You’ve long heard about the importance of staying hydrated for health, but did you also know that it can sharpen your mind?
It’s no secret that up to 60% of the human body is comprised of water. But did you know that on any given day you lose 64 ounces of water through perspiration (16 ounces from your feet alone)?
Most of this perspiration goes unnoticed and our body is constantly also regulating its temperature through sweat. Even when you’re sitting in a chair, in a meeting, typing on your computer, your body is still maintaining a healthy core temperature.
We know that water consumption is imperative for maintaining hydration. But keeping up drinking enough can seem difficult for many.
It sometimes feels like the only option is countless trips to the bathroom, from drinking “enough” water.
So, how much water should we drink each day?
The recommended water consumption can vary based on age, weight, sex, activity level, and the climate you live in. But
women should drink 2liter of fluids (10cups) per day and men should drink 3 liter (15cups) per day.
Exactly you can multiply your weight by ⅔, then consider your activity level. You should add ½liter of water for every 30 minutes of exercise.
For meetings and the office, as odd as it sounds, some people just don’t enjoy the “taste” of water. Infuse it with fruit or vegetables, and it becomes a different story.
Start your day off right by drinking a glass of water each morning before breakfast. This will jump start your mind and body. So maybe your drinking habits will lead to a couple more trips to the bathroom. But you are a happier, healthier person with a more efficient brain.
But what do you really get out of drinking water all day? If you’re anything like me, you like to know the why behind anything you do.
What are really the benefits of drinking water?
Increases brain energy, and mental boost.
One of water’s many benefits is an increase of brain energy. Since the brain consists of around 70% water, drinking helps you think, focus, concentrate, and stay alert. As a result, your energy levels also improve.
Dehydration on the other side, can have the following results affects your mood, reduces your cognitive and motorically skills, can make you more sensitive to pain, and affect your memory.
Promotes Healthy Weight Management and Weight Loss
Your brain isn’t the only part of your body to feel the positive impact of staying hydrated.
Water aides in the removal of fat by-products and helps you feel full. Not only does this act as a natural appetite suppressant, but it can also improve your metabolism.
You are also less likely to gain weight when you drink a couple glasses of water before a meal rather than eating the basket of bread.
Flush Out Toxins – “Sweat it out”
Water consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections.
Your body is naturally detoxing with its lungs, liver, and kidneys. Though, sometimes we give it more than it can handle.
Improves Your Skin
Your skin is an organ. And water is important for organ function. “If your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight, and flaky. Dry skin has less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling.” Drinking water is great for your skin. It helps to moisturize it, keep it soft, and removes wrinkles.
Maintains Regularity of toilet visits
Being regular is the result of a healthy digestive system. And drinking water helps your body digest everything you eat. Water helps break down food (so that your body can absorb the nutrients) and prevents constipation.
Boosts Immune System
Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy during the cold and flu season? Drink more water!
One of the most commonly overlooked benefits of drinking water is a healthy immune system. And drinking water has been directly related to a stronger immune system.
Water strengthens your immune system in two ways: 1) It carries oxygen to your body’s cells, which results in properly functioning systems. And 2. As mentioned above, it flushes toxins from your body.
Water can also reduce risk of bladder cancers, as toxins are flushed regularly from your bladder.
Prevents Headaches
One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is headaches. Water is important for brain function. In addition to increasing brain energy, drinking water also helps prevent and relieve headaches often caused by dehydration.
Headache as a result of dehydration occurs when your body loses essential fluids to function properly. Dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily shrink from fluid loss. This mechanism causes the brain to pull away from the skull, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache.
Prevents Cramps and Sprains
It’s no secret that dehydration leads to cramping. But did you know that hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains?
Water acts as a natural lubricant for your muscles and joints. With healthy hydration and you can become more flexible, less likely to injure joints and muscles, and less likely to be sore after that next killer workout.
Helps Regulate Your Body Temperature
One of the more well-known benefits of water is the way it replenishes your body’s cooling system source – sweat.
Sweat is the natural cooling system of your body. And since water is the key for being able to sweat, your body needs enough water to properly regulate your body’s temperature through perspiration.
Prevents Backaches
Dehydration is often an overlooked cause of back pain.
The bones of your vertebrae are supported by discs. And the central nucleus of each disc created of water. A lack of water can compromise these discs leading to back pain.
Improves Your Heart Health
Water maintains the proper viscosity of blood and plasma distribution.
Prevents Bad Breath
Bad breath is often a clear sign of dehydration. In addition to the food you eat, dehydration causes bad breath. Drinking a sufficient amount of water washes also away leftover food particles and oral bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Takes the Edge off Hangovers
The unforgiving consequences of alcohol can be prevented by simply drinking a glass of water with each alcoholic beverage, as alcohol consumption causes dehydration.
Puts You in a Better Mood
Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about yourself, to perform better, to produce endorphins and be in a good mood.
Start your day off right by drinking a glass of water each morning before breakfast. This will jump start your mind and body. So maybe your drinking habits will lead to a couple more trips to the bathroom. But you are a happier, healthier person with a more efficient brain.
-Annie Kathrine Vangsnes- CEO Accomplish Conference & Events.
