Water is essential for human survival. Our bodies are made up of roughly 60% water, and we need to replenish that supply on a daily basis to maintain our health and well-being.
How much water should you drink?
While the exact amount of water we need varies from person to person, a general guideline that is often recommended is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, or roughly 2 liters.
But why is it so important to drink this much water each day? The truth is, there are numerous benefits to staying well hydrated. From improving your physical health to boosting your mental clarity and overall mood, drinking enough water can have a major impact on your quality of life.
In this article, we’ll explore 9 good reasons why you should aim to drink those 8 glasses of water each day. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, boost your energy levels, or simply feel better throughout the day, you’ll find plenty of compelling reasons to prioritize hydration in your daily routine.
So, let’s dive in and explore the many benefits of staying well hydrated!
Improve Exercise Performance
Water offers numerous benefits, including its ability to aid in exercise. Proper muscle function requires a precise balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium. When hydration is inadequate, the exchange of electrolytes becomes more difficult, leading to muscle depletion and a higher risk of cramping.
Jen Bruning states, “If you want to build muscle, staying hydrated is crucial because muscles require water for optimal performance.” Consuming 8 ounces (235 ml) of water prior to physical activity is recommended to maintain hydration levels. For light or moderate workouts, carrying a water bottle is unnecessary. However, for more strenuous exercise or when training in hot and humid conditions, it’s best to have water or a sports drink on hand.
Improve Better Kidney Function
Jen Bruning explains that the kidneys eliminate waste from your body through fluids, and they require an adequate amount of water to function properly. If you are persistently dehydrated, your kidneys may struggle to perform their job, and a blood urea nitrogen test can help detect any malfunction. Moreover, Kelly Pritchett, a representative of the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, warns that infrequent urination can lead to the development of kidney stones due to the accumulation of minerals caused by the kidneys concentrating urine. “
Increase Energy Levels
Drinking water can have a positive impact on energy levels. When dehydrated, the body’s blood volume decreases, making the heart work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and organs. This can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy. By staying hydrated and drinking enough water, the body can maintain its fluid balance, allowing the heart to work more efficiently and reducing feelings of tiredness. Additionally, dehydration can impair cognitive function, so drinking enough water can also help improve mental alertness and focus, leading to increased productivity and energy levels.
Drinking water is essential for maintaining optimal bodily function, and it has been shown to increase energy levels. Dehydration can cause fatigue, as the body struggles to carry out basic functions without enough water. Proper hydration helps to ensure that cells and organs receive the necessary fluids to operate efficiently, leading to increased energy levels and improved cognitive function. Drinking water before, during, and after physical activity can also help to maintain energy levels and improve performance.
Improve Healthier and Shiny Skin
Drinking water is not only essential for keeping the body hydrated but it can also help in achieving healthy and radiant skin. When the body is properly hydrated, it helps to flush out toxins and impurities from the skin, which can lead to a clearer complexion. Water also helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In addition, water helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin, which can result in a healthy glow. It also aids in the production of collagen, a protein that gives skin its structure, elasticity, and youthful appearance. Without enough water, the skin can appear dull, dry, and flaky.
Moreover, staying hydrated can also help in preventing common skin problems like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. It can also alleviate the symptoms of dry and itchy skin.
Drinking water alone cannot guarantee flawless skin, but it is an essential component of a healthy skincare routine. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to reap the benefits of hydration for the skin.
Have regular bowel movements
Drinking water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to maintain a healthy digestive system and promote regular bowel movements. Proper hydration helps to keep the digestive system functioning properly, as water helps to soften stools, making them easier to pass. In addition, water helps to keep the intestines moving smoothly and prevents constipation, which can lead to discomfort and even health problems if left untreated.
When you are dehydrated, your body tries to absorb as much water as possible from the food you eat, which can result in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. This can cause constipation and other digestive problems. By drinking enough water throughout the day, you can help prevent these issues and keep your digestive system healthy.
Helps Fight Colds
Drinking water is essential for maintaining good health, and it can also help to boost your immune system, allowing your body to better fight off colds and other illnesses. When you drink enough water, it helps to flush out toxins and impurities from your body, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost your immune system. Additionally, staying hydrated helps to keep your nasal passages moist, which can prevent the drying out and cracking that can make it easier for germs to enter your body. Studies have shown that drinking water regularly can reduce the risk of developing colds and other respiratory infections. By keeping your body hydrated, you’re helping your immune system to function at its best, making it easier for your body to fight off illness and stay healthy.
Have fewer headaches
Headaches are a common problem that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. While there are various causes of headaches, dehydration is one that can be easily prevented by drinking enough water. When a person is dehydrated, their blood volume decreases, which can lead to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, causing headaches.
Drinking water can help alleviate headaches by increasing blood volume and improving blood flow to the brain. This can help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches. Moreover, drinking water can also help flush out toxins and other waste products from the body, which can contribute to headache development.
It is essential to maintain proper hydration levels throughout the day, especially during hot weather, physical activity, or illness, to prevent dehydration-induced headaches. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day is recommended to keep the body hydrated and to reduce the likelihood of headaches. In addition, avoiding excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, both of which can lead to dehydration, can also help in reducing headache frequency.
Improves sweat
As unpleasant as it may sound, sweating on the forehead when exercising is beneficial. This demonstrates that the body is doing its part to keep the temperature normal. Yet, if you haven’t been getting enough water, you might not perspire during a strenuous activity.
According to Jen Bruning, if you’re engaged in strenuous activity but aren’t perspiring (which you should be), that’s a symptom of dehydration.
Good for Overall Health
Drinking water is essential for maintaining good overall health. Water is an essential nutrient that helps to keep the body hydrated, and it plays a crucial role in several bodily functions. Adequate water intake helps to maintain the body’s fluid balance, regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, protect organs, and flush out waste and toxins.
Water is also essential for supporting the immune system, as it helps to flush out harmful toxins and waste products that can weaken the immune system. Studies have shown that people who drink more water are less likely to get sick, as their immune systems are better able to fight off infections.
Moreover, water can help to improve digestion and prevent constipation, which can contribute to overall feelings of discomfort and lethargy. Drinking water can also help to reduce headaches and migraines, which are often caused by dehydration.
To enjoy the benefits of drinking water for overall health, it is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day. However, individual water requirements can vary depending on factors such as age, gender, activity level, and climate. It is important to pay attention to the body’s thirst signals and increase water intake during hot weather, exercise, or illness.
