We are like walking aquariums are your fish happily swimming or flapping around looking for water?

When I mention water to clients, I often get the same response...

"I know, I know... I should drink more water!"

Hydration isn't exactly the most exciting wellness topic, but what if some of the symptoms we experience every day could be linked to something as simple as not drinking enough water?

Think about an aquarium.

The fish need clean water to thrive. If the water level drops or the quality declines, the fish don't suddenly stop swimming overnight. Instead, they become sluggish, stressed and don't function at their best.

Our bodies can be very similar.

Around 50–70% of the human body is made up of water, depending on age, sex and body composition. Every cell, tissue and organ relies on water to function properly.

In many ways, we really are walking aquariums.

The question is:

Are your fish happily swimming, or are they flapping around looking for water?

Signs Your Body May Need More Water

Many people think dehydration starts and ends with feeling thirsty. Did know that when you dehydrated your body switches off the signal for thirst.

In reality, your body may be sending other signals, such as:

• Feeling tired or lacking energy

• Brain fog

• Poor concentration

• Headaches

• Constipation

• Dry skin

• Feeling hungry more often than usual

• Dizziness

• Reduced exercise performance

  
  

Before reaching for another coffee or searching for the latest wellness supplement, it may be worth asking yourself:

Have I actually had enough water today?

Why Water Is So Important

Water supports almost every function in the body.

It helps to:

• Carry nutrients and oxygen to your cells

• Support healthy digestion

• Help prevent constipation

• Lubricate joints

• Regulate body temperature

• Support kidney and liver function

• Protect organs and tissues

• Support clear thinking and concentration

• Keep tissues moist, including the eyes, mouth, nose and digestive tract

  
  

Water is one of the simplest wellness tools available to us, yet it is often the first thing we overlook.

How Much Water Do We Need?

A common recommendation is around 2 litres of water per day.

However, hydration needs vary from person to person.

Factors that can increase your need for water include:

• Exercise and sweating

• Warm weather

• Heating and air conditioning

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Illness such as fever, vomiting or diarrhoea

• Certain medications

• Diets high in salt

• High caffeine intake

• Some health conditions

  
  

Rather than focusing on a perfect number, aim to make water a consistent habit throughout the day.

Do Tea and Coffee Count?

Tea and coffee contain caffeine, which can have a mild diuretic effect (makes you wee more). Water should ideally remain your primary source of hydration, but enjoying tea and coffee doesn't mean you're automatically dehydrated. If you are concerned about caffeine or sensitive replace with decaff.

What About Herbal Teas?

Good news, herbal teas, contribute towards your fluid intake.

If plain water isn't your favourite drink, these can be useful ways to support hydration throughout the day and can be used hot or cold.

What About Juice and Squash?

Although these drinks contain fluid, they also contain sugars and other ingredients that require processing by the body and are technically as food. When drinking a hormone called insulin is produced.

They can have a place within a balanced lifestyle, but they shouldn't replace water as your main source of hydration.

What About Carbonated Fizzy Drinks?

Deplete the body and have nutritional value, best to be avoided.

What About Sparkling Water?

Counts towards hydration, but enjoy along side plain water.

Simple Ways to Drink More Water

If you struggle to drink enough water, try:

• Starting your day with a glass of water

• Keeping a reusable bottle nearby

• Drinking little and often throughout the day

• Adding herbal teas

• Flavouring water naturally with lemon, cucumber or berries

  
  

Small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.

Final Thoughts

Hydration may not be the most exciting topic in wellness, but it is one of the most important.

If you've been feeling tired, foggy, sluggish or simply not quite yourself, before looking for complicated solutions, start with the basics.

Take a look at your water intake.

Because when your aquarium is topped up and thriving, your fish can swim happily instead of flapping around looking for water 🐠💧