Love It or Hate It, Here’s Why You Need to Drink More Water
Water is essential to life, yet many people overlook its importance—especially when it comes to gut health. A staggering 95% of those who seek help for gut issues are severely dehydrated, which only worsens their symptoms. Dehydration leaves stomach acid churning with nowhere to go, causing pain, bloating, and allowing the gut microbiome to stay in a state of imbalance. Simply put, drinking water is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for achieving and maintaining good gut health.
The Vital Role of Water in Your Body
Water is crucial for every function in your body. Here’s why staying hydrated is non-negotiable:
- Heart: Water is needed to pump blood efficiently throughout your body.
- Lungs: Proper hydration keeps your lungs functioning smoothly.
- Brain: Water helps your brain stay sharp and focused.
- Liver: It purifies your blood and detoxifies your body.
- Eyes: Hydration is essential for clear vision.
- Muscles: Water aids in muscle contraction and movement.
- Digestive System: Without enough water, your stomach and bowels can’t effectively extract nutrients or push waste through your system.
When you’re dehydrated, your body prioritizes vital functions like keeping your heart beating and your lungs breathing. Unfortunately, this often means your digestive system is the first to suffer, leading to cramps, constipation, bloating, and eventually malnutrition. If you choose to remain dehydrated, you’re essentially choosing to stay unhealthy.
The Dangers of Tap Water
While water is crucial, not all water is created equal. Tap water, for instance, is often filled with harmful substances like fluoride, chlorine, and heavy metals—essentially, it’s treated sewage. These chemicals can further disrupt your gut health and overall well-being. To avoid this, investing in a water distiller or high-quality filter is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. Distilled water is free from impurities, leaving you with pure, clean hydration.
Common Excuses and Why They Don’t Hold Water
Here are some excuses people often give for not drinking enough water—and why they don’t stand up:
- “Water makes me feel bloated.” This is likely a symptom of an already inflamed gut, not the water itself. Drinking more water can actually help soothe your digestive system over time.
- “I don’t like the taste of water.” Water should be tasteless. If your tap water has a chemical taste, consider using a water filter or distiller. You can also add natural flavours like citrus, cucumber, or herbs to make it more enjoyable.
- “I’ll need to use the bathroom too often.” Staying hydrated is more important than occasional bathroom trips. Plus, your body will adjust over time.
- “Water is boring. I prefer tea, soda, or juice.” Unfortunately, caffeinated or sugary drinks do not count toward your hydration. In fact, they often dehydrate you further. Stick to plain water or natural, non-caffeinated herbal teas.
- “I don’t have time to drink water.” When your body shuts down due to dehydration, you’ll wish you had made the time. Prioritize your health now to avoid bigger issues later.
7 Simple Ways to Stay Hydrated
- Invest in Pure Water: Use a water distiller or high-quality filter to ensure your water is free from harmful chemicals and heavy metals. If you do decide on a water distiller, you will need to remineralise the water to ensure you are getting everything your body needs. I use Ionic Trace Minerals which you can buy online.
- Infuse Your Water: Add fruits, herbs, or even a splash of lemon to make water more interesting without adding sugar or calories. I like adding cucumber, lime and fresh mint, so refreshing!
- Start and End Your Day with Water: Drink a glass first thing in the morning and another before bed to kickstart your metabolism and prepare your body for its nighttime repair cycle.
- Balance Caffeine Intake: For every cup of tea or coffee, drink three glasses of water to offset the dehydrating effects of caffeine.
- Monitor Your Urine Color: Aim for pale yellow urine; darker urine indicates dehydration.
- Carry a Water Bottle: Always have water with you. Avoid reusing plastic bottles, which can leach chemicals into your water.
- Reduce Plastic Waste: While bottled water is convenient, opt for reusable bottles to protect both your health and the environment.
Conclusion: Just Drink the Water!
Hydration is crucial for every aspect of your health, especially your gut. Clean, filtered water is the best option to keep your body functioning properly and to avoid the negative effects of tap water. So, grab a glass of refreshing, pure water and start feeling the benefits today!