There probably is nothing more universally good for keeping us strong and healthy than water. To maintain good health, we hear doctors recommend a daily water intake of at least 3 liters a day to stay hydrated and function at our absolute best. Sometimes, we might need a little reminder about what each glass of water does for your health, so here are the most common benefits to remind us why there’s nothing like H2O.
Peak mental and physical performance
Keeping ourselves hydrated with fluids such as water helps ensure our mental capacity stays intact and fully functional. As human bodies are mostly made up of water, we cannot live or properly function with low levels of water in our bodies. Not properly hydrating can even lead to a disorder called hypovolemia that causes decrease of blood plasma.
Boosts the Immune System
Staying hydrated helps ensure your blood carries plenty of oxygen and successfully delivers it to all the cells in your body. The immune system has parts called lymphs that carry water and nutrients to your blood cells. Keeping yourself hydrated with water allows your immune system to function at its best by effectively supplying nutrients that help avoid many illnesses.
Fights Kidney Stones and Other Ailments
Regularly drinking the daily recommended amount of water keeps you from getting sick, fights infections you may have, clears your allergies and helps prevent harmful kidney stones from developing.
Cleanses Toxins
With the daily recommended intake of 3 liters of water, you can flush out harmful toxins and bacteria trapped in your body. Water helps your kidneys function at their best, as they become more effective in getting rid of waste and toxins and pass through your liver.
Keeps Energy Levels Up
Water does quench your thirst. When you are hydrated, you are also more energized and are able to perform better both physically and mentally and keep up with your fast, modern lifestyle and take on the daily stress it brings.
Headache Prevention
Water works wonders in curing hangovers and providing relief from headaches. Some people are apprehensive towards taking medications when they fall ill, and a good way of letting the body naturally cure and heal itself is by drinking lots of water and staying hydrated.
Keeps Bowel Movements Normal
Water largely helps in digestion and removing waste. If you are faced with constipation, taking the daily recommended water intake helps ease it over time, and prevents it from occurring again. You can also try drinking water infused with lemon in the mornings to help bloating subside and make digestion smoother.
Cramps Prevention
Women will especially find joy in water as this fluid helps prevents cramps during the menstrual cycle. During this time, the muscles contract even more, so staying hydrated helps relax the muscles and prevent pain. Hydrating with water also helps in naturally resolving mineral deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances.
Achieve a Glowing Look
Water helps you not just feel good inside, but look good on the outside. When your skin is hydrated, your skin acts more effectively as a barrier that flushes out acne-causing bacteria living on the surface of your skin. Hydrating yourself can help clear your skin and fight factors that trigger acne, such as your diet, environmental conditions and daily stress.
Keeps the Pounds Away
A healthy intake of water is a clever trick in curbing your appetite without adding calories to your diet. When you drink about 500ml of water before each meal, your hunger pangs are reduced, preventing binge eating and exceeding the recommended calorie intake to stay in shape. Hint: sometimes when people think they’re hungry, they’re actually just dehydrated. So remember, the next time you reach out for a snack, think again – have you had enough water yet?