The Real Benefits of Proper Water Intake

Did you know that water makes up 70% of the human body? You can probably imagine this is why water and proper hydration are considered essential to life, just like oxygen, no?

Water is responsible for so many vital body functions, such as enhancing brain function, temperature regulation, and waste excretion, just to name a few. Going without proper hydration levels for even short periods of time can wreak havoc on our health and wellness.

Let's take a quick look at some of the main benefits of water and why the proper daily intake is just so utterly important.

Water Helps Create Mucus and Saliva

A considerable percentage of your saliva is made up of water. Other minor components include enzymes, mucus, and electrolytes. Saliva aids in solid foods digestion and keeping the eyes, nose, and mouth moist. Drinking water helps in the production of enough saliva, which, in turn, keeps the mouth clean and healthy.

Water Regulates Body Temperature

Staying hydrated also helps regulate your body temperature. As water comes to the skin and evaporates (in the form of sweat), you might feel fresh, but replenishing the lost water is absolutely necessary or your body temperature will rise. If you live, work or play in hotter climates, or if you are simply one who sweats excessively, you need to work extra hard to prevent dehydration by drinking even more water than most.

Water Provides Joint Lubrication

The spine discs, joints, and cartilages contain about 80% water. Proper water intake aids in the lubrication and cushioning of these vital components. Water also works to protect sensitive body tissues, and ultimately prevent discomfort resulting from conditions such as arthritis.

Water Helps With Digestion

There is evidence that drinking water before, during, or after meals aids and enhances food digestion. In addition to assisting with digestion, water will also help dissolve and shuttle the ingested vitamins, minerals, and nutrients into your body.

On the other hand, even minor levels of dehydration can result in digestive issues, such as an extremely acidic stomach or constipation. Such conditions put you at more risk of stomach ulcers or heartburn.

Water Enhances Blood-Oxygen Circulation

The blood plasma within the body is made up of over 90% water. Blood is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Kind of important, no?

Drinking ample water enhances circulation and leads to good overall health and function. Moreover, a lack of water (dehydration) can result in increased blood pressure.

Water Helps With Waste Excretion

Water plays a very significant role in waste excretion processes such as urinating, bowel movement and sweating. Kidneys need water to filter waste adequately. If not properly hydrated, you increase the possibility of complications such as kidney stones.

Water Enhances Your Skin

Drinking enough water boosts collagen production, thus maintaining healthy and glowing skin. Heads up dehydration can cause dryness and premature wrinkling of the skin. Considering how much time, money, and energy is spent on beauty and skincare products these days, the simple act of proper hydration makes very well have the biggest impact.

Water Enhances Performance During Exercise

There is absolutely no doubt, a lack of proper hydration can, and will, have a detrimental effect on your physical ability during exercise. Studies show proper hydration can significantly boost performance, affect power output, increase endurance, and enhance strength.

Water Enhances Brain Function

Proper hydration also significantly enhances brain function. Not drinking enough water can result in confusion, anxiety, or even fatigue. Studies show that people who drink enough water have enhanced focus, memory, and alertness.

Water Aids With Weight Loss

Various studies highlight that proper water intake may help with weight loss. Drinking water before meals can avoid overeating, in turn, contributing to enhanced weight loss.

As you can see, the simple daily goal of ample water intake can have a major impact on numerous bodily functions.

Drinking the recommended amount will not only help you maintain good overall health but also actually increase both mental and physical performance as well.

Considering the minimal expense of ensuring ample water intake, we cannot think of too many other health and wellness habits that are worth substantially more than their cost.

Do yourself a favor, shoot for a minimum of 1oz of water per pound of body weight daily. If you really want to do your body and mind a favor, set a goal of a gallon a day. It really is much easier than you most likely think.

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

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