It is always a good time to review the importance of drinking enough water. Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day.
Water is such a common part of our lives that we take it for granted. We rarely think about water, so most of us don’t make it a priority to drink enough each day.
Here are 14 important reminders for why you should take a look at your water consumption:
Reduces joint pain
Water lubricates the joints. Cartilage, found in joints and the disks of the spine, contains 80 percent water. Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints’ shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain.
Aid digestion and clean breath
Water forms saliva and mucus. Saliva helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage. Drinking water also keeps the mouth clean and can also help reduce tooth decay.
Increases overall body vitality
Water delivers oxygen throughout the body. Blood is more than 90 percent water, and blood carries oxygen to different parts of the body.
Boosts skin health and enhance our beauty
With dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling.
Enhances brain and nervous system functions
Water cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues. Dehydration can affect brain structure and function. It is also involved in the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. Prolonged dehydration can lead to problems with thinking and reasoning.
Regulates body temperature
Water acts as our natural air conditioning. It is stored in the middle layers of the skin and comes to the skin’s surface as sweat when the body heats up. As it evaporates, it cools the body. Some scientists have suggested that when there is too little water in the body, heat storage increases and the individual is less able to tolerate heat strain.
Eliminates heartburn
The bowel needs water to work properly. Dehydration can lead to digestive problems, constipation, and an overly acidic stomach. This increases the risk of heartburn and stomach ulcers.
Flushes body waste
Water is needed in the processes of sweating and removal of urine and feces.
Helps maintain blood pressure
A lack of water can cause blood to become thicker, increasing blood pressure.
Supports healthy airways
When dehydrated, airways are restricted by the body to minimize water loss. This can make asthma and allergies worse.
Makes minerals and nutrients accessible
These dissolve in water, which makes it possible for them to reach different parts of the body.
Prevents kidney damage
The kidneys regulate fluid in the body. Insufficient water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
Boosts performance during exercise
Dehydration during exercise may hinder performance. Some scientists have proposed that consuming more water might enhance performance during strenuous activity. More research is needed to confirm this, but it is possible that dehydration reduces performance in activities lasting longer than 30 minutes.
Support weight loss
Water may also help with weight loss, if it is consumed instead of sweetened juices and sodas. “Pre-loading” with water before meals can help prevent overeating by creating a sense of fullness.