. 2016;29(5):624–32.

  12. ​Zhang, N., Du, SM., Zhang, JF., et al. Effects of Dehydration and Rehydration on Cognitive Performance and Mood among Male College Students in Cangzhou, China: A Self-Controlled Trial. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(11):1891.

  13. ​Pross, N.Effects of Dehydration on Brain Functioning: A Life-Span Perspective. Ann Nutr Metab. 2017;70(1):30–36.

  14. ​Sfera, A., Cummings, M., and Osorio, C. Dehydration and Cognition in Geriatrics: A Hydromolecular Hypothesis. Front Mol. Biosci. 2016;3(18).

  15. ​Benefer, MD., Corfe, BM., Russell, JM., et al. Water intake and post-exercise cognitive performance: an observational study of long-distance walkers and runners. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52(2):617–24.

  16. ​Ganio, MS., Armstrong, LE., Casa, DJ., et al. Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men. British Journal of Nutrition. 2011;106:1535–1543.

  17. ​Hossain, MZ. Water: the most precious resource of our life. 2015;2(9):1436–1445.

  18. ​Cline, JC.Nutritional aspects of detoxification in clinical practice. Alternative Therapies. 2015;21(3).

  19. ​Team Prevent UK. The importance of Hydration.2021. Available from: https://www.sath.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/The-Importance-of-Hydration-Article.pdf.

  20. ​NHS. Water, drinks and hydration. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/#:~:text=Daily%20fluid%20intake,ill%20or%20recovering%20from%20illnes.