You might wonder why after a reflexology treatment I give you a glass of water. Reflexology is a therapy that has a profound effect on the mind and body, and drinking water helps to flush away toxins, rehydrate and it just gives you a moment to gather your senses and, sadly, return to reality.
Water is so important in our everyday lives and I hope you’re consuming more than the glass I give you after a treatment. It may sound silly but I would love drinking water to become a key part of your day. Here’s why it should:
Your body is 60% water with water being an important part of cells, body tissue and organs as well as helping with a plethora of bodily functions – saliva, digestion and removal of toxins to name just a few. I can not stress enough how essential it is.
Water helps to regulate your body temperature. We lose water through sweating, natural evaporation and urination and so in order to maintain a consistent temperature, we need to ensure that our bodily fluids remain consistent too. If you’re in a hot climate, doing exercise or anything that might make you sweat e.g. feeling anxious, it’s important to drink more water than you would normally.
Water is critical to the efficient functioning of the kidneys, helping to flush out toxins and keep your body working at its optimum. You know that you need to hydrate if your urine is dark yellow – try not to let it reach that stage by drinking water consistently throughout the day.
Following on from kidney function, water is critical to sound bowel function too. Low levels of hydration can lead to constipation which then leads to feeling very uncomfortable. Constipation can not be fixed by water alone but it certainly can be prevented.
Water helps us to look youthful! If you’re dehydrated, your skin will look dry, lacklustre and possibly wrinkled. Water won’t miraculously remove wrinkles but will help your skin look plumper and more glowing. Try drinking more over a week or two and see what people say – they really will be able to notice the difference!
If you didn’t know before, hopefully I’ve helped you to realise how important water is. I understand that it’s all well and good telling you to drink more H2O but in our busy lives it can be tricky. Here are some tips to consume more that have worked for me.
Invest in a reusable water bottle, fill it up and take it with you wherever you go, refilling it throughout the day. This website will show you where you can fill up your water bottle for free with tap water https://www.refill.org.uk/ so there really isn’t an excuse!
Some people don’t like the taste of tap water so it might be a good idea to invest in a filter or add some flavour – perhaps a slice of fruit, cucumber or mint. Remember that most fizzy drinks, coffee and tea are diuretics which means that they encourage you to urinate, dehydrating you more. (It’s important to note that some people are prescribed diuretics for certain health conditions so don’t stop taking medication – just check with your doctor or pharmacist.)
Sometimes we mistake a feeling of thirst for hunger or ‘mouth hunger’ – a feeling that you want to eat when you’re not genuinely hungry. Try to consider whether you are actually hungry and whilst you’re thinking, have a glass of water. You’ll be amazed at how your mouth is satisfied with the water and you haven’t had to snack!
Eat more water dense foods – you don’t have to take hydration simply in liquid form; there are lots of foods that help too such as cucumber, tomatoes, beetroot, carrots and celery.
Alcohol is a diuretic too so try to drink a glass of water for every glass of wine or beer to minimise dehydration. This is a real toughie isn’t it, especially when you’re out but if you ask for a jug of water in a restaurant, it’ll be easier to achieve.
Water can be perceived as a boring drink but it plays such an important role in our very being. Make the change and make water part of your daily routine.