25/07/2019

The importance of staying hydrated

Good hydration is essential for our bodies and wellbeing – it effects our concentration, mood, immunity and energy levels. Water accounts for 70% of our brain and up to 75% of our bodies, depending on age and gender. It is essential for normal bodily function, vital to almost every cell in the body, helping us to survive.

Are we drinking enough water?

A survey conducted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) found that only 11% of the population drinks enough water to maintain hydrated¹. Despite knowing that hydration is critical for our health, the average person in the UK only drinks 1.7 litres of water per day, which is well below the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended average of 2.5 litres for males and 2 litres for females².

What happens if we don’t get enough water?

The consequences of not drinking enough water are concerning. It may start with small signs – severe thirst, fatigue and grumpiness, with an accompanying headache – but will very quickly lead to a mental and physical decline, harming cognitive abilities.

Not being adequately hydrated can be more detrimental than you think. As we become dehydrated, we lose volume in our brains, making them temporarily shrink³. This increases the risk of brain injuries and concussions – which can be an even more dangerous risk for people exercising outdoors in warmer weather.

So how can people stay hydrated?

The amount of water you need to drink depends heavily on a number of factors, including your weight, your levels of activity and the climate outside. It’s important to remember to drink water regularly throughout the day, as when you begin to feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

To help you stay hydrated, at Zip Water we’ve compiled a list of five top tips:

1. Use a filtered water system. A survey commissioned by the Drinking Water Inspectorate found that one in four people in England and Wales refuse to drink tap water – a massive 27% of the population – as they are worried about the quality of water produced⁴. To ensure you’re receiving the highest quality, purest tasting water that’s free of chemicals and contaminants, we recommend the installation of a filtered water system. Our premium range of HydroTaps offer 25 times better filtration than a standard water filter jug. You can find more about our first-class filtration here.
   
   
2. Carry a reusable bottle wherever you go. There is nothing more convenient than a reusable water bottle, allowing you to stay hydrated wherever you are. Plus, every time you refill your reusable bottle you are sparing the Earth of damaging single-use plastic waste, for better wellbeing and a healthier planet.
   
   
3. Add flavour. A splash of squash can transform the way water tastes, encouraging you to drink more.
   
   
4. Follow a water schedule. Setting yourself a schedule to follow or using reminders on your phone will get you into a habit of drinking water at regular intervals. Think about having some water after every task you complete at work, or a glass for every hour of the day.
   
   
5. Choose foods that have a high water content. 20% to 30% of your daily water intake should come from food, such as cucumbers, celery, tomatoes and peppers.

[1] https://www.naturalhydrationcouncil.org.uk/press/how-hydrated-is-britain/
[2] https://www.waterlogic.com/en-gb/resources/human-hydration-are-we-drinking-enough/
[3] https://www.bustle.com/p/what-happens-to-your-brain-when-youre-dehydrated-the-results-can-be-kind-of-scary-9641799
[4] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/1-in-4-wont-drink-tap-water-1166315.html