Stay hydrated

Our bodies are made up of 60% water, which is why proper hydration is essential for our health. Pure, clean drinking water helps keep your body running smoothly. Water optimises blood pressure, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, moves waste out of the body and aids in digestion. Increased summer temperatures and outdoor activities result in increased water loss through sweating and evaporation as your body works to stay cool. When more water moves out of the body than we take in, we become dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include lightheadedness, hunger pangs and dry mouth. A nagging headache might be your body’s way of telling you that your brain is dehydrated. After all, the brain consists of 73% water and needs to be constantly hydrated.

1 After waking up in the morning

Our body loses water during the night. A glass of cold water is an excellent kick-start for the day.

2 Before a meal

Drinking water before eating helps you feel fuller, which means you won’t overeat.

3 When you feel hungry

Hunger pangs are often mistaken for hunger, while they are actually symptoms of dehydration. If you feel hungry between meals, drink some water first to see if you’re not dehydrated.

4 Before a workout

Make sure your body is properly hydrated before taking part in strenuous exercises.

5 After a workout

After vigorous exercise, you need water to replace fluids lost through perspiration.

6 When you’re exposed to germs

If you’re around sick people at work and school, or in hospital, drink a little more water than usual to help wash away germs and viruses that your body may have picked up.

7 When you’re ill

When you’re ill, you need to drink plenty of fluids, including water, to get better. Not getting enough fluids can affect the body's ability to fight infection.

8 When you’re tired

Fatigue is another symptom of dehydration. Drinking water might boost your energy levels a bit.