Would you believe that something as simple as water could help you look and feel younger, boost your energy, and work as an agent to fight disease? Well it’s true. Water makes up approximately 65% of the human body. It is essential for life and we cannot live more than a few days without it.
Water is a part of every cell, and is involved in numerous physiological processes. Lack of adequate water intake is a burden to the body and has been associated with multiple health challenges, including headaches, joint pain, constipation, and daytime fatigue. It is, therefore, essential to drink adequate amounts of water daily in order to have good health.
Health Benefits of Drinking Adequate Water
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Research studies found that men who drank five or more glasses of water daily reduced their risk of fatal heart attack by 54%, when compared to those who drank two of fewer glasses per day. Women who drank at least five glasses of water daily decreased their risk of fatal heart attack by 41%.
Protects from Chronic Disease
Studies show that even mild dehydration contributes to and exacerbates many chronic diseases, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, constipation, hypertension, stroke, chronic lung disorders and diabetic complications.
Aids the Immune System
Good hydration helps improve antibody function, which guards the respiratory system and the intestines. Lymph flow is also enhanced, thus increasing the removal of toxins and bacteria from the body.
Mental Clarity
The human brain is approximately 90% water. It has been shown that even mild dehydration of about 2% can result in confused thoughts and reduced ability to concentrate.
Replacing Daily Losses
Since water is involved in numerous functions of the body; you lose several cups everyday in the process. These water losses occur as a result of perspiration, breathing, urination, and bowel movements. Dehydration occurs when water loss exceeds water intake. To avoid dehydration you need to be sure to take in more water everyday than you lose. Many doctors believe that drinking enough water to keep the urine clear is a sufficient amount. For most people this may be 8 to 10 cups of water daily to maintain proper hydration.
Guidelines for Adequate Daily Hydration
Most people drink water when they feel thirsty. However, the thirst mechanism is not an accurate gauge for determining your body’s need for water. Usually by the time you feel thirsty, some degree of dehydration has already set in. Furthermore, as a person ages, the thirst mechanism decreases. This can result in even greater dehydration if you rely on thirst before drinking water. It is therefore more conducive to good health to have a water-drinking plan. Here are some guidelines to remain hydrated:
- Drink 1-2 glasses of water every morning upon rising
- Drink between meals. Wait until 2 hours after meals to avoid disrupting digestion
- Drink 3 glasses of water after breakfast – and 2-3 after lunch
- Avoid drinks that cause dehydration – alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sodas and sugary beverages
- Keep a water bottle with you
- Strive to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily (unless restricted by your doctor)
- Drink 5 to stay alive – 8 to feel great – and 10 to rejuvenate
Conclusion
Water is one of the most essential elements for life and health. Drinking adequate water on a daily basis can aid in not only preventing certain diseases, but also in relieving various health challenges. This is one of the simplest ways to boost your health. Why not resolve today that you will stay well hydrated!