We all know hydration is important – you’ve no doubt heard it a thousand times. But let’s be real, when life gets hectic, drinking water is the first thing to slip your mind. You power through your morning coffee, smash a few meetings, and suddenly, it’s lunchtime… and you’ve barely had a sip of water.
Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone.
Research shows that 60% of Brits drink less than a single glass of water a day [1] – yep, one glass. That’s a lot of parched brains and sluggish bodies trying to keep up with daily demands. But here’s the good news: the benefits of staying hydrated go far beyond just quenching your thirst.
From glowing skin to sharper mental clarity and keeping your body in tip-top shape, hydration is the unsung hero of health and well-being. So, if you’ve been wondering, "Why is hydration important for the body?" or "How does hydration help your skin?", you’re in the right place. Here are ten ways staying hydrated supports your skin, mind, and body – plus practical tips to hydrate smarter.
1. Hydration Benefits for Skin: Elasticity and Wrinkle Reduction
Water is essential for maintaining your skin’s elasticity and moisture levels [2]. When you’re hydrated, your skin cells function better, leaving your skin smoother, plumper, and less prone to irritation. Hydration also improves elasticity, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by preventing your skin from drying out [3]. Dehydration, on the other hand, causes your skin to look dull and tired, highlighting imperfections like dark circles and dry patches.
Tip: Want glowing, hydrated skin? Start with water, but don’t forget hydrating foods like cucumber, melons and tomatoes. They’re over 90% water and loaded with vitamins and antioxidants that nourish your skin from the inside out.
2. Hydration for Mental Clarity and Cognitive Function
Your brain is about 75% water, which makes hydration critical for mental clarity and focus [4]. Even mild dehydration – just 1-2% of body water loss – can impact cognitive performance, making it harder to concentrate, think clearly, and retain information. Studies show that staying hydrated improves reaction times, memory, and decision-making – crucial whether you’re tackling work, studying, or hitting the gym.
Tip: If you often forget to drink water, set reminders on your phone or try a water-tracking app to keep yourself on track. Not a fan of plain water? Add a splash of flavour with citrus slices or fresh herbs like mint. For an extra boost, drop a Phizz tablet into your water bottle – it adds a refreshingly fruity taste and hydrates you 3x faster than water alone.
Extra insight: Dehydration can also contribute to anxiety, low mood and irritability [5]. Next time you’re feeling low, grumpy or anxious, try a glass of water (or Phizz) before reaching for a snack or coffee.
3. Physical Performance and Energy Levels
Hydration is essential for keeping your body moving and energised. When you’re dehydrated, blood flow to your muscles decreases, making physical tasks feel harder and increasing the risk of cramps and fatigue. It’s like trying to drive a car with no oil. Water also regulates body temperature, which is key during workouts or hot weather – because, let’s face it, nobody enjoys feeling like an overheated toaster.
Tip: To hit your peak physical performance, drink water before, during, and after any activity. For longer or more intense workouts, replenish electrolytes with a glass of Phizz to help balance sodium and potassium levels and avoid muscle cramps.
4. Digestion and Detoxification
Water plays a key role in your digestive system. It helps break down food, supports nutrient absorption, and keeps things moving through your intestines to prevent constipation [6]. Staying hydrated also assists your kidneys in flushing out toxins, ensuring your body gets rid of waste efficiently.
Tip: Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon. It’s a simple way to kick-start your metabolism, aid digestion, and keep your system running smoothly all day long.
5. Heart Health and Circulation
Your heart pumps blood through your body 24/7, but dehydration makes its job harder. [7]. Without enough water, your blood thickens, forcing your heart to work overtime to circulate it. Over time, this strain can increase blood pressure and impact your overall cardiovascular health.
Tip: Drink consistently throughout the day – especially before and after physical activity – to keep your blood volume stable and your heart happy.
6. Reduces Headaches
Dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches. When you’re dehydrated, brain tissues shrink slightly, pulling away from the skull and triggering pain. It’s one of your body’s earliest signs that you need more fluids.
Tip: If a headache hits, drink slowly – chugging can overwhelm your system. Rebalance your electrolyte levels and rehydrate more effectively with Phizz to ease symptoms faster.
7. Hydration and Appetite
Sometimes, you may confuse your body’s signal for water with hunger, which can lead to unnecessary snacking. Drinking water helps you feel fuller for longer, supports portion control, and reduces cravings [8]. It also boosts your metabolism, making hydration a simple but effective addition to any weight management plan.
Tip: Drink a glass of water 30 minutes before meals to prevent overeating. Snack on water-rich foods like apples, celery, and watermelon for a hydration and nutrient boost that keeps you satisfied.
8. Sleep and Relaxation
Hydration impacts how well you sleep. Without enough water, you may experience muscle cramps, dry mouth, or drops in blood pressure, all of which can disrupt your rest.
Tip: Avoid loading up on water right before bed to prevent unnecessary trips to the loo. If nighttime muscle cramps are an issue, pair your hydration with foods high in magnesium and potassium, like bananas or almonds. You can also add a Phizz tablet to your water – it’s formulated with these essential nutrients to support muscle relaxation and keep those cramps at bay.
9. Immunity and Overall Health
Water is essential for immune function as it helps maintain lymph fluid – a substance that produces white blood cells to fight infections [9]. Think of water as your immune system’s delivery truck, keeping everything moving and ready to take on intruders. Staying hydrated also improves your body’s ability to regulate temperature and flush out toxins.
Tip: Up your hydration game during cold and flu season with warm, soothing drinks like herbal teas or broths, which are both hydrating and comforting.
10. Joint Lubrication and Mobility
Cartilage in your joints is about 70-80% water, which means hydration is essential for flexibility and cushioning [10]. Dehydration can make your joints feel stiff or sore, especially after exercise or prolonged movement.
Tip: Drink water consistently throughout the day to keep your joints lubricated. For added joint support, include omega-3-rich foods like salmon, chia seeds, or walnuts in your diet.
Boost Your Skin, Mind and Body with Smarter Hydration
The benefits of staying hydrated touch every part of your health – from hydration benefits for skin like improved elasticity to hydration for mental clarity and overall physical well-being. Staying on top of your water intake isn’t just about feeling better; it’s about giving your body what it needs to thrive.
Pro Tip: For a hydration boost that works harder, try Phizz’s Daily 3-in-1 formula to stay hydrated, energised, and ready to crush whatever the day throws at you.
References
- https://www.sheaoh.co.uk/how_hydrated_are_you_dehydration_in_the_w
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4529263/
- https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/drink-water-skin
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7271046/
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-dehydration-cause-anxiety-8691598
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/digestion/faq-20058348
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4121911/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dehydration-and-heart-palpitations
- https://www.health.com/lymph-nodes-8666424
- https://orthopedicassociates.org/dehydration-and-joint-pain-how-your-hydration-is-affecting-joint-health/