Water is essential for life on earth, as well as for human health. Our bodies benefit from drinking adequate amounts on a daily basis. Indeed, mankind cannot survive without it. Just as our planet is made up mostly of water, 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in it, so too is the human body roughly 2/3 water. Therefore, it’s easy to understand why adequate consumption plays such an important role in our overall health and well-being.
Health Benefits of Drinking Water:
- Maintains pH balance: pH refers to the acidity/alkalinity levels in the body. Water alkalizes the body and helps prevent illness, maintain proper weight, and regain lost immunity.
- Regulates body temperature: Replenishes loss of fluids through perspiration and evaporation.
- Relieves constipation, heartburn, migraines, gastritis and ulcers: These conditions are related to water deficiency and can be alleviated by drinking adequate amounts.
- Prevents osteoporosis: Research at the Linus Pauling Institute indicates that adequate water intake prevents osteoporosis and hip fractures.
- Aids breathing: Distributes oxygen throughout the body while dissolving carbon dioxide gases.
- Regulates metabolism: Acts as a carrier of nutrients, oxygen and hormones while providing a medium for the removal of dead cells, toxins, and waste material.
- Prevents backaches: The spinal disc core is made up of large amounts of water; therefore, dehydration can lead to back pain in some individuals.
- Improves kidney function: Urea, the biochemical material excreted by the kidneys is toxic and must be diluted before passage. Water takes care of that.
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease: Water maintains proper viscosity of blood and plasma and fibrinogen distribution which is important for blood coagulation.
- Reduces arthritis inflammation: Helps maintain joints in their proper shape by reducing friction and wear. Dehydration can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
- Assists pregnant women & nursing mothers: A fetus in the womb gets its nutrients from the mother’s blood. Adequate fluid intake nourishes the blood and aids in the transmission between the mother and the womb. Nursing women also require adequate amounts of water for the production of breast milk.
- Improves skin tone: Restores elasticity, clears toxins and softens skin.
- Prevents kidney stones: According to the International Kidney Stone Institute, 10 glasses of water must be consumed each day to prevent kidney stones.
Additional Benefits of Drinking Water:
- Banish headaches
- Flush toxins
- Promote weight loss
- Improve mood
- Boost energy levels
- Prevent hangovers
- Lubricate joints and organs
How much water should you drink?
Nutritionists recommend drinking half of your body weight in ounces daily. For example, if you weigh 140 pounds, you would divide that number in half to get 70, then translate that number into ounces. Therefore, you would benefit by drinking 70 ounces of water per day, or 7-10 oz. glasses. Now, 70 ounces may seem like a lot to drink, but when consumed in smaller quantities throughout the day, it’s less overwhelming than staring down a 2-liter container.
Helpful tips:
- Drink 8-16 ounces upon rising in the morning. Water rehydrates the body after sleep and wakes up the metabolism. Add fresh lemon juice to your morning glass for additional health benefits such as improved digestion, reduced mucus and phlegm, as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Carry water with you. Keep extra bottles in your car, at your desk, and in your gym bag. Replenish as needed, and be sure you have enough on hand to meet your body’s daily quota.
- Set a daily goal. Break down the recommended total into individual servings and get creative. If you require 80 ounces of water, drink an 8 ounce glass upon rising and commit to drinking one 8 ounce glass every hour while at work. In doing so, you’ll have accomplished your goal by the end of the workday.
- Don’t fret if you find yourself making extra trips to the restroom in the beginning. Over time, your bladder will adjust to the increase in fluids and bathroom breaks will return to normal.
As important as water is for our health, it’s easy to choose sugar-laden, caffeinated drinks when thirsty. Soda, coffee, sports drinks, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages are loaded with caffeine, artificial sweeteners, colors and preservatives. Advertising campaigns focus on flavor and convenience over the potential health risks of their products. For example, one 12-ounce can of soda contains more than 20 sugar cubes! I’ve yet to see that fact advertised on television. Sugary drinks are okay every once in a while, but drinking them on a regular basis should be avoided to maintain a healthy body.
Drinking water has many benefits for a healthy body, and it’s importance in your daily routine should not be underestimated.
Do you drink lots of water? What benefits of drinking water are you seeing?
