Did you know that the human body is between 50% - 80% made of water? That's why it's so important to stay hydrated and make sure we have enough water intake in order for our body to function properly.
I'll be honest with you, for me, it's very difficult to drink water. For whatever reason, I don't like it so much and even though I know the implications that come with not drinking enough I still have a hard time doing it. When Guys & St Thomas have asked me to investigate why staying hydrated is super important for your long term health I realized once again just how important this matter is and that I should take measures to ensure my body gets the right amount of water to function properly and stay healthy.
If you're still not convinced, here are 10 benefits of drinking water that you should be aware of.
1. Lubricates the joints
The cartilage found it the joints and the disks of the spine contains around 80% water. If you don't consume the right amount of water and you get dehydrated that will reduce the joints shock-absorbing ability that will lead to pain and trouble walking properly.
2. Boosts immune system
Water helps in carrying oxygen to red blood cells in our body. If the blood cells are healthy and well-oxygenated that means healthier systems throughout our body, the immune system included. With a healthier immune system, the body is able to more easily fight off intrusions.
3. Keeps bowels healthy
If you're having problems with your bowels and you suffer from constipation, you have to ask yourself first if you're drinking enough water. It is known that if you consume the right amount of water constipation shouldn't be an issue. Why? Because water is a natural lubricant that keeps everything, well, running smoothly. If the colon does not receive the water it needs every day, it can dry out. This results in constipation and can lead to other health concerns within a short amount of time.
4. Removes toxins from your body
Remember that when you're sick, you're advised to drink a lot of water? Why do you think that happens? Water helps flushing toxins out of our body and that helps your body heal. Water helps the kidneys to flush what they’ve collected out of the body naturally. When you’re sick, your body has more toxins than usual and needs more water to keep up with the extra work.
5. Weight loss
Water is not only a great calorie-free beverage choice, but it also actively helps your body lose weight by suppressing your appetite if consumed immediately before a meal and by increasing the rate your body burns fat while working to break down fat cells. That's why you will see that it's recommended in every diet to drink at least 2 liters of water per day.
6. Water gives you energy
Our bodies require water to carry out almost every process which happens at the cellular level. Water carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body’s circulatory system, delivering and distributing them throughout the body. This process not only keeps you alive and moving but is also responsible for maintaining your energy level throughout the day.
7. Increased concentration
Our brain requires a lot of water to function properly. Not only does water aid in the function of your brain, but also in the generation of mood-boosting hormones. Even mild dehydration can negatively impact both your ability to focus and your mood.
8. Healthy skin
Sufficient water consumption can help keep your skin hydrated and improve capillary blood flow to support healthy and young-looking skin.
9. Treats headaches and migraines
Staying hydrated helps you become more alert, composed, and focused, ultimately improving your productivity. If you don't drink enough water you are triggering headaches or migraine episodes. Headaches that occur due to dehydration are best treated and prevented in the future by consuming an adequate amount of water daily.
10. Mood booster
Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself. In turn, you’re more likely to be in a good mood!
The amount of water that you should drink daily depends on several factors like metabolism, temperature, eating habits and medical condition. It is recommended that the minimum intake should be 2 liters of water per day.
Because we can forget sometimes to drink water, you should always try to have around you a bottle that you can easily carry with you and you can add lemon, fruit or herbs, to make it tastier.
Now that summer is just around the corner, it's extremely important to take care of our water intake and make sure we are always hydrated.
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