The Super Drink That Does More for Your Body Than You Think

Most people think a “super drink” must be something expensive like a green smoothie, a protein shake or a fancy mix. And those are all great but the real super drink is the one we often ignore every day: Water!

We go through our days on low hydration without realising it. You wake up tired, you grab a cup of coffee, you sit in traffic, you rush through work, you squeeze in a gym session and before you know it – it’s bedtime and you haven’t actually sipped on water at all!

Your body depends on water for everything. Thinking, Moving, Digesting, Cooling down and Repairing tissue. Without it, every system slows down. That sudden afternoon headache. The random mood dip. The craving for sugar. The stiff feeling in your joints. These are not always signs of stress or fatigue. They are often your body asking for the water it did not get.

How much water is enough?

The big question is HOW MUCH? Most people do well with six to eight glasses a day. But your lifestyle changes the number. If you drink coffee, add one extra glass. If you exercise, add two. If you work outside, add more throughout the day. If you eat salty food, drink more. Your needs change depending on what you do.

A simple test: Look at your urine. If it is pale yellow, you are fine. If it is dark, your body is asking you to drink water. This is your quickest hydration indicator and it works for everyone.

Dehydration signs to look out for

• You feel tired but you slept well.
• You get irritable for no reason.
• Your skin feels dry.
• Your mouth feels sticky.
• You crave sugar.
• Your eyes burn after a long screen day.
• You get cramps during exercise.

These are early warning signs. Your body is not broken. It’s thirsty. Topping up your water intake will go a long way in alleviating these symptoms. Always remember though, If your symptoms are severe or do not improve, you need real medical attention because hydration alone is not enough for serious conditions.

Not all drinks hydrate

Coffee, tea and cold drinks do not replace water. In fact, they can make you lose more fluid. This is why so many people feel drained, stiff or foggy even though they believe they’re hydrating. They are drinking fluids that do not hydrate them effectively.

Drinks that actually help you include: water, electrolyte solutions, oral rehydration drinks, coconut water and diluted fruit juice. These provide fluids your body can absorb properly and support real hydration.

Five simple hydration hacks

1. Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Your body goes hours without fluid overnight. Start the day by filling the tank.

2. Keep a bottle on your desk. If it is visible, you will drink more.

3. Drink water before every meal. It helps hydration and digestion.

4. Add flavour if water feels boring. Lemon, cucumber, mint or strawberries make it easier to drink.

5. Carry water in the car. Most people get dehydrated during long drives without realising it.

If you are very active, sweating a lot or feeling run down, adding electrolytes to your daily routine is a game-changer. Chat to your Ringpharm Pharmacist for a suitable electrolyte solution. It helps replace salts and minerals that water alone does not provide, especially during heat, illness or long training sessions.