The human body is composed of 60 percent H2O. Blood is 90 percent water. That’s a lot of water.
It seems as though, for the most part, we get adequate hydration throughout the day. However, we’re often not getting this hydration from pure water. We’re sourcing hydration from other beverages and the foods we eat. While this is an acceptable way to stay hydrated, it comes with a few compromises. Namely, calories.
While juice or soda will provide hydration, the added (and often artificial) sugars can be harmful. The value of drinking good old pure, clear water should not be underestimated. While our individual hydration needs may vary, the benefits of being hydrated do not!
7 Benefits of Drinking Enough Water Daily
1) Regulation of Body Temperature
We sweat when we get hot. This is the body’s way of regulating its temperature and preventing it from overheating, which can lead to serious — even deadly — health complications. If we lack adequate hydration, we are unable to sweat properly to maintain a healthy, normal body temperature. Whether you’re exercising or sweltering in hot weather, make sure you are intentional in your water consumption to compensate for losses.
2) Gut & Digestive Health
Our gut is so important that it is often called the “second brain” of the body. Our enteric nervous system follows the length of our digestive tract and is controlled by many of the same neurons and neurotransmitters as the brain. Drinking water before, after, and during meals can help the body process nutrients effectively. Not only does it help the body absorb nutrients, but it regulates and prevents digestive issues like constipation, acid reflux, heartburn, and stomach ulcers.
3) Joint Protection
Water is the lubricant that “cushions” our joints and the spinal cord. This can help ease and prevent conditions that impact the joints, like arthritis. Proper hydration makes physical activity more comfortable and allows the body to “bounce back” more effectively from strain and injury.
4) Skin Health
Our body’s largest organ is our skin. Skin health should not be underestimated! Hydration can not only prevent the development of wrinkles and dry, flaky skin but skin disorders like psoriasis and eczema, too. Hydration helps the body remove toxins through the skin, while dehydration causes the body to hold on to these toxins.
5) Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
As I mentioned in the beginning, our blood is 90 percent water. Dehydration causes the blood to thicken, which increases blood pressure. Adequate hydration, then, allows blood to more effectively pump throughout the body. This means that oxygen is delivered more effectively, nutrients are better carried, and circulation improves. As a result, drinking enough water can help manage hypertension.
6) Physical Performance
You knew this was going to be on the list! There are several ways hydration impacts physical performance.
Let’s talk about the lungs first. Because the body does what it can to prevent water loss, our airways restrict. This can make allergies and asthma worse and can cause breathing to become less efficient in transporting oxygen to our organs and muscle tissue.
The oxidative stress is heightened during exercise, but exercise also increases antioxidants in the body, which promotes liver, heart, and muscle health. Proper hydration can limit the oxidative stress on the body, particularly during exercise.
Increasing water intake during intensive exercise means more effective muscle performance, body temperature regulation, and motivation. This allows you to exercise more effectively for longer without experiencing fatigue or heat stress.
7) Energy & Brain Function
Studies show that even minor dehydration can impair brain function. Mood, memory, and cognitive performance are all impacted by hydration levels. All cells of the body, including brain cells, rely on water to optimize their function. A dehydrated brain works harder to complete tasks than a hydrated brain. This leads to mood changes and fatigue. Dehydration can even trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. It’s particularly important to note that we are more prone to dehydration as we age. If we want to maintain brain function for the long haul, hydration is key!
There are a thousand reasons to incorporate more water intake into your diet. We run on water! If you find yourself feeling thirsty or simply knowing you aren’t drinking enough water, invest in a large water bottle that you can fill, see, and finish, knowing that you have reached your water intake goals.
While everyone has different hydration needs based on body composition, activity levels, and other factors, the general rule of thumb is 8 8oz servings per day.
What do you do to incorporate more water consumption into your day? Share your tips in the comments.