Staying properly hydrated is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to cleanse the body from the inside out. Water helps flush toxins, prevents constipation, aids digestion, boosts kidney function and more. But with so many beverages to choose from, it can be tempting to overlook plain old H2O. Here’s why increasing your pure water intake is so important for cleansing your system, along with tips for making it more enticing with natural flavours.
Why Water Matters
Water makes up about 60% of our body weight! Every cell and bodily process requires it to function properly. Water transports nutrients, removes waste, regulates temperature, lubricates joints, cushions organs and facilitates detoxification. Even mild dehydration hinders both physical and mental performance. To reap the benefits, strive for 8 glasses of water and other hydrating, non-caffeinated beverages per day.
Boosts Toxin Removal
Water provides the main exit route for toxins. Adequate hydration keeps things moving smoothly through your gastrointestinal tract. Water is also necessary for producing urine, the body’s liquid waste. Nutrients have to dissolve into your bloodstream on their way to cells, and the kidneys filter out accompanying metabolic byproducts. Getting sufficient fluids helps the kidneys efficiently remove toxins, urea and excess mineral ions that would otherwise build up.
Supports Gut and Liver Health
The gut and liver are the major pathways your body uses to eliminate toxins. The intestinal tract excretes solid wastes and houses trillions of bacteria that help metabolise harmful compounds. The liver filters blood coming from the digestive tract before it circulates through your body. It neutralises drug residues, chemical additives, excess hormones and other unwanted substances. Both organs need ample water to function properly and break down toxins.
Prevents Constipation
Constipation occurs when stools move too slowly through the colon, allowing excess water to be reabsorbed. This makes stools hard, dry and difficult to pass. Staying hydrated keeps your digestive system slippery and things moving smoothly. Aim for 30g of fibre per day as well. Fibre soaks up fluid in your intestine, adding bulk and moisture to your stool. It’s cleansing for the entire GI tract.
Discourages Bingeing
Thirst signals can sometimes mimic hunger, leading you to eat when you just need fluids. Staying on top of your water intake helps avoid this. Often when we crave snacks like crisps, sweets or baked goods, we’re really thirsty and mineral deficient. Water provides a zero-calorie way to fill up and prevent overeating and bloating. Bingeing on unhealthy treats hampers your body’s natural cleansing abilities.
Bolsters Exercise Performance
Exercise provides a deep cleansing effect by increasing circulation, oxygenation and sweating. But all that movement and sweating leads to fluid losses that must be continually replaced. Even mild dehydration can hinder your workouts. Aim to drink about half a cup every 15-20 minutes when exercising. Weight training, hot yoga, high intensity intervals and other hardcore workouts require more. Hydrating properly allows your body to exercise more efficiently and reap the full cleansing benefits.
Ways to Perk Up Plain Water
While water should make up the bulk of your fluid intake, adding flavour can provide variety and additional cleansing benefits. Here are some healthy ways to jazz up your water:
- Fresh lemon, lime, orange or grapefruit wedges or slices
- Fresh mint, basil, cucumber or watermelon chunks
- Frozen berry cubes
- A splash of 100% fruit juice
- Sliced ginger root or cinnamon sticks
- Rose water or orange flower water
- A spoonful of chia seeds, matcha powder or aloe vera juice
- Herbal teas like hibiscus, mint, chamomile or rooibos
- Sparkling mineral water
The key is keeping added sugars to a minimum. Whip up a big pitcher of fruit-infused water to keep on hand. Hydrating properly allows your body’s innate cleansing systems to work at their best all day long.