Water: The Balance Your Body Needs

Water is the foundation of life. It’s the most critical nutrient our bodies need, playing a role in nearly every major bodily function. For those in high-pressure environments like superyachting, drinking the right water is crucial for maintaining health and performance.

Why Water Matters

Article by

Marli Schoonraad

The Basics

  • Water Molecule (H2O): Two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Pure water is rarely found in nature because it dissolves many substances.
  • Minerals and Trace Elements: Essential for health. Key minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, silica, and fluoride.
  • Gases: Oxygen improves taste and freshness; carbon dioxide affects the pH and taste of sparkling water.

Importance to Your Body

  • Cellular Function: Maintains cell structure and function, and facilitates biochemical reactions.
  • Temperature Regulation: Sweating and respiration help regulate body temperature.
  • Joint Lubrication: Synovial fluid in joints contains water, reducing friction.
  • Waste Elimination: Essential for kidney function, flushing out toxins.
  • Nutrient Transport: Dissolves and transports nutrients and oxygen to cells.

Effects of Dehydration

  • Mild: Thirst, dry mouth, fatigue.
  • Moderate: Dizziness, confusion, decreased urine output.
  • Severe: Heat injury, kidney stones, life-threatening complications.

 

Drinking the Right Water

What’s in Your Water?

  1. Good Water:

    • Spring Water: Naturally rich in minerals.
    • Aquifer Water: Filtered naturally through rock, rich in minerals.
    • Ice Glacier Water: Pure and mineral-rich.
  2. Bad Water:

    • Contaminated Water: Contains pathogens, heavy metals, and chemicals.
    • Distilled Water: Lacks minerals, can lead to deficiencies.
    • Filtered Water: While it removes contaminants, it may also strip away essential minerals.

 

The Importance of Minerals

“Don’t drink pure or distilled water; save it for ironing and washdowns. Water needs minerals, and so does your body. If it’s been filtered, ensure the right minerals have been reintroduced.” – Marli

Key Minerals in Water

  • Calcium: Supports bone health and muscle function.
  • Magnesium: Essential for muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and energy production.
  • Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals.
  • Sodium: Maintains fluid balance, supports nerve function, and muscle contractions.
  • Silica: Benefits skin, hair, nails, and joint health.
  • Fluoride: Prevents dental cavities.
  • Bicarbonate: Helps maintain the body’s pH balance and supports digestive health.
  • Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
  • Iron: Primarily for the formation of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which carries oxygen throughout the body.

What Happens When Water Lacks Minerals?

  • Electrolyte Imbalance: Can cause muscle weakness, cramps, and arrhythmias.
  • Bone Health Issues: Insufficient calcium and magnesium can lead to osteoporosis and fractures.
  • Cognitive and Physical Impairments: Deficiencies can result in fatigue, confusion, and impaired cognitive function.

Recommended Daily Mineral Intake

  • Calcium: 1,000 mg for adults.
  • Magnesium: 310-420 mg for adults.
  • Potassium: 2,500-3,000 mg for adults.
  • Sodium: Less than 2,300 mg for adults.
  • Silica: No established daily value, but present in many mineral waters.
  • Fluoride: 3-4 mg for adults.

 

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS measures the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in a liquid, including minerals, salts, and metals.

  • Low TDS (0-50 mg/L): Very pure, minimal taste.
  • Moderate TDS (50-150 mg/L): Balanced taste, often found in natural spring water.
  • High TDS (150-500 mg/L): Rich in minerals, fuller taste.
  • Very High TDS (>500 mg/L): Often found in mineral waters, very distinct taste.

 

How Much Water Should You Drink?

  • Women: Approximately 2.7 liters (11.5 cups) per day.
  • Men: Approximately 3.7 liters (15.5 cups) per day.
I know this might look like a lot, but it’s possible. Have your water bottles prepped each evening and work out your game plan for the next day. It’s a much easier and natural approach than drinking several pills each day. Prevention is better than cure!

 

Caffeine: Not the Answer

In high-pressure environments, many turn to caffeine or energy drinks for those energy boosts. However, excessive caffeine intakes can lead to dehydration, anxiety, digestive issues, and dependency. Relying on minerals and proper hydration can provide sustained energy and mental clarity without the crash that follows caffeine consumption.

 

Personal Experience

Working in the demanding superyacht industry, both offshore and onshore, has shown me firsthand the benefits of drinking the right water. The high-pressure, fast-paced environment on a superyacht makes staying hydrated crucial. I’ve always enjoyed my coffee, but I quickly realized that one cup is my limit. Too much coffee can really take a toll on your health and performance.

Believe me when I say I know what it feels like to be truly exhausted. At the age of 28, I faced a major burnout after transitioning from a demanding offshore career to unexpectedly launching and building my business onshore. During my recovery, I experienced the sudden and unexpected loss of my dad. These challenges took a huge toll on my health, and as Pull North began to flourish rapidly, I had to keep up. Looking back, it really all happened at once. Stepping in while stepping up has never been more real.

It took some time, but I eventually realized that coffee isn’t the answer when you’re feeling tired. While many factors helped me regain my strength, drinking the right water played a significant role. Starting with something as simple as drinking the right water has been a game-changing approach for me. When we take care of our bodies, they really do take care of us in return.

With the new phase of Pull North launching soon, having the right water by my side makes me feel much more relaxed and ready. Although a different kind of “all” is happening at once again, I have the clarity and strength to take it on with ease. 

Switching to mineral-rich water was transformative. The clarity, strength, and overall well-being I’ve gained is remarkable. Our bodies have the natural ability to perform optimally, but it needs the right nutrients. Sometimes, it really can be as simple as switching to drinking the right water.

This change not only improved my physical health but also my mental focus and resilience. By feeding my body the minerals it needs, I am now able to stay energized and focused throughout my day.

Embrace the power of minerals, and make hydration a priority in your daily routine. Your body will thank you. Water has refueled me with so much energy!

I can’t wait to share the rest of what I’ve been doing to regain my strength, but for now, trust me when I say, the right water brings balance to the body.

Engage with Us

Have questions or experiences to share? Comment below or reach out to us! Let’s make sure we’re all drinking the best water for our health. Stay hydrated, stay strong!

One of my favorite waters that has truly made a significant impact on my daily routine is Lotus Water. This isn’t a sponsored blog; it’s simply my personal experience. It works well for my body, but everyone’s body and deficiencies are different. Get to know your body and find the water that works best for you xx

Have a look at their website and maybe even order to give it a try: https://lotusglow.co.za/about-lotus-glow/

Let me know how you feel when you find your water and the impact it brings to your daily life!

Disclaimer: I am not a Dr, nor a Health Practitioner, I am purely just sharing my experience and new found love for water.

All the training courses booked through Pull North Yachting are accredited with the correct accreditations & we pride ourselves in the quality of the facilities we are affiliated with. Please don’t hesitate to inquire any further information.

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