Water is life
Water truly brings life. The human body is composed of over 60 percent water. Our bodies depend upon water to keep us functioning at an optimum level.
Research shows that it keeps our bodies working efficiently.
Here are 7 reasons to drink more water:
It keeps our digestive systems working efficiently
Our bodies need\ water to keep things moving. Water helps us absorb the nutrients in the food we eat. It carries nutrients and oxidants to our cells.
Water helps reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. Increased water intake also flushes bacteria out of our bladders. Water can help stop a urinary tract infection from getting worse.
Water softens the stools and helps move the waste out of our bodies efficiently.
Without enough water, we can have problems with constipation. Many times constipation can be relieved just by increasing our water intake.
Drinking water helps prevent strokes
When we are dehydrated our blood thickens. This makes it more difficult for the blood to get pumped up to the brain. This can cause us to get light-headed and dizzy. A stroke occurs when our blood tries to get through blocked blood vessels. Research shows that if we are well hydrated during a stroke we will have a better outcome.
Drinking more water can help stop a dizzy spell too if the cause was dehydration.
Water helps get excess sugar out of the bloodstream
Here’s some good news for people prone to high blood sugar.
Increased water intake can clear excess sugar out of the bloodstream. Studies show it can delay hyperglycemia and diabetes onset. People who drank more than a liter of water a day had a 28% reduced risk of developing new-onset hyperglycemia.
Water decreases heart rate
Water can decrease our heartrates and helps stabilize our body temperatures.
The next time our heart rate starts going up too much because of dehydration, we should drink more water immediately to help get things back to normal.
Water helps with weight loss
Anyone who’s ever been on a diet has been told to increase their water intake.
Water can help us lose weight by slightly increasing our metabolic rate so that we can burn calories easier. By drinking water before a meal, it helps us feel full faster so we don’t eat as much.
Water helps with hangovers
Drinking water can even help with a hangover.
A bartender friend once gave this advice. Drink one cup of water with each alcoholic drink you ingest to help prevent a bad hangover the next day.
Water helps with muscle cramps
Water can prevent painful muscle cramps. If we increase our activity or participate in sports, we need to make sure we are completely hydrated.
My daughter was once in a play with a lot of dancing. The lead actress — a beautiful woman with glowing skin, always carried an enormous water bottle with her to practice every day.
How much water should we drink?
According to an article in Harvard Health, to prevent dehydration we should aim for four to six cups of water each day. I try to drink half my body weight in water every day, and more if I’m exercising a lot.
We don’t want to drink too much to disturb our electrolyte balance. A good measure is to see how we are feeling. If we are getting enough water, things will be running smoothly.
For those who don't like drinking water
To those people who don’t like drinking water, there are many other liquids they can drink to stay hydrated. There is flavored water available, or other non-caffeinated drinks.
Fruits also contain a high amount of water. To stay hydrated we should increase our consumption of fruits we like. Cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce also contain a lot of water. Every little bit counts towards keeping us well hydrated.
If you have these signs of dehydration, it is time to increase your water intake:
Some signs of dehydration
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Fainting
- Darkened urine
- Sunken eyes
- Reduced sweating and tears
- Low blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased muscle cramps
- Increased fatigue
Drinking enough water will keep you healthy and strong, and will avoid all kinds of problems. So don't forget to carry that water bottle with you wherever you go.
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