Hydration is crucial for health and well-being. Every system in your body relies on water, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day.
Around 60% of your body is made up of water. Your metabolism depends on it, your kidneys depend on it, your heart and lungs and liver and brain all depend on it. Your body cannot run efficiently without it. So, why do so many people fall short in the amount of water they drink?
When your body is dehydrated, heat storage increases and you are less able to tolerate extreme temperatures or exertion in heat.
Being sufficiently hydrated can reduce the physical strain of heat stress during exercise. And being sufficiently hydrated can decrease feelings of hunger and increase satiety.
- Weight loss
Water may help with weight loss. “Preloading” with 8 ounces of water before meals can help prevent overeating by helping you to feel full sooner. Drinking water regularly throughout the day can help to prevent blood sugar peaks and troughs that can lead to fat storage and retention.
2. It is necessary for efficient digestion.
Saliva helps digest food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. The mucous in the nose and throat help trap foreign substances in order to keep us healthy. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean. It can also help reduce tooth decay if water is consumed instead of sugary beverages or juices.
3. It delivers oxygen to your muscles and organs.
Having sufficient blood volume increases efficiency of the heart and lungs at oxygenating the body.
4. Boosts skin health and beauty
The skin can become vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling when dehydrated.
5. It enables the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system
Water is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning and might even contribute to depression or anxiety disorders.
6. It helps regulate body temperature
Water is stored as sweat in skin ducts. When the body heats up, it is released in order to help the body cool down. As it evaporates, it cools the body. Sweat also aids the body by
- boosting energy.
- maintaining healthy weight.
- defending against many diseases and health conditions.
- improving mood.
- promoting good sleep.
7. The digestive system depends on it
The bowel, intestines, and kidneys need sufficient hydration to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, decreased metabolism, and an increase in stomach acidity. This increases the risk of GERD, reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
8. It reduces the chance of a hangover
Alternating drinking water with ice with alcoholic drinks can help prevent overconsumption of alcohol and help prevent hangover symptoms by decreasing alcohol consumption and maintaining adequate hydration.
9. It helps to prevent migraines or regular headaches
Headaches are caused by blood vessel dilation in the head. When we are dehydrated, our blood vessels in our
11. It makes minerals and nutrients accessible
These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
12. It prevents kidney damage
The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
13. It boosts performance during exercise