With (fingers crossed) a barmy British summer just around the corner, there’s no better time to soak up some facts about hydration and learn about a few benefits that often slip under the radar.
Our bodies are about 60% water, which is essential for maintaining temperature, digestion, and cellular health. From improved kidney function to enhanced detoxification, proper hydration means a healthy body.
Even mild dehydration affects attention, memory, mood and is a frequent cause of headaches, while chronic cases raise the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.Water also plays a crucial role in lubricating joints through synovial fluid – imagine how differently a squeaky door sounds after you’ve put some oil on the hinges. This reduces friction and prevents wear and tear, acting as a shock absorber that cushions joints, reduces impact and makes movement safer all around. Proper hydration also helps to maintain cartilage and deter degeneration.
Water helps to transport nutrients to joint tissues to support repair and detoxify waste products, helping reduce inflammation and pain. Staying hydrated also enhances muscle stability and flexibility. Our skin reflects internal health, so hydration is important for elasticity and glow. So to avoid dryness, then drink up.
Digestion requires water to aid the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients, with constipation and bloating the consequences of neglecting hydration.

Mentally, dehydration can also increase fatigue and anxiety, while physically, water can suppress appetite and boost metabolism.
Electrolytes in our bodies help regulate important functions such as nerve signalling and muscle contraction, and this can be enhanced by using various supplements and sports drinks.
Infusing water with natural flavours makes it more interesting, and don’t forget to add hydrating foods to your diet, too. Cucumber is a whopping 95 percent water, with celery, tomatoes, radishes, strawberries, watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges and pineapple also in the same bracket.
Bodies can absorb about 200ml of water every 15 to 20 minutes, equivalent to seven or eight small sips. Drinking too much at once can overwhelm your stomach and impact your breathing.
So consider rehydration as a steady drip rather than a flood. This limit explains why chugging water before or during workouts can cause discomfort; instead, aim for consistency throughout the day.
So don’t wait until you feel thirsty, because by then our bodies are already begging for hydration.

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You can find her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com
and on social @sarahmaxlife