Does Drinking Water Improve Your Singing Voice?

Do you remember to stay hydrated throughout the day?

Dehydration is when the body loses fluid and electrolytes more quickly that it can replace them.

Whether you're a singer, performer, public speaker, athlete (or in fact none ,of the above!) it's so important to stay hydrated.

It’s a common misconception that chugging a bottle of water before you go on stage will help hydrate you… and it will to some extent, but only on a superficial basis.

Water can take anywhere between15 minutes to a few hours to reach and hydrate our organs and cells, including hydrating the vocal cords, so it’s really important to sip water throughout the day.

We take it for granted that water is essential but why is it important for singers and performers to keep hydrated?

Keeping the vocal cords hydrated ensures that the mucous membrane remains thin and slippery, allowing the vocal cords to vibrate freely and efficiently whilst also maintaining flexibilty and elasticity. Sufficiently hydrated vocal cords are less prone to injury and fatigue, important for all singers, actors and public speakers.

Dehydration may cause the vocal cords to become more mucuousy and sticky which could contribute to hoarsness and vocal strain.

Water in my opinion, is a nutrient required for the whole body. Afterall, all of our body systems are connected. You see, water is also needed to absorb water soluble nutrients, flush toxins out of the body and to keep skin fresh and plump. It’s essential for joint support and cartilage production (think about those flexi goals dancers and aerialists!) and can boost metabolism so may help in reducing bloating.

6 Signs You Could Be Dehydrated

1. Headaches
   

Our brains are 80% water, which shows how essential water is for brain function! So it's no surprise that if we are dehydrated our brain function suffers. We can end up with headaches, migraines, brain fog and fatigue. Although dehydration isn't the only vice, it's certainly a common reason as to why lots of people experience these symptoms regularly. A study I found interesting noticed that dehydrated subjects were more likely to experience an increased pain response which suggests that the nervous system is under stress, maybe another reason why consuming water may be beneficial to reducing aches?

2. Dry, dull skin With water being the main component of cells and tissues, it represents between 60-75% of the body’s composition but it also acts as a transportation service. It allows molecules to be carried in and out of cells and keeps the body in balance. But how does it make skin appear plumper and younger?

Well, water acts like a lubricant and moisturises from the inside. This allows our skins natural barrier to protect us better from harmful environment or chemicals.

Again, lack of hydration may not be the only cause of dry or dull skin, but it's a good place to start improving if you know you could increase your water intake!

3. Constipation

One of the most common contributions to constipation is dehydration. Without water, our stools most likely won't be soft. Water keeps stool moving and keeps our intestines soft and mailable.

Of course, as in most instances, it may not be the only answer but make sure you're drinking enough water. As a general rule, aiming for 2-3L a day can improve hydration.

4. Joint aches

Water acts as a lubricant and shock absorbent for our joints. Synovial fluid in the joints acts like a cushion so your bones don't rub together causing pain. Synovial fluid can be found in joints (hips, knees, feet, shoulders, and hands). This acts like a sponge - water fills the space, cushioning the joint, reducing friction giving a smooth, sustained motion to the joints. So, it's important for everyone of all ages, not just dancers and movers.

Now, I'm talking to singers, public speakers, teachers and anyone who uses their voice as their job and wants to consider vocal maintenance here too. The vocal cords require water to stay flexible whilst they vibrate so make sure you're not just "hydrating" before or during a show, keep on top of it.

5. Low Energy

A very common symptom of dehydration is tiredness. Water facilitates the transportation of oxygen and nutrients to our cells including our brain and heart. Dehydration can cause our blood pressure to drop which can lead to poor circulation and reduced blood flow to the brain causing tiredness.

6. Dark Urine

A clear sign that your body could do with hydration is the colour of your pee! Dark yellow suggest that the urine is more concentrated. This is because the urine is produced in the kidneys and the kidneys try to hold onto as much water as they can.

Again, like other instances, this may not always be the case with dark urine being a symptom of some medications or diseases. When in doubt, it's always best to seek medical advice from your GP.

As you can see, water makes up a huge percent of our body and works in different ways to keep our body functioning optimally not just the voice as our different body systems work together, not in isolation.

The moral of the story? Don't just wait until you're thirsty - that is your body's way of telling you it is already dehydrated, act before and make sure you are hydrating throughout the day!

How much water should a singer drink a day? 2-3L a day is a general rule. Remember, you can incorporate water in-take through herbal teas, soups, smoothies, stews, fruit, vegetables and juices.

Are you drinking enough water to stay hydrated?