9 Wonders of Drinking Enough Water
​​We all know it’s important to drink water and stay hydrated, especially in the summer. While drinking plenty of water keeps us from experiencing unpleasant symptoms of dehydration, it also provides several other benefits as well. I’m the first to admit that I have a hard time drinking the recommended about of water per day. I LOVE my carbonated beverages. Hence why I decided to take a challenge to drink more water for a month (and longer but let’s take it one step at a time). I’m using a water bottle that holds 32oz, and making sure that I drink two of them a day. This way I can be positive that I am drinking the recommended, 8 glasses (64 oz) of water a day. I even marked my water bottle and made a goal to drink to a certain mark by a specific time of day to help to keep stay on track.
Take this challenge with me! Here are the benefits we’ll enjoy together!
Clearer, Brighter Skin!
You don’t need an Instagram filter to have great looking skin. Drinking more water helps to keep your skin naturally moisturized. This can help to decrease dryness. Water also helps to clear toxins which can lead to clogged pores and acne.

Meeting Healthy Weight Goals!
Water can help to naturally suppress appetite. It also helps to burn fat and flush your body of toxins. If you are trying to reach or maintain healthy body then more water is definitely going to help you do so.

Prevention of Tired Muscles!
Water helps carry oxygen throughout your body. It also helps build muscle, and help muscles and joints work more efficiently. Whether you enjoy working out or just need your muscles working at their hardest for that walking commute, adequate water intake is vital!
Makes You Smarter!
Well, sort of. Increasing your water intake helps to support nerve and brain function. Just like with your muscles, water helps to ensure your brain is getting enough oxygen to work its hardest so that you can truly focus on that next big project.

Makes You Happier!
Again, sort of. A few side effects of mild dehydration are decreased energy levels and impaired mood. Drinking enough water and avoiding dehydration can help you to feel less fatigue and feel less irritable.

Can Improve Other Conditions!
Drinking enough water can help to improve other conditions that can be exacerbated as a result of dehydration. Headaches and constipation may both be improved by drinking more water.
Prevention of Hangovers! 
A hangover is partially caused by dehydration. Drinking water between alcoholic beverages and a large glass before going to bed can help to prevent annoying hangover symptoms, especially the headache.

Helps with Cold Symptoms!
When I was young, I remember always being told to “drink lots of fluids” when I was sick. This is because increasing your water intake can help to improve congestion by loosening mucus. There’s a reason why chicken noodle soup is the perfect meal for those sick days.

May Reduce Risk of Some Cancers!
Drinking more water may reduce the risk of bladder cancer. This is because more water can dilute the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine and help to flush them through the bladder more quickly. Water has also been linked to decreasing risk of colon cancer as well.
Benefits will always be different for every person. You may experience more or fewer benefits than those listed. However, it is always important to drink adequate amounts of water.

Amanda grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, IL but is now enjoying living in Louisville, KY. She received her bachelors degree at Northern Illinois University where she acted as a resident advisor and mentor to fellow students. This was where she found her passion for wellness and helping others. She went on to study community health and receive her Masters of Education at the University of Louisville. During her studies, she focused her graduate research on programming for mental health and youth wellness. She also acts as an advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. She has always enjoyed using her voice and knowledge to educate and advocate about important health topics. Amanda spends much of her time employed as a nanny for three wonderful children.

When she is not busy promoting health education or chasing around the kids, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing with her Pomeranian, Sulley, or indulging in a great book. Amanda thrives on helping to educate others about important health issues and effective health related behaviors so they can live happier and healthier lives!