Let’s talk through this blog about the foundation of life, “Water”. We rely upon water from the moment we wake up till we sleep, and our body depends massively on water to function properly. Despite its huge importance in our lives, many people tend to neglect proper hydration which leads to various health issues. Hence, this article will dive into the numerous benefits of drinking water and how you should prioritize it in your life.
The Number Game: How Much Water do you Really Need?
Although all believe in the number 8 rule, we need to drink 8 glasses of water every day to fulfil our hydration requirement. But breaking this myth, we need to learn that water needs differ from person to person as it depends massively on a person’s lifestyle, age, weight, and climate.
Age Group | Recommended water intake |
Children(4-8 years) | 1.2 liters which is appx 5 cups |
Teens (9-18 years) | (1.6 – 2.4 )liters which is appx 7-10 cups |
Adults(19-50 years) | (2-3) liters which is appx 8-12 cups |
Elderly (50+ years) | (1.6 – 2.4 )liters which is appx 7-10 cups |
Tip: If you exercise often, and sweat a lot, then you require additional hydration as well.
Incredible Benefits of Water
Works wonders on digestion and keeps gut clean
Are you struggling with digestion issues? then water might be that missing piece of your gut health. Let’s learn how water improves digestion :
- Liver and Kidney Detox: Water helps in flushing out toxins that often accumulate due to lifestyle, food and environment. Not only this it also helps in reducing the risk of kidney stones by almost 40%.
- Boosts nutrient absorption: A digestive system tends to struggle if there is no appropriate hydration in the body. Hence, drinking water gives us enough efficiency to break down food and aid digestion.
- Prevent constipation : Drinking enough water is essential as it keeps your stool soft while also working on bloating issues.
A Secret Weight Management Weapon
If you didn’t know until now, let us tell you that water is a natural suppressant. Drinking enough water would definitely help you eat less while also feeling full for a long. Further are the few ways how water can be your best friend in your weight loss journey:
- Calorie Burn Boost: Consuming enough water burns out all your extra calories.
Did you know?
Consuming cold water burns 24 extra calories per 500ml which can help you shed a shocking 2.5 kg per year !
- Avoid hidden calories: It’s always smart to switch your regular sugary sodas with water. If you even replace 500 ml of sugary soda with water, you can avoid intake of almost 200 calories.
- The perfect pre-meal hydration: Drinking half a liter of water before meals can help reduce calorie intake by almost 13%.
Drink Better to Think Better
Yes, even a little dehydration can reduce the brain efficiency.
Did you know ? Studies have shown that even 1% dehydration can lead to 5% drop in cognitive function, which can affect memory , attention and also mood.
Hydration and mental clarity
- Reaction time: A well hydrated person’s response is rated 14% higher than the people who are less hydrated.
- Brain composition: Our brain is 73% water and keeping it hydrated means better focus.
- Stress control : Hydration helps in reducing the cortisol level which improves the overall well being of a person.
Energy Booster
Dehydration might be the culprit if you ever feel sluggish or is not able to concentrate. The science behind this includes that whenever your body lacks water, your blood thickens, making it harder for the oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain and muscles.
Here are some quick fix to boost energy:
- Pre workout hydration: Drinking 500 ml of water almost 30 minutes before exercise can improve your endurance by almost 20%.
- Morning Recharge: Start your day with at least 500 ml of cold water to activate metabolism of your body efficiently.
- Pick me up: You can switch your regular intake of caffeine with water infused with mint and lemon for that natural energy booster.
Your Body Temperature Regulator
Did you know why you sweat ? It is because your body uses water to regulate its temperature, which helps you in keeping you cool in hot conditions and also work effectively in preventing heat strokes.
Water’s Magic on Skin
Searching for the best anti aging solution which is also free, undoubtedly it is “Water”. Drinking sufficiently according to your age and weight helps in solving numerous skin diseases. Let’s learn about some of them:
- Reduces Acne: Water helps in flushing those clogged pores while reduces the chances of any breakouts.
- Prevents wrinkles: If your water game is solid, then it will keep your skin hydrated, reducing fine lines by almost 20%.
Your Heart Health Savior:
Dehydration can increase the risk of heart disease by making blood thicker. Therefore, drinking water is really essential to help circulate blood better in the body.
Benefits of drinking water on your heart:
- Reduces Clot risk : Drinking water helps regulate the blood flow in the body, reducing the formation of clots.
- Enhances Circulation: A body that is properly hydrated enhances the blood flow by almost 10%.
- Maintains blood volume : Drinking water helps in regulating the blood pressure of our body. Preventing sudden blood pressure drops while also preventing sudden hikes.
Dehydration Warning Signs
- Dry lips and skin
- Dark yellow urine
- Frequent headaches
- Fatigues or dizziness
- Muscle cramps
Tip: If your urine is clear or pale yellow, then congrats it’s a sign of good hydration.
Creative ways to Stay Hydrated:
- Eat Water Rich Food like cucumber, watermelon, celery, oranges
- Track with an app
- Use a marked bottle
- Eat fruits and herbs that are infused like lemon, mint, cucumber and berries.
Conclusion
Water is available, free, and necessary for life. Start by drinking more water today if you want more energy, improved digestion, radiant skin, and increased concentration.