Why do we need to drink more water? Why is sleep so important? Why are we always being encouraged to stay active?
These are the questions at the heart of our new 'But Why?' campaign, which aims to explore the biology and science behind some of the most common pieces of health advice.
Health messages are often kept simple to make them easy to understand, but that can sometimes leave people wondering why these recommendations matter in the first place. Through the new series, we'll be taking a closer look at the science behind everyday advice and explaining how our bodies work.
The first topic in the series focuses on hydration, particularly as warmer weather returns.
Water plays a vital role in helping the body function properly. It helps transport oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream, supports the chemical reactions that produce energy, helps regulate body temperature through sweating, and allows the kidneys to remove waste products from the blood.
When we don't drink enough, the body starts conserving fluid and dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
While staying hydrated is advice many of us have heard countless times, understanding the science behind it can help explain why it remains so important, particularly during periods of hot weather.
