You may have read last week’s post about how much water you should drink every day. While it contains helpful information about determining correct water consumption amounts, it doesn’t explain why water is so important. Because the body is made up of 60% water, it is no surprise that water is an important factor in being healthy. It is clear that correct water consumption levels helps you live a healthier lifestyle, but it’s level of importance is undeniably misunderstood. Drinking the appropriate amount of water can help you improve your health in several areas, including:

Energy Levels

Because the brain requires water to function, it is important to stay hydrated. Dehydration actually impairs brain function and thus decreases your energy levels. Dehydration impairs mood and memory. Additionally, the right amount of water not only helps you feel refreshed, mentally and emotionally, but it helps you stay focused and concentrated. Water also helps relieve fatigue, so next time you are fighting tired eyes, drink a nice cold glass of H2O.

Weight Loss (and Management!)

Studies suggest that 2 liters of water per day increases energy expenditure by 96 calories per day. This is because water-intake is directly linked to metabolism. In addition to increased metabolism, water helps you feel full. It is recommended to drink a glass of water 30 minutes prior to eating a meal to help with weight loss and management. And when you do drink water, drink it cold. Cold water makes the body work to warm the water to match body temperature. It does so by using energy, and thus working off more calories.

Headaches

“You have a headache? You need more water!” Yes, it’s the centuries old wives tale… but it’s true! Dehydration triggers headaches, and drinking water helps relieve them. So, yes, you’re mom was right. Grab some H2O and guzzle it down before you pick up some headache medicine. If it’s a dehydration headache, water is the best – and most natural – medicine.

Regularity

When you’re feeling constipated, it’s likely a sign from your body that you need to drink more water. Constipation is a common side effect of water dehydration. Drinking water not only prevents but helps relieve constipation. This is because water helps your body break down and digest food and it adds fluids to the colon. Thus, making your bowel movements more, ahem, regular.

 

Have you gotten yourself a refreshing glass of cold water yet? If you have any questions about how water can help you personally, feel free to call our office to make an appointment with one of our award-winning doctors.