8 Benefits to Drinking Plenty of Water

The amount of water in the human body varies between 50 and 75% depending on the person. With this in mind, it is no surprise that we need water for our bodies to function properly.

But, how does water help our bodies function? And, how much do we need on a daily basis for our bodies to function at their maximum capacity?

In this article, we’re going to tell you the primary signs and causes of dehydration. We’ll then tell you why you should be drinking plenty of water and how much you should be drinking each day.

Signs and Causes of Dehydration

Signs of dehydration depend on the age of the person in question. Some of the most common signs include:

Irritability
Lethargy
Hunger
A lack of tears when crying
Less frequent urination
A dry mouth and tongue
Sunken cheeks and eyes
Fatigue and dizziness
Extreme thirst
Bright yellow urine

But, why do people become dehydrated? Well, for some it’s as simple as a lack of fluids. For others, it could be because of a medical condition. Some medical conditions that can cause dehydration include:

Problems with blood pressure
Diabetes
Hypovolemic shock

Flu and food poisoning can also cause dehydration. In these circumstances, you must increase your fluid intake. Additionally, if you are in a hot climate you should drink more water.

8 Benefits of Drinking Plenty of Water

Now that we’ve gone through the signs and causes for dehydration, let’s check some of the key benefits of drinking water.

1. Drinking Water Keeps You Energized

The human brain is made mostly of water. This means that by hydrating it, you are allowing it to function at its full capacity.

Hydrating your brain will:

Help you think
Allow you to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time
Make you more alert

Not only this, you’ll have more energy to go about your day without getting tired.

2. Water Can Promote Weight Loss

One of the easiest ways to shed some pounds is to drink more water. A key benefit of drinking water is that it can help you burn calories. This is because the water helps you process calories in a more efficient way.

3. Fluids Flush Out Toxins and Deliver Nutrients the Body

Water flushes waste through the body. It allows you to sweat and urinate toxins which reduces your risk of getting Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.

Additionally, if you drink clean water, the body will absorb more minerals from your food. These minerals will help fight against flu, heart attacks, and cancer, just to name a few.

4. Your Complexion Will Love You For It

Water is one of the best anti-aging serums around. One of the biggest benefits of drinking clear water is that it can reduce the chances of wrinkles.

By upping your water consumption, your skin will keep its moisture and stay soft for years to come.

5. Water Aids With Digestion

Constipation can come from dehydration in the colon. With this in mind, if you are having trouble passing stools, it could be because you have not drunk enough water.

If you hydrate your body, less water will leave the colon. Stools will be softer and easier to pass. Water also helps your body break down your food so that it is easily digestible.

6. Liquids Can Help Prevent and Treat Headaches

Dehydration is often the root cause of headaches and migraines. It is, therefore, no surprise that if you drink more water, you could prevent them from happening in the first place.

Additionally, water can help treat headaches. If you suffer from a headache because you have not had your daily dose of fluids, drink a few glasses and you may find that you’re back on your feet in no time.

7. Proper Hydration Keeps Your Muscles and Joints Healthy

If you want to stay in peak physical condition, you need to drink more water, especially if you partake in some form of high-intensity activity.

The right hydration can:

Help lubricate your joints
Make your muscles more elastic
Provide your body with energy to perform

By drinking clean water on a regular basis, you may not have to worry about cramps and joint pain.

8. Water Regulates Your Body Temperature

Think about it. If you’re in a hot country, what do you crave the most? While some would say ice, others would agree that water is a must. This is because, without water, you can’t regulate your body temperature.

Water absorbs and transfers heat around your body. This is how the human body protects you from extreme weather conditions.

How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day?

If you look online, you’ll see that most websites recommend you drink 8 glasses of water a day. While this is a good starting point, the amount of water you should drink each day depends on your:

Gender
Weight
Level of physical activity
Climate

According to the Institue of Medicine (IoM), women should drink about 2.7 liters of water a day. On the other hand, men should drink about 3.7 liters of water each day.

These recommendations are for people with good health that live in a temperate climate. To find out how much water you should drink, ask your health practitioner.

The Best Sources of Water

The best way to hydrate yourself is to drink clean water. Water has zero calories and is one of the easiest drinks to find in most parts of the world.

Unfortunately, some people don’t like the taste of water. While you shouldn’t substitute water for any other drink or food, there are other ways you can get some of your daily intake of fluids.

The following fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water: