We are frequently told that we need to drink 1.5 liters of fluid a day, but why is it so important?
Adequate fluid is vital to staying healthy and ensuring our body functions normally. Two-thirds of our body is made of water, we need fluids to carry nutrients to our cells and to carry waste out of our body. Water is the major component of blood, the fluid around our joints, saliva, and urine. Although a little water is made in our bodies, we need to consume it to replenish our supplies.
Good hydration improves mood, energy levels, hormone balance, skin condition, immunity, digestion, and cardiovascular function. We look better when we are well hydrated – not only does water plump our cells, it aids absorption of nutrients during digestion and it helps digest soluble fiber and soften stools.
How do we know if we are drinking enough?
The easiest way is to check the color of your urine, it should be a pale straw color. Too dark and you are dehydrated, if very pale you are probably drinking too much. The amount we need varies depending on our individual needs, the weather and the level of physical activity.
Here are 6 important reasons why you should stay hydrated and the benefits of drinking water for your health.
♦️ Brain Function & Connectivity:
Since your brain is mostly water, drinking it helps you in a number of ways, including:
▪️Improving concentration and cognition
▪️Helping to balance your mood and emotions
▪️Maintaining memory function
▪️Increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain
▪️Preventing and relieving headaches
▪️Reducing stress
♦️ Weight Loss:
Drinking water helps you lose weight by acting as an effective appetite suppressant so you will feel fuller and eat less – all with zero calories! Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body won’t try to retain water if it’s getting enough. Managing your cravings could be as simple as drinking more water.
♦️ Detoxify:
Your body fluids transport waste products in and out of your cells, while your kidneys and liver flush those waste products and other toxins out of your body. However, this process can only work properly and efficiently if you are well hydrated. When you are not drinking enough water, you are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones and experiencing urinary tract infections.
♦️ Youthful Skin:
Your skin contains lots of water and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Drinking plenty of water hydrates skin cells and plumps them up, making your face look younger. Water helps to replenish skin tissues, moisturizes your skin, and increases the elasticity of your skin. It also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.
♦️ Temperature Control:
When you overheat; you sweat. And the evaporation of sweat on your skin is the way the body cools itself down and maintains a healthy temperature. Understandably, drinking enough fluids is essential for sweating and replenishing your water supply.
♦️ Healthy Muscles & Recovery:
Being adequately hydrated is very important when exercising. Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates the joints in your body.