Are You Drinking Enough Water?

My Weekly's favourite GP Dr Sarah Jarvis from TV and radio writes for you

- Dr Sarah Jarvis

Your body is made up of about 60% water, and it's needed for a host of functions to keep you feeling well and energised. During this summer's heatwave, there were regular announcements about the importance of avoiding dehydration, but even after the hottest days are over, it's still important to know how much to drink and what fluid is best. The expression "you are what you eat" is true, and the same applies to what you drink!

Almost every bodily process relies on fluid. You need enough water in your blood to carry essential oxygen and nutrients to your organs. Having enough fluid on board helps you digest food, lubricates your eyes and joints, and keeps your skin supple. This in turn reduces the chance of infection getting into your system through cracked skin.

In addition to a host of body processes, your kidneys need lots of fluids. All your blood is filtered through your kidneys many times a day. This lets your kidneys filter out waste products and toxins. Complicated feedback mechanisms tell your kidneys to remove, or reabsorb, salts and glucose needed for health. If you're severely short of fluid, the tiny filters stop working effectively and can be permanently damaged.

Being short of fluid can lead to constipation, just as too little fibre can. Lack of fluid can also quickly lead to headaches, tiredness and poor concentration. Specifically, if you suffer from them, even mild dehydration can bring on the throbbing headache and nausea of migraines. Your loved ones will thank you for staying hydrated too, because dehydration can make you feel irritable!