Water is a key nutrient to staying healthy. Present in liquids and foods, making sure your intake is sufficient can make a big difference in how you feel and how your body functions. Water accounts for 60% of the human body and helps with a wide range of functions from the creation of saliva to support your blood circulation.
Making sure that you drink enough water and eat water-rich foods is important no matter your age, gender, or lifestyle.
#1 Supports Your Digestive System and Bowel Movements
Water helps your digestive function work adequately. With enough fluids, your body can absorb the nutrients from what you eat and break soluble fiber down to optimize your digestion.
When your digestive system works as it should, you can expect regular bowel movements to help your body get rid of waste.
If you do not drink enough water, you may experience:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Ulcers
Mineral water rich in magnesium can especially help your digestive function and prevent constipation.
#2 Increases Your Physical Performance
Physical activity is as important to a healthy lifestyle as a balanced diet. Moving your body regularly can help improve and maintain your health. Staying hydrated positively affects your physical performance when you work out.
Making sure to drink enough water before, during, and after exercising can reduce your risk of fatigue and strain on your muscles. It also helps replenish the water you lost due to sweating.
Staying hydrated when you work out is especially important when your fitness routine is intense and/or when you engage in physical activity in the heat.
#3 Helps You Lose or Maintain Weight
When you choose water rather than high-calory beverages, you usually enjoy a longer sensation of fullness and consume fewer calories, which helps with your weight loss journey or to maintain a stable and healthy weight.
Incorporating foods rich in water like fruits, vegetables, or beans, can help you reduce your calorie intake further. This type of food may also require more chewing and as your body takes longer to absorb nutrients, you may more easily avoid snacking between meals or overeating in general.
#4 Promotes Body Temperature Regulation
Dehydration can lead your body to store more heat and handles external heat with greater difficulty. This can cause problems in high-temperature weather or during workouts, especially high-intensity ones.
Drinking enough liquids can help avoid overheating and sweat enough to effectively regulate your body temperature.
#5 Improves Cognitive Function
When you do not drink enough water, it can affect your brain function and reduces your focusing and reasoning capabilities. By impacting neurotransmitters and other aspects of your brain structure, dehydration, even a mild case, can hinder your cognitive abilities.
Although cognitive concerns can have multiple causes, drinking enough water every day can improve your cognitive function and help regulate your emotions and stress levels. In turn, proper hydration makes it easier to concentrate on various tasks.
Seniors should be especially mindful of drinking enough water as they can be at higher risk of cognitive issues.
#6 Keeps Your Skin Healthy and Youthful Looking
Like the rest of your body, your skin contains a significant amount of water. Dehydration can lead to skin issues or exacerbate certain dermatological conditions. When your water intake is not sufficient, it may also result in premature aging with the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
If you are concerned about dry skin or other issues due to dehydration, you can consult a dermatologist to discuss any necessary treatment. In the meantime, you can start building your daily water intake to support your skin in both the short and long term.
#7 Reduces the Risk of Kidney Issues
Your kidneys play a key role in your health as they regulate your body fluids and help you urinate appropriately to flush toxins out. Drinking enough water is vital to support your kidney function.
If you drink enough water, you should use the bathroom regularly and your urine should be light in color and odorless. If you notice a change in color and smell, this may indicate that you need to increase your fluid intake.
Drinking enough water can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones or urinary tract infections.
Call Soza Weight Loss today at (504) 475-9817 or use our online form to schedule a healthy living consultation in Covington, Metairie, or Harvey!