Apart from oxygen water is the most important substance we consume. The body can produce 8% of its daily needs, which leaves us with a fair chunk to make up during the day.

Note: No nutrient can work inside the body with out water so refilling yourself with pure clean water is crucial.

When contaminants or other substances are combined with water (such as juice, coffee, tea) the water becomes less hydrating. They actually enhance the retention of water by extracellular bloating, and thus do not rehydrate the inside of your cells (where water is most needed).

Signs of dehydration include:

• Depression
• Stress
• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Headaches
• Excess hunger
• Constipation
• Anxiety

I think we often over eat at meals due to dehydration, if we just sat down and drunk 2 glasses of water before each meal we would resist the temptation of overloading our plates. A like to add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice in with my water as it quenches thirst and aids digestion better than plain water.

A water filter system is a critical investment; I also recommend reverse osmosis systems, however these can be quite costly. I advise getting a counter top water filter, the value and quality is great and they are easy to put into any kitchen. The system filters away viruses, some bacteria, chemicals and toxic heavy metals (which obviously don’t benefit you in any way.) Allowing you to sip away on fresh clean H²O.

words by nutritionist, Madeleine Shaw