Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water

Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water

Keeping hydrated is crucial for health and well-being, but many people do not consume enough fluids each day. The human body comprises around 60% water and around 71 percent of the planet’s surface is covered by water. Perhaps it is the ubiquitous nature of water that means drinking enough each day is not at the top of many people’s lists of priorities.

Fast facts on drinking water

• Adult humans are 60 percent water, and our blood is 90 percent water.
• There is no universally agreed quantity of water that must be consumed daily.
• Water is essential for the kidneys and other bodily functions.
• When dehydrated, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and wrinkling.
• Drinking water instead of soda can help with weight loss.

Below are the main Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water

It helps create saliva - Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy. Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies. If your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isn’t helping, see your doctor.

It improves blood oxygen circulation - Water carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.

It helps with nutrient absorption - In addition to helping with food breakdown, water also helps dissolve vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients from your food. It then delivers these vitamin components to the rest of your body for use.

Significantly affects energy levels and brain function - Your brain is strongly influenced by your hydration status. Studies show that even mild dehydration, such as the loss of 1–3% of body weight, can impair many aspects of brain function. In a study in young women, researchers found that fluid loss of 1.4% after exercise impaired both mood and concentration. It also increased the frequency of headaches.

May help treat kidney stones - Urinary stones are painful clumps of mineral crystal that form in the urinary system. The most common form is kidney stones, which form in the kidneys. There’s limited evidence that water intake can help prevent recurrence in people who have previously gotten kidney stones . Higher fluid intake increases the volume of urine passing through the kidneys. This dilutes the concentration of minerals, so they’re less likely to crystallize and form clumps. Water may also help prevent the initial formation of stones, but studies are required to confirm this.

It regulates your body temperature - Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments. Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose. That’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated. If you’re sweating more than usual, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

It may help reduce the risk of bladder infections - Some studies have shown that drinking more water can reduce the risk of bladder infections and urinary tract infections, such as cystitis, in women.

It may reduce a hangover - While drinking water won’t prevent a hangover, some research suggests that being hydrated can reduce some of the negative after-effects of drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic and therefore makes the body lose more water then you take in.

It may help to manage anxiety - Hydration has an impact on the brain, as well as the body, and research has shown that even mild dehydration can have a negative impact on energy levels and moods, which may heighten the symptoms of anxiety.

It may improve exercise performance - There has been a lot of research into the effects of hydration or dehydration in athletes, and the results all pretty much conclude that dehydration not only affects sports performance but also physiological function too.

It can help reduce sugar cravings and aid weight maintenance - The brain can’t actually tell the difference between hunger and thirst, so often we can mistake thirst as a ‘sugar craving'. The next time you feel the need for something sweet, try drinking a glass of water first. Staying hydrated may also help with weight maintenance

Drinking Water to Lose Weight - Water Helps You Slim Down - Drinking water benefits the body in a variety of ways. Sipping cold water increases your metabolism and can help with weight loss. The body has to expend more energy to increase temperature after drinking cold H2O. This means you burn more calories. 

Boost Skin Health - Water Fights Wrinkles-Drinking adequate water helps plump up skin cells, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles so you look younger. Water also supports detoxification and helps flush toxins and impurities out of the body that dull your complexion. Stay well hydrated to support good circulation and blood flow, all of which will help your skin glow.