Water plays an essential role in our daily lives and is even more vital for our health. In the UK alone, 53% of people are not drinking their optimum amount of water daily—a shocking figure! Dehydration causes numerous issues and can impact your daily life, perhaps more than you realise.
In many hard-water areas across the UK, a large proportion of the population isn’t drinking enough water. One big reason for this is the slightly bitter taste of hard water due to its higher mineral count, which can be unpleasant. A Kinetico water filter can quickly eliminate this issue, which we delve into more detail later.
Why is Drinking Enough Water Important?
In general, drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining good health and supporting various bodily functions. Here are some key reasons why adequate hydration is important:
- Supporting your immune system
- Weight management
- Maintaining skin health (improving elasticity and preventing dryness)
- Detoxification
- Energy production
- Cognitive function
- Digestion and nutrient absorption
- Joint lubrication
- Temperature regulation
Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, and there are several signs may indicate you need to increase your water intake. Here are some common signs of dehydration to look out for:
- Dark-coloured urine
- Infrequent urination
- Dry mouth
- Dry skin
- Increased thirst levels (sometimes this can be mistaken for hunger)
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- More than two bladder infections in the space of 6 months
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
- Constipation
How much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
On average, you should drink 6-8 glasses of water daily, equivalent to 1.2 litres. If you exercise often or spend a lot of time outdoors during the summer, you may need to drink slightly more to stay hydrated.
Tips for Drinking More Water
Did you know that your body is 70% water? Making a habit of drinking more water can sometimes be challenging. We explore some helpful tips to make drinking more water easier - so you can reap its benefits.
1. Set a Water Intake Goal
Create a routine for drinking water throughout the day, with a goal to drink a certain amount by the end of the day. It’s helpful to set a schedule and routine for how much to drink before a specific time of the day, such as 12 pm, 3 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm, but you can tailor it to work for you.
3. Use a Water Filter
If the taste or quality of your tap water is a deterrent, why not consider installing a water filter? Water filters can improve the taste and overall quality of your water by filtering unwanted chemicals, such as chlorine and other particles, sediments, and contaminants in your water system. By removing these impurities, you’ll be left with better-tasting water.
3. Install a Water Softener
Another option to enhance the taste of your water, mainly if you live in a hard water area, is to install a water softener. Softened water contains fewer minerals (primarily calcium and magnesium), ridding its bitter-like taste to encourage you to drink more water throughout the day and providing an array of other benefits.
4. Use a reusable Water Bottle
Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day. Having water readily available makes it easier to stay hydrated, and using a reusable bottle is environmentally friendly and more sustainable - better for our planet.
We recommend using a BPA-free water bottle or, even better, a food-grade stainless steel water bottle; these bottles are free from harmful chemicals found in plastic water bottles.
5. Flavour Your Water
Infusing your water with fruits or herbs, such as cucumber, lemon, mint, or berries (or whatever you prefer), will add natural flavour and a refreshing taste. This is a simple yet effective way to increase your water intake, levelling up your hydration routine.
As water system specialists, we aim is to bring good-quality and better-tasting water to homes across the UK. Visit Kinetico today to learn more about what we do and how we can help.
