H20 - The essence of life - 7 tips on how to drink more water.

Richard Humberstone
May 8, 2017
5 min read

Hydrogen and oxygen are two of the top five most common elements in the universe. Mix 2 parts hydrogen to 1 part oxygen and a miraculous chemical reaction happens. Voila, water. Water is a unique molecule, it appears in all 3 states solid, gas and liquid. It is a fantastic solvent allowing for diverse chemical reactions that allow for a wide variety of energy transfers. On Earth, wherever there is water, there is life. No living organism on Earth that can live without water.

Waters vital role in the body

We have all heard the saying that our bodies are 60%- 75% water. Every single cell and bodily function uses water, including our skin, bones, blood, and organs, they all need water. So keeping hydrated is more than just necessary, it's essential.

Here are a few functions of water in the body:

Cell life

Water is essential for cells to work efficiently, as it is part of the composition of the cells.

Chemical and metabolic reactions

By enabling hydrolytic, water participates in the biochemical breakdown of what we eat (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates). This is one of many reactions involves water.

Transport of nutrients and removal of waste

Water acts as the main molecule in the blood. It is vital to transport nutrients to the cells and plays a crucial role in the waste cycle in the kidneys, liver and intestines. It helps remove waste products in your stool and urine.

Body temperature regulation

Water enables the body to release heat when the ambient temperature is higher than body temperature. We begin to sweat, and in turn, water evaporates from the surface of the skin which cools us down.

How can it help?

If I had a penny for every time I ask people "how do you feel?" and their response was "I'm tired" I would be able to solve the World's homeless and famine problems. Well, not quite, but you get my point. People drink nowhere near enough water. Like a car, if it's got full fuel, it works perfectly and runs like a dream. If there is low or no fuel, it will run poorly and eventually come to a stop. The same goes for the human body. We need to drink an optimum amount of water to maintain homeostasis (the bodies ideal condition to remain stable and efficient).

You will actually LOSE FAT/WEIGHT if you drink the correct amount of water consistently. YES, in my experience, it's true. Although that being said, don't only rely on this, you still need to exercise and eat healthily. So put down your pumpkin spiced latte, Coca Cola, Pepsi and drink some damn water and throw some weights around. Trust me you will feel better for doing this I promise you. In fact, I guarantee it!

The kidneys eliminate toxins and waste products from the blood and urine, and process water-soluble toxins from the liver. If you don't drink enough water, you won't have enough fluid to function correctly. Instead of flushing metabolic waste out through the bladder in urine, your body holds on to toxins. Over time this develops kidney stones.

What does your urine say about you?

Every function the body does requires energy because the process of your body cleansing the system of toxins via the liver and kidneys and creating urine. This actually involves a lot of energy to complete this cycle. So water, directly and indirectly, burn more calories, increasing your metabolic rate and BMR (basal metabolic rate) resulting in you burning more fat!

How much water do I need?

This is the most important question. We lose a large amount of water every day just by our normal bodily functions. We can lose up to 2-4 litres a day, and the lost fluids need replenishing. You may have heard a healthy adult human should drink 6 cups a day or 1.5 -2 litres a day. Ok great, for who though? Take a look at this.

Shaquel O'neil profession basketball player height 7 ft 2 In

weight 325 lb (147 kg)

Shaunie O'neil

Shaq's wife Height 5 ft 9 In

weight 143 Lb (65kg)

Are 1.5 litres enough for both Shaq and Shaunie? If you answered yes, then you are wrong! WATER INTAKE IS BASED UPON YOUR WEIGHT. Of course, these two people need a different amount of water to perform at their optimum level. Other variables that need taking into consideration when calculating water intake such as climate, job requirements, physical activity, medical conditions etc. Here is my universal formula for everyone to calculate and re-hydrate your body. YOUR BODYWEIGHT IN POUNDS ÷ 40 = DAILY LITRES OF WATER FOR EXAMPLE

175LBS ÷ 40 = 4.375 LITRES

"I can't drink that much, it's impossible!" This may come as a shock to you, but it's not as bad as you think. "I'll be constantly sat on the toilet" Yes, you will be visiting the toilet more often but remember this is a good thing. Your toilet visits will decrease as your body starts to use the water more efficiently.

If you're thinking "but I already have water retention I don't want anymore!" again, wrong. Of course, you have water retention, you are treating your poor body like the Atacama Desert. Like a cactus holds water to survive your body is doing the same. By drinking the correct amount of water, you will lose your water retention, making you look and feel better.

Please please please keep it up! Consistency is the key. There is no use in being good one day than rubbish the next. You don't have to hit your target on the first day, gradually increase until you are reaching that target.

HERE ARE MY 7 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR DAILY WATER INTAKE.

1. There are 24 hours in a day. You don't have to drink all in one sitting.

2. Measure and track how much you've drunk, so you know how close to your daily target.

3. Use a reusable water bottle. This is a 2.2 litre for me I need to fill this twice, and I've hit my goal.