Stay slimmer with water

Trying to lose weight? Water revs up metabolism and helps you feel full.

• Replace calorie-laden beverages with water and drink a glass before meals to help you feel fuller.
• Drinking more water also helps pump up your metabolism -- especially if your glass is icy cold. Your body must work to warm the water up, burning a few extra calories in the process.

Water boosts your energy

If you're feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes you feel fatigued.

• Water helps the blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells.
• If you're getting enough water, your heart also doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body.

Lower stress with water

85% of your brain tissue is water. If you're dehydrated, both your body and your mind will be stressed.

• If you're feeling thirsty, you're already a little dehydrated.
• To keep stress levels down, keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a sports bottle and sip regularly.

Build muscle tone with water

Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body.

When you're well hydrated, you can exercise longer and stronger without "hitting the wall."

Nourish your skin

Fine lines and wrinkles are deeper when you're dehydrated. Water is nature's own beauty cream.

• Drinking water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your face look younger.
• It also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, leaving your face clean, clear and glowing.

Stay regular with water

Along with fibre, water is essential for good digestion.

• Water helps dissolve waste particles and pass them smoothly through your digestive tract.
• If you're dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water, leaving your bowel motions dry and more difficult to pass.

Water reduces kidney stones

The rate of painful kidney stones is rising because people, including children, aren't drinking enough water.

• Water dilutes the salts and minerals in your urine that form the solid crystals known as kidney stones.
• Kidney stones are less likely to form in diluted urine, so reduce your risk with plenty of water.

Are you drinking enough water?

The UK's Eatwell Guide recommends drinking 6-8 glasses of water, low-fat milk or other sugar-free drinks a day.

Remember, you may need more water if you exercise or sweat heavily. However, you may need less water if you drink other beverages often.

Related reading

• Dehydration in adults
• Dehydration in children
• Liquid refreshment
• 11 non-alcoholic drinks for people with diabetes
• Skinny sipping slideshow
• Energy drinks