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The Health Benefits Of Water: Why You Should Stay Hydrated

By Edited Nov 13, 2013 0 0

Drinking Water Provides Health Benefits

We have heard throughout our entire lives that we need to drink water to stay healthy. Most experts recommend we have at least eight glasses of eight ounces each and while recent research shows this is more of a guideline than a strict rule, the consensus among doctors remains that water is very important to our health. Just like they knew all along, it helps with a great deal of bodily functions but every day it seems as if we learn something new about the benefits of water. Now we know it not only helps with our health, but our beauty as well. Here are some of the most important benefits associated with drinking plenty of water.

Balances Your Bodily Fluids

Most people have heard the statistic that our body is mostly made up of water but few realize that it is actually 60% to 70% water. Doctors consider the water in our bodies our bodily fluids and these help with normal everyday functions such as maintaining body temperature, transportation nutrients, creating saliva, circulation, absorption and digestion. Our body knows exactly how much liquid it needs to do all of these important functions; when we are thirsty, it is our kidney telling our brain we need more liquid and you should always listen to this suggestion.

Lose Weight

One of the first tips of any weight loss program is to drink plenty of water and that is no surprise since one of the benefits of water is helping you lose weight. It is not that water in particular has properties that make you lose weight; instead the important thing is that water replaces other options. This works in two ways: with food and drinks. Today a great deal of the daily caloric intake of the average adult is from drinks such as sodas or juices so if you replace all of your soft drinks with water, you are able to cut down on a significant amount of calories without any effort. In terms of food, opting for items that are water-rich such as fruits and vegetables will help keep you full longer, making you less likely to snack and ruin your diet. This is because water-rich foods are usually larger meaning that they take longer to chew; in addition the body absorbs these foods more slowly so you feel full longer.

Providing Energy For Muscles

Water Helps Your Muscles

Although body fluids play an important role in how we function, they are not the only part of the body affected by water. One of the benefits of water is helping cells keep up the right balance of electrolytes and fluids which helps prevent muscle fatigue. This means that although drinking water is always important, you have to take special care when exercising. You should have around 17 ounces two hours before you work out and take regular water breaks throughout your exercise routine.

Kidney Health

Probably one of the benefits of water that is most important is how it helps your kidneys. That is because our kidneys are responsible for getting rid of toxins from our body but to do this, they need to have access to plenty of fluids. The best way to tell if your kidneys have enough water is to pay attention to your urine. If it is odorless and light in color, you are properly hydrated. If, however, there is more color and odor, this means that your kidneys are saving some of the fluid to use for bodily functions, indicating they need more liquid to do their job properly.

Bowel Movements

Many people have heard that when you don’t have enough water in your system, you are more likely to feel constipated. This is because one of the benefits of water is that it allows the items in your gastrointestinal tract to flow normally, preventing constipation and other problems.

Healthy Skin

When your body becomes dehydrated, you will quickly notice that your skin has more wrinkles and seems drier but if you hydrate, it can go back to normal. That is because with the proper amount of water, your kidneys will excrete any access fluids, hydrating your skin. To help your skin stay hydrated, you can use a moisturizer that will make a physical barrier which keeps the moisture in your skin.

Adds Shine To Hair

Water Makes Your Hair Shiny

In addition to the benefits of water associated with drinking it, there are also some that you can see simply by using it. If you rinse your hair with cold water, for example, you will notice an increase in shine. That is because the cold temperature of the water will cause your hair’s cuticle (outer layer) to constrict and lay flatter which in turn causes your hair strands to look more reflective and smoother.

Look Younger

If you are conscious about the way you look, just try drinking as much water as you can. That is because by keeping your skin hydrated, water can fill in any fine lines or wrinkles you have, plump your skin naturally and improve your complexion.

Prevent Damage From Chlorine Or Saltwater

All swimmers know that spending an extended time in the pool or ocean can cause damage to your hair, but most people think you have to resort to specialized shampoos to avoid this. The good news is that all you need to do is use a little water before your swim. Simply rinse your hair out before you head in the water and the strands will absorb that water, meaning they can’t soak as much water with salt or chlorine.

Prevents Illnesses

One of the best ways to prevent diseases is to use water to your advantage often. If you regularly combine lukewarm water with soap and wash your hands, you will be able to fight off germs, keeping you healthier. Just remember to dry your hands completely afterwards as leaving your hands wet can actually increase the spreading of bacteria.

Reduce Risk Of Cancer

If you drink plenty of water, some research shows that you can actually cut your risk of developing certain types of cancer, specifically bladder and colon cancers. That is because water will dilute any concentration of cancer-causing agents that are in the urine as well as shortening the time they contact the bladder lining. 



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