Water is our lifeblood – it’s essential for our survival, but some of us don’t drink enough. Whether it’s hard to find or you think it’s boring, there are loads of reasons why we avoid it, but it’s so, so good for us. Sure, it cures our dehydration and helps our organs work properly, but there are other benefits for our bodies and minds too.
Let’s explore some unusual health and wellness benefits of drinking water everyday…
We all know that water is essential for our health and fitness, but why is that? What does water actually do for us? Let’s start by exploring a few frequently asked questions:
- What percentage of the human body is water?
It’s said that around 60% of the human body is made up of water in ideal circumstances. This number is different from person to person because of things like dehydration, water retention, illnesses and more.
- How much water should you drink every day?
To keep that 60% topped up, we’re supposed to drink a specific amount every day – around 2 litres. This varies depending on your activity levels, so if you’ve worked out or you live in a dryer area, it’s best to drink more.
- Do all drinks count towards your daily amount?
Yes, most drinks do count towards your 2 litres, but be wary of diuretics like coffee as they may make you urinate more. Foods can count towards your allowance too, like soups, watermelon, etc. However, it’s crucial to remember that alternative hydration methods, such as intravenous (IV) therapy, can be incredibly effective, especially when you’re severely dehydrated. In situations where you need rapid and efficient rehydration, treatments like IV therapy in Dallas, or any other places near you, can provide quick relief and help restore your body’s fluid balance.
- Does everyone have access to clean, safe water?
Most developed countries have access to clean, safe drinking water through treatment facilities or household tanks. In developing countries, supplies are more limited, and millions of people struggle to access this essential resource.
So, how can water benefit us besides keeping up hydrated? And what positive effects can it have on our minds and bodies?
Water tip #1 – Water can help prevent health issues
When we keep our bodies hydrated and stocked full of H2O, our organs and bodily functions usually work like a well-oiled machine. There’s less chance of constipation as your stools will be softer, your skin will be more hydrated and less likely to be dry and cracking, and you may even see fewer UTIs and kidney stones.
Water tip #2 – Water can help maintain your brain performance
Hydration impacts every part of you – including your mental capacity. Have you ever felt fuzzy and struggled to remember something, then taken a nice large drink of water and felt more refreshed and focused? That’s because even minimal dehydration has been said to increase the likelihood of headaches, fatigue and less than optimal mental performance.
Water tip #3 – Water can improve your mood
It’s not a cure for any mental illness or condition, but some studies suggest dehydration can affect our moods and wellbeing. For example, those who were used to high levels of water and had their access restricted experienced a lack of contentment and reduced positivity. Whereas those who had little water to begin with and were given more felt increasingly awake, more focused, and less tired.
Water tip #4 – Water can help you stay active
Dehydration is a real downer and generally makes you tired, grumpy, and low energy. So, it’s fair to say that when you’re dehydrated, your physical activity performance will be poor. Ergo, drinking water can help keep your brain focused and your body ready to meet any physical challenges, so you’re more likely to stay active for longer.
What’s more, water is also a major part of your body temperature regulation, so it can help prevent you from overheating too soon.
Water tip #5 – Water can help you manage your weight
You may not be looking to lose weight, but it’s unlikely that you’ll want to put more on, so you should consider water to help you maintain your weight. The idea is that water is completely healthy with zero calories or additional ingredients, so it won’t change anything about your body.
Plus, foods that are high in water content are usually bulkier, need more chewing, and help you feel fuller for longer. Foods like fruit, vegetables and soups are all high in H2O, low in calories, and keep your digestive system busy for longer, so they’re ideal if you’re looking to manage your calorie intake in a healthy way.
Water tip #6 – Water can help protect your joints and spinal cord
As mentioned before, our bodies are about 60% water, and that includes all your muscles, joints, organs and more. So, keeping hydrated and drinking plenty can help ensure all your joints and spinal cord elements remain properly lubricated with the correct levels of moisture.
At the end of the day, water is essential for our bodies to function correctly. So, by drinking enough and staying hydrated, you can keep everything running as it needs to, AND boost your mental health and wellbeing by knowing you’re doing what you can to stay healthy.
