The human body is made up of around 60% water, so it makes sense that consuming plenty of water throughout the day is one of the most important things we can do to support our health. We all know it’s vital to our survival to stay hydrated, but just how beneficial is it to stay well hydrated?
General recommendations for staying properly hydrated sit at around a minimum of 8 glasses per day. For anyone who isn’t a fan of drinking plain water, there are a range of delicious infused water options you can alternate to keep drinking water enjoyable.
Here are some of the key health benefits of drinking plenty of water..
1. Improves Digestion
Drinking water can also help keep your digestive system running optimally, as water helps to further break down food. Staying well-hydrated also helps keep the digestive tract healthy and well-lubricated, helping to keep things moving and preventing digestive issues, such as constipation.
2. Boosts Energy
Studies show that dehydration is a common (and under-recognized) cause of fatigue, brain fog, and more. When dehydrated, we generally experience lower energy and mood, making it harder to focus, stay productive, and feel happy. When you keep your water intake up, you are helping to keep your energy levels up, feel more alert and get the most out of your day.
3. Healthier Skin
Staying well hydrated can help improve the appearance of your skin, as dehydrated skin tends to look dull, dry and older; conversely, hydrated skin looks fuller and more radiant. In addition, water can assist in flushing out toxins from your body, helping to reduce the likelihood of suffering from acne breakouts and other skin-related issues.
4. Helps Maintain Normal Body Temperature
Water plays a critical role in regulating body temperature. Dehydration can lead to difficulties in body temperature regulation, which, in turn, can create overheating, sunstroke, and other health issues.
5. Assists with Weight Loss
Drinking more water can have a surprising effect on your ability to lose weight. When you’re dehydrated, your body can often mistake thirst for hunger, which can lead to overeating. Staying well-hydrated helps to keep habits such as overeating at bay, making it easier to stick to healthier food choices, too.
6. Reduces the Risk of Certain Diseases
Health insurance costs are rising. Maintaining good levels of hydration can help to reduce the risk of developing certain health conditions and diseases, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even some forms of cancer. As we replenish the water in our system, it becomes easier for the body to flush out any toxins, and it helps to keep all our organs working as they should.
7. Improves Athletic Performance
Staying well-hydrated is health 101 for any serious athlete, as they know that hydration is critical to achieving optimal athletic performance. Dehydrated muscles may not work as well, and are a common cause of fatigue and cramping.
Infusions
If you’re someone who doesn’t like the taste of plain water, you might be wondering how to go about increasing your water intake. One great option is to drink infused water, which is simply water that has been infused with fruits, vegetables, or herbs. Infusions are a delicious and refreshing way to stay hydrated, and they can also add a boost of nutrients to your overall diet.
Some refreshing homemade infusion ideas include:
- Lemon and cucumber water – just a few slices of lemon and cucumber added to a pitcher of water can make it so much more refreshing.
- Mint and lime water – add a few sprigs of fresh mint and some slices of lime to your water and leave it to infuse in the fridge for a little while before serving.
- Orange and ginger water – this is a lovely, comforting flavor for cooler days, just add some orange slices and freshly grated ginger to a water pitcher and let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Strawberry and basil water – simply slice up some fresh strawberries and add them to a pitcher of water with a few basil leaves for a refreshing drink packed with antioxidants.
- Cucumber and mint water – these two ingredients also go well together to create a refreshing beverage on a hot day.
- Pineapple and ginger – this is a great option for adding a tropical flavor to your water; just slice some fresh pineapple up and add it to your water along with freshly grated ginger.
In addition to drinking plenty of water, it’s also important to eat a healthy, balanced diet, and by incorporating lots of water-rich foods, it’s even easier to stay hydrated. Many fruits and vegetables are great sources of additional water intake, as well as a variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are essential for good health, so it’s a win-win.
Just the Right Amount
While drinking plenty of water and maintaining good hydration levels is key for optimal health, it’s important to also remember that, like most things, you can have too much of a good thing.
Drinking too much water can lead to a condition called hyponatremia, or water intoxication. When the electrolyte balance in our body becomes too diluted, it can cause symptoms such as headaches, nausea, seizures, and even coma. Stick to the recommended quantities of water intake to ensure your hydration efforts stay in a safe, healthy range.
