Why You Should Drink More Water

Jan. 9, 2014

You can live without food for about a month, but only without water for a week. We, as humans, are mostly made up of the stuff, and it’s very important we drink plenty of it. That said, you may not enjoy water and find it a bit of a challenge to drink enough—a challenge you should overcome this weekend.

First things first, you need to know how much water you need on a daily basis. Some say eight glasses, others say a little more and a little less. When we asked a doctor who took a closer look at necessary hydration, we found the numbers depended on sex. Men need about 3 liters (13 cups) and women need 2.2 (9 cups). If you exercise or spend a lot of time in the sun, you’ll need more. You don’t want to over-hydrate, as that can cause serious problems, but if you keep it around 13 or 9 (depending on your gender) you’ll be good to go. It helps to know the signs of dehydration, too, so you can listen to your body to know when you’ll need more.

The benefits of drinking water have been much discussed in the media. Water helps keep you hydrated, which is important because every single cell in your body needs it in order to absorb nutrients and expel waste products. But what are some of the less well known benefits of drinking water?

Miracle Liquid

Even though it is flavorless and colorless on its own, water dissolves more substances than any other liquid. It carries chemicals, minerals and nutrients with it everywhere it travels.

Regulates Body Temperature

Everyone knows that if you’re overheated, it’s important to drink water but did you know that it’s even more important to drink it when your body is freezing? The risk of dehydration is actually higher in cold weather because your body is working harder to stay warm. Water regulates your body temperature while hydrating it.

You’ll Breathe Better

Water it keeps the tissues in your body moist. This protects you vital organs, most especially your lungs because they must maintain a healthy level of moisture. Some recent studies have even shown a connection between drinking more water and seeing relief from the affects of asthma.

You’re Made to Do It

Nearly 70% of an adult’s body is made up of water. It only makes sense that the more you fill your body with it, the better it will run.

Fill it Up

A healthy person can drink about three gallons — or 48 cups — of water each day so clearly the 8-12 cups you’re told to drink a day are a drop in the bucket compared to what your body could hold.

Detox Your Body

There are plenty of toxins floating around your body. Help flush them out without the need of some fancy detox diet by simply drinking more water. You’re in for added benefits when you mix in some lemon.

Blood Sugar Levels

Your blood sugar levels play a huge role in your diet and overall health. Help get them under control by drinking more water and eating more hydrating foods like fresh fruits instead of sugar-filled carbs.

Fight a Cold

Next time you feel a cold coming on, hydrate as much as possible. It will help get your body on the mend faster and may even cause the symptoms to pass over you entirely. A good tip is to drink water until your urine is clear!

Faster Weight Loss

A recent study done by the American Chemical Society showed that adults who drank two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner ended up eating 75 to 90 fewer calories during each meal.

Get Things Running Smoothly

In addition to all of the negative things that come with a lack of proper hydration, constipation may be another horrible side effect. Consume enough water to keep things flowing smoothly.

Boosts Mood

Did you know that mild dehydration is associated with feelings of anger and depression?

Ultimate Brain Power

Having trouble planning or focusing on things? Dehydration could be the blame because long periods of dehydration could be linked to impaired brain functions.

Say Goodbye to Headaches

If you find yourself getting a lot of headaches, dehydration may be to blame. People who don’t consume enough water are more likely to suffer from cramps and other aches as well.

Reduce Blemishes

In addition to glowing, smooth complexion, consuming more water can actually reduce acne because it stops the bacteria from forming internally.

Fight Disease

Water helps protect cells and enhancing overall health. Proper hydration has been linked to the prevention of everything from cancer to emotional disorders.

Healthy Muscles

By keeping the body properly hydrated, you will keep your joints and muscles lubricated. This will help prevent little injuries like sprains or common running injuries.

Stay Energized

Your body is more likely to be fatigued because when you are dehydrated, your organs have to work harder to pump oxygenated blood. So skip the coffee and get some water instead!

Glowing Skin

Looking for the fountain of youth? Well, it may actually come in the form of drinking water. Your skin will look radiant and youthful if you help yourself to more water each day.

Proper Digestion

You will be able to beat that tired feeling you sometimes get after eating a meal because your body will be able to digest the food properly.

Water can be consumed by drinking low caffeine Green Teas