Drinking water regularly is good for the body. It is also vital to our health that we stay properly hydrated as every single system in the human body relies on water to function.
Much like getting your five a day in fruit and vegetables you should start thinking of water as a nutrient and include it as part of your daily routine.
Some people struggle to drink enough water because they become bored with the taste. A tip to get around this is to add fruit and other ingredients to your water. Strawberry and mint for example are a great combination when infusing your water. Adding different fruits to your water will help liven up the taste and will make it much easier to drink plenty.
Below are five top health benefits that you may not know about.
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Great Brain
Your brain is made up of 80% water, so drinking it helps you in many ways including:
Reducing stress
Preventing and relieving headaches
Increasing oxygen and blood flow to your brain
Maintaining memory function
Helping to balance your mood and emotions
Improving concentration and your thought processes
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Weight Loss
Drinking water helps you lose weight as it makes you feel fuller for longer so it is acting as an effective appetite suppressant.
Drinking a glass of water before meal times leads to a reduction in food intake and therefore reduces the number of calories you consume during meal times. It also helps to prevent fluid retention, especially in pregnant woman where many do suffer from this, drinking water can help alleviate the symptoms and make your pregnancy more manageable and enjoyable.
Your body will not try to retain the water if it is getting enough in the first place.
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Detoxify
Your body fluids transport waste products in and out of your cells, while your kidneys and liver flush those waste products and other toxins out of your body. This process will only work properly and efficiently if you are well hydrated. When you are not drinking enough water, you increase the risk of developing kidney stones and experiencing urinary tract infections, along with constipation. Drinking plenty of water will aid these functions.
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Healthy Muscles
Water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Being well hydrated enables your muscles to work harder and for longer before they feel tired, and this will help you build muscle.
When exercising it is extremely important to keep hydrated. Drinking water helps to lubricate the joints in your body and prevents muscle cramping.
Your muscles, including your heart, are made up of 75% water.
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Youthful Skin
Your skin contains 64% water and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Drinking plenty of water hydrates skin cells, plumping them up, making your face look younger and rejuvenated.
Moisturisers are pointless if you’re not drinking enough water as water helps to moisturise your skin, replenish skin tissues and also increase its elasticity.
Many facelift patients complain of a lack of skin elasticity, this is mainly due to ageing, but if you drink plenty of water this will help prolong the ageing process, meaning your skin will have improved elasticity for longer.
Water also flushes out impurities and improves circulation and blood flow, helping your skin glow.
As you can see, proper hydration is critical to health and vitality. It is recommended that you drink at least 2 litres of water a day. After a couple of days you will start seeing the benefits as well as feeling the benefits!
