We have different percentages of water in our bodies at different ages; effectively housing less water as we get older. Babies are 75 to 80% water; as adults we consist of around 70% water, and as we get older this drops to approximately 50 to 60% for women and 60 to 65% for men.

This water is spread around the human body in constant percentages:

  • Human bones contain 31% water;
  • The human brain is 85% water;
  • Our heart is around 73% water;
  • The skin is 64% water;
  • Muscles are 79% water; and
  • Kidneys contain around 79% water.

We lose water throughout the day via natural bodily functions such as sweating, urinating, bowel movements, sneezing, crying, and even breathing, and the human body cannot store water so we need to replace whatever water we lose constantly to avoid dehydration.

Dehydration can lead to thirst, flushed skin, dark coloured urine, a dry mouth, difficulty producing saliva, fatigue, mild headache, chills, dizziness, decreased sweating and urination, increased heart rate, respiration and body temperature, extreme fatigue, muscle cramps, severe headaches, nausea and constipation, and more.

Our bodies need water in order to function optimally because it plays a major function in keeping us healthy:

  • Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturised and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
  • Drinking Water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles, helping to build them and keep them working harder and longer;
  • Drinking water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs, thereby increasing your cognitive function;
  • Drinking Water keeps your joints strong, healthy and lubricated;
  • Drinking water also supports nerve function as it ensures that your body’s electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain

Drinking water regularly also keeps your kidneys functioning properly so that toxins can be ejected from your body via urination, helps with digestion, prevents fluid retention, suppresses your appetite and prevents constipation.