7 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water

Water is essential in our lives. How many times have you heard that we must drink water? Perhaps countless times, and guess what? They’re right! We must always ensure that our body receives enough water throughout the day. But why? 

Besides flushing out toxins in our body, keeping our bodies relaxed, and helping the brain function, what else can you benefit from drinking water? 

You can get water from almost all sources, like the beverage and food you drink. However, drinking only water and not mixing it with anything is always great. Here’s why. 

Why You Should Drink Water

Drinking water has plenty of benefits, and if you’re not a fan of drinking water now, this will change your mind. Here are the main reasons why you should start drinking water today. 

• Protects your spinal cord, joints, lungs, and tissues

Water is a lubricate and cushion that protects your joints, spinal cord, and tissues. It also helps lessen the discomfort caused by aging and conditions like arthritis, allowing you to enjoy more physical activities. It also aids in keeping your lungs healthy.

• Helps excrete waste by urination, defecation, and sweating

You sweat, urinate, and move your bowels quickly when you drink plenty of water. And when you sweat, your body temperature is cooled down when you’re exercising. 

Drinking water can help your bowel movement if you constantly suffer from constipation. Water is also essential for your kidneys. Your kidneys filter toxins through urination, so your kidneys work more efficiently and prevent kidney stone formation. 

• It helps produce more saliva.

Saliva is mainly made of water and small amounts of mucus, electrolytes, and enzymes. It is responsible for breaking down solid food and keeps your mouth healthy. 

Generally, your mouth produces enough saliva with regular water intake. 

But as you age, saliva production also decreases. It could be due to factors like taking medications or going through therapies. All of which can result in a dry mouth. That said, drinking enough water is helpful. If your dry mouth continues even after drinking plenty of water, it is best to seek medical help. 

• Helps with constipation

One of the ways to combat constipation is by eating fiber-rich foods. But maintaining water levels in your body is also an excellent way to keep your bowel moving. You will most likely develop constipation when your diet does not have enough magnesium, fiber, and water. Studies show that drinking carbonated and plain water helps ease these symptoms. 

• Boosts your physical performance

Doing physical activities like running requires drinking plenty of water. When fully hydrated, you have the strength, power, and endurance to do more. It also saves you from dehydration while training or doing high-intensity sports. 

Participating in intense physical activities or sports under high heat without water can lead to decreased blood pressure and other medical conditions. Extreme dehydration also causes seizures or, worse, death.

• Aids your digestion

Drinking water before, during, and after meals helps break down your food. It also allows you to digest food better and get the most out of it. Keep in mind that your body adapts to the changes in the food that you eat. So, if you drink less water, expect that digestion is slow. Make it a habit to drink water each mealtime. 

• It keeps your skin bright

Enough water intake helps your skin stay hydrated. It promotes collagen production. Drinking water alone does not reduce the effects of aging but keeps your skin hydrated as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. So water keeps your skin hydrated, young-looking, bright, and healthy. 

How Much Water is Enough?

Paying attention to the amount of water you drink is essential for optimal health. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men’s ideal water intake is about 15.5 cups or 125 ounces daily. In comparison, women must drink around 11.5 cups of water daily. 

People only get 20% of their water intake from food; the rest depends on drinking water and other water-based beverages. So, always increase your water intake if you live in a hotter area to avoid dehydration. 

Remember that dark-colored urine indicates dehydration, while pale or non-colored urine means you are adequately hydrated.