The human body is an incredible thing, but it would cease to function without water. Our body weight is, after all, made up of about 60% water, and water is critical to many of our bodily functions - mental and physical!
Why is water so important for our physical health?
Staying hydrated helps to regulate body temperature - as you sweat during exercise or when it is hot outside, you lose electrolytes and plasma. Drinking fluids will replenish the body and and stabilize your temperature.
Water also helps to protect our tissues, spinal cord and joints because it helps to lubricate and cushion them. So while you are engaged in lots of physical activity, you are less likely to feel pain and discomfort. This is especially important if you suffer from conditions such as arthritis, which is linked to inflammation and stiffness.
Drinking fluids is also an important detox mechanism for the body. The more you drink, the more your body can flush out waste - for example, through the kidneys where water can help to filter out waste more efficiently and prevent kidney stones.
Hydration can also impact your physical performance. If you love to exercise, then drinking water will have a positive effect on your strength, power and endurance. And without enough water (especially when it is hot outside) you may start to feel light-headed and develop a headache.
Importantly, drinking enough water has also been linked to positive benefits for digestion and being able to absorb nutrients. Water can help to break down food, dissolve vitamins and minerals and then deliver these to the body where they are needed. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are taking supplements and want to get the most out of them!
Why is water so important for our mental health?
Water is really important for cognitive functioning. If you don't drink enough, you can easily lose focus, you won't be as alert and it may even cause you to have poor short-term memory.
The more you drink, the more fluids your brain gets to perform its best, while giving you a boost to your mood. It can counter fatigue, reduce confusion and anxiety levels. So if you find that you are more "snappy" and impatient, check in with how much you are drinking each day.
But, how much should you actually be drinking?
Many go by the old saying of "8 glasses a day", but that isn't always the best advice. Each person is different - gender, body size and level of activity are some of the things you should consider when trying to work out how much to drink. Most of the research reflects that women need on average 2 to 3 liters, while men need on average 3-4 liters. BUT don't forget that 20% of fluid often comes from the food we eat, and it isn't just a glass of water that counts. Every time you have a cup of tea, or a fruit/vegetable smoothie - these are all great sources for staying hydrated.
Perhaps a way to keep your "finger on the pulse" is to also watch out for symptoms of dehydration. Headaches and dizziness, bright yellow urine, feeling thirsty during the day, and tired/grumpy might be a good sign that you should drink something.
One caveat - avoid the sugary drinks. It is great to consume lots of fluids, but too much sugar in tea and coffee, or too many sweeteners in energy drinks may not be the best thing for your body. Try to consume less of those, and more of the natural fluids that do not give you a sugar crash later.
So how does this apply when taking your serving of Multiforce?
Water is a really important part of nutrient absorption. A serving of Multiforce should be taken with enough fluids so that you get the most out of the essential minerals. If you don't want to dilute it a lot, you can take it with a smaller volume of water. However, you should then try to drink enough water before and/or after this to support your body and the digestion process. Alternatively, mix your Multiforce serving with a smoothie or cup of tea so that it is integrated into your hydration routine.
Live life, balanced.
References:
Healthline Media. Why is water important? 16 reasons to drink up. Accessed 12/21/2020.
University Health News. Why is drinking water important? 6 reasons to stay hydrated. Accessed 12/21/2020.
University Health News. Confused about how much water to drink? A myth vs. reality check. Accessed 12/21/2020.
Harvard School of Public Health. The importance of hydration. Accessed 12/21/2020.
Mayo Clinic. Water: How much should you drink every day? Accessed 12/21/2020.