I have been meaning to write something on this topic for some time. Now, before you roll your eyes and say 'here’s just another article on the importance of hydration…' Listen up!
As you know, I am a bit of a greenie and this puts another spin on things. I’d like to talk about bottled water and how wasteful it is. Not only does it cost us, as you’ll read, it has significant negative impact on our environment. In fact, bottled water is a downright environmental disaster! Here are some facts from The Water Project for you to consider:
Fact 1. Bottles used to package water take over 1,000 years to biodegrade, and if incinerated, they produce toxic fumes. It is estimated that over 80% of all single-use water bottles used simply become "litter".
Fact 2. Recycling is only feasible in limited circumstances because only PET bottles can be recycled. All other bottles are discarded. Only 1 out of 5 bottles are sent to the recycle bin.
Fact 3. In developed economies, landfills are overflowing with millions of tons of discarded water bottles alone.
Fact 4. It is estimated that actually 3 litres of water is used to package 1 litre of bottled water. (Ridiculous, right?)
We are so lucky here in Australia - We have access to clean and safe drinking water, it flows straight out of our taps and into our homes. We don’t even need to boil it before we drink. Not to mention that we have already paid for it through our water rates or rent! According to The Water Project, 1 in 9 people worldwide do not have access to safe and clean drinking water. In developing countries, as much as 80% of illnesses are linked to poor water and sanitation conditions. See? We are lucky.
I read an article recently, which stated that unsuspecting Australian consumers are buying filtered tap water or boiled rainwater at massive mark-ups of more than 180,000%. Yep, you read that right, one hundred and eighty thousand percent! Apparently, customers are happy to pay for the convenience! But what could be more convenient than water from the tap, drinking fountains or free water at a restaurant or café?
So why do I make a big song and dance as a health professional about ensuring you drink enough water? It’s because:
- The human body can last weeks without food, but only days without water.
- Our bodies are made up of 50 to 75 per cent water.
- Water forms the basis of blood, digestive juices, urine and perspiration, and is contained in lean muscle, fat and bones.
- As the body can’t store water, we need fresh supplies every day to make up for losses from the lungs, skin, urine and stools (poo).
OK, here’s the million-dollar question, how much should you drink?
- Always pay attention to how much water your body actually needs, as the amount we need depends on our body size, metabolism, the weather, the food we eat and our activity levels.
- I find it is very common for my new clients to either be drinking too little or too much water (yes - this is possible). I know I say this time and time again, but each and every individual is unique and would require different levels of hydration.
Symptoms you might have if you’re not drinking enough water include: Being thirsty, suffering headaches, tiredness and weakness, mood changes and slow responses, dry nostrils, dry or cracked lips, dark-coloured and smelly urine, and in extreme cases, confusion and hallucinations.
Let’s spice things up. Water can taste great too!
Some easy water recipes:
If you're someone who thinks water is boring and prefers a little fizz, then invest in a Soda Stream – easy to use and inexpensive. In fact, this will save you $$$ as you won’t be buying bottled soda water anymore.
Your choice:
Water from your tap, filtered or unfiltered, fizzed with your Soda Stream - up to you.
Option 1: Squeeze fresh lemon or lime with an addition of fresh mint leaves.
Option 2: Immune booster
Grate 1 tsp. of ginger, ½ tsp. of honey (or maple syrup for any fructose intolerances) and a squeeze of fresh lemon and orange.
Option 3: Mixed berries – either blended or whole.
Super easy, delicious and refreshing - Without any nasties.
By the way, you have my permission to go out there and buy some trendy reusable BPA-free water bottles that suit your personality! The options are endless these days, we just need to keep them clean! Keep one chilling in the fridge so you always have fresh cool water when you need it!
Google Quiz
Now, just so that I know that you have read my blog all the way to the end, here is a little quiz... I’d like to hear your answers. So get Googling and e-mail me your best answers for a mystery prize! (OK, there’s no prize, we’re all grown-ups!)
Q1: Is body water content higher in males or female? Or the same?
Q2: How many litres of water do adults lose a day excluding hot weather and exercise?
Q3: How many litres of water do we lose over a 3-hour period when traveling by plane?
Love, CR xx