You can’t survive without water. It makes up nearly two-thirds of your body and is essential for you to function properly. Water has a wide range of benefits for your body – everything from removing waste products in urine to lubricating your joints. It can even make your skin look good.
Our bodies are made up of about 60% water. It is commonly recommended that we drink about 6 to 8 glasses of water, or fluids a day in order to prevent dehydration.
According to an article in, Healthline, 4 June 2017, here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of drinking plenty of water
- Water Helps to Maximize Physical Performance
If we do not stay hydrated, physical performance can suffer and this is especially important during exercise or at high temperatures. Athletes are said to lose up to 6-10% of their water weight via sweating This can lead to altered body temperature control, reduced motivation, increased fatigue and make exercise feel much more difficult, both physically and mentally So, if you exercise intensely and tend to sweat, then staying hydrated can help you perform at your absolute best.
- Hydration Has a Major Effect on Energy Levels and Brain Function
Your brain is strongly influenced by hydration status. Studies show that even mild dehydration (1-3% of body weight) can impair many aspects of brain function, from mood to concentration, memory, anxiety and fatigue
- Drinking Water May Help to Prevent and Treat Headaches
Dehydration can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals Several studies have shown that water can relieve headaches in those who are
- Drinking More Water May Help Relieve Constipation
Constipation is a common problem, characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stool. Increasing fluid intake is often recommended as a part of the treatment protocol
- Drinking Water May Help Treat Kidney Stones
Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system. The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys. Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys, which dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they are less likely to crystallize and form clumps.
- Water Helps Prevent Hangovers
A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms experienced after drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose more water than you take in. This can lead to dehydration. A good way to reduce hangovers is to drink a glass of water between drinks, and to have at least one big glass of water before going to bed.
- Drinking More Water Can Help With Weight Loss
Drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight. This is due to the fact that water can increase satiety and boost your metabolic rate. The timing is important too, and drinking water half an hour before meals is the most effective. It can make you feel more full, so that you eat fewer calories
Water is a healthy and cheap choice for quenching your thirst at any time. It has no calories and contains no sugars that can damage teeth. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try sparkling water or add a slice of lemon or lime.
Reference: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-water