Why Water is Essential for Your Health

Every cell throughout your body depends on water to survive. Your body consists of more than 60% water, and staying well hydrated is essential to healthy living. Not only is it important to understand how water affects your health, but it's also helpful to know how much you should be drinking per day. Here are several ways water enhances your well-being and a few tips on how to increase your daily intake.

The Protective Properties of Water

Water is essential to keep various body parts lubricated and moist, including your spinal cord, tissue and joints. Staying hydrated helps your body maintain optimum moisture levels, which also prevents injury and diseases like arthritis.

Water and Effective Waste Removal

Your body excretes waste through urination, defecation and perspiration. Water plays an essential role and helps your kidneys function properly and remove waste from your blood. In addition, it keeps the blood vessels that attach to the kidneys clear. While water alone cannot cure constipation, staying hydrated makes it easier for fecal material to pass through the system.

Staying Hydrated Aids in Digestion

Experts confirm that drinking water during a meal positively affects your body's digestive processes. Water helps your digestive system absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients when you eat food. In addition, as you drink water, your large intestine absorbs it and changes liquid stool into solid.

Maintain a Youthful Glow with Hydrated Skin

If your complexion could use a youthful glow, pour yourself a tall glass of water. Water keeps the skin hydrated, which prevents it from looking dull and sallow. Dirt and certain toxins will also clog your pores, which may cause you to break out. The more hydrated your skin is, the less clogged your pores will be, which is helpful if you suffer from acne. Water also helps your epidermis maintain a healthy Ph balance, which is necessary for healthy skin.

Boost Your Immune System

In addition to taking vitamin supplements to maintain a healthy immune system, staying hydrated also works as an immunity booster. Water is also helpful as a rinse to clear out your sinuses if you're sick with a cold or allergy symptoms. Water allows your body to maintain healthy mucus membranes and naturally eliminate bacteria and other toxins through urination.

May Help You Lose Weight

If you're trying to shed a few pounds, consider drinking a few more bottles of water every day. Many people mistake thirst for hunger and discover that drinking a glass of water before reaching for a snack is all they need to feel full. Staying hydrated throughout the day may help your weight loss efforts by promoting feelings of satiety without the added calories. You can also mix it with a high-quality protein powder as a meal replacement or for a nutritional boost.

How much water do you need?

Although everyone's hydration needs depend upon several factors, men should aim for 3.7 liters of fluid daily, while women should drink 2.7 liters. Increasing your fluid intake is essential while engaging in physical activity, like working out or during hot days.

Simple Ways to Increase Your Water Intake

While increasing your fluid intake seems easy enough, many people forget to reach for their water bottles as often as they should. Consider setting a timer to help you remember to drink up throughout your day and invest in a well-insulated bottle to keep your water cold. If it's difficult for you to drink plain water, buy a few flavor enhancers to change things up. Adding more fruits into your diet can also be a simple yet flavorful way to meet your goals.

What are the symptoms of dehydration?

Dehydration is the result of not taking in enough water to replace the fluids you lose throughout the day. Physical and cognitive signs of dehydration include the following:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Excessive thirst
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dry skin
• Dark urine
• Irritability 

Younger children and the elderly are at a higher risk of developing dehydration, and the consequences can be dire if not appropriately treated. If you notice any of these symptoms, you must contact a health professional immediately.

It's important to remember that water is essential for nearly every part of your body. Meeting your recommended intake every day will not only help you ward off dehydration, but it may even improve your overall quality of life.          

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