Here’s Why You Should Be Drinking More Water.
Water is one of the most essential nutrients for our bodies, yet many of us do not drink enough of it. Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, so staying properly hydrated is crucial for maintaining good health. Our Health and Wellness RN Lauren King says, “Drinking enough water is vital to your body functioning properly and is so important for our health.” Drinking more water is a simple yet powerful way to support our bodies and promote overall wellness. So, grab a glass of water and read on to discover the many ways in which staying hydrated can benefit your health.
- Promotes hydration: Drinking water is essential to maintain a healthy level of hydration in the body and to prevent dehydration. When we don’t drink enough water, we risk becoming dehydrated, which can lead to a range of health problems. Dehydration can cause symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, dry skin, and dizziness. In severe cases, it can even lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Lauren says, “Dehydration over a long period of time can even affect chronic health conditions.”
- Boosts energy: Drinking water can help combat fatigue and increase energy levels, making you feel more alert and productive. Our bodies require water to perform many essential functions, including transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells, regulating body temperature, and removing waste products. When we don’t drink enough, that can cause us to feel tired and sluggish.
- Improves digestion: Water helps break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients, promoting healthy digestion. Without enough water, our bodies may struggle to properly digest food, which can lead to a range of digestive problems such as constipation, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Supports kidney function: Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the kidneys, promoting healthy kidney function. When we are dehydrated, our kidneys may struggle to filter waste and toxins properly, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones or other kidney-related problems. Lauren says, “All our cells and organs rely on water to function their best.”
- Regulates body temperature: Water helps regulate body temperature by sweating and cooling the body during physical activity or in hot weather.
Our Health and Wellness RN Lauren says, ““It is recommended that women drink about 2.7 liters (L), or 11 cups, of fluid and men get about 3.7 L (16 cups) each day. Not all this fluid has to be water! You can drink water as well as tea, coffee, sparkling water, kombucha or coconut water to meet the recommendations. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks as much as possible.”
- Enhances skin health: Drinking water can help keep the skin hydrated and promote elasticity, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Our skin is the largest organ in the body and requires adequate hydration to stay healthy and function properly. When we don’t drink enough water, our skin can become dry, tight, and flaky, which can lead to a range of skin problems such as eczema, acne, and premature aging.
- Aids in weight loss: Drinking water can help promote feelings of fullness and reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss over time. By drinking more water and substituting it for high-calorie beverages, we can help to reduce overall calorie intake and support healthy weight management.
- Supports overall health: Drinking water is essential for overall health and can help prevent a variety of health conditions, such as headaches, constipation, and kidney stones.
Lauren King says, “The CDC gives these tips to drink more water:
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
- Freeze some freezer safe water bottles. Take one with you for ice-cold water all day long.
- Choose water over sugary drinks.
- Opt. for water when eating out. You’ll save money and reduce calories.
- Serve water during meals.
- Add a wedge of lime or lemon to your water. This can help improve the taste.
- Make sure your kids are getting enough water too!
Drinking more water is just one way to support your overall health. 365 Health, formerly 9Health Fair, is here to help you take steps towards a healthier you every day of the year. See how 365 Health can help you stay healthy all year long with affordable lab screenings, online health assessments, and with our new affordable telehealth option, Health in Hand.
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dehydration/hydration-calculator/