Are You Drinking Enough Water??
10 Compelling Reasons Why Staying Hydrated is Crucial
Listen: There’s a reason why I always ask if you’re drinking enough water when a complaint about fatigue, pain or brain fog comes up. Water is often referred to as the elixir of life, and for good reason. Getting and staying adequately hydrated is essential for maintaining our overall health and well-being, both physical and mental. It’s also the easiest change you can make to get yourself back in the groove of self care.
Here are 10 science based reasons for why we need to stay hydrated:
Supports Proper Organ Function:
Water is a fundamental component of all bodily functions. It helps transport nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to cells, aids in digestion, and assists the kidneys in filtering waste products from the blood. Staying hydrated ensures that your organs can perform at their best. If you’re NOT staying hydrated, your organs are struggling to do their thing, after a while they’re going to get tired of working overtime and start to deteriorate, which will lead to all sorts of other problems. Water is an easy preventative measure that we all need to prioritize for longevity.
Regulates Body Temperature:
Sweating is the body's natural cooling system. To avoid overheating, your body relies on an adequate intake of fluids. When you're well-hydrated, you can better manage extreme temperatures and physical exertion. If you don’t have enough water in your body to cool yourself down with sweat, it’s going to be taken from other essential places, like your organs that need it.
Boosts Cognitive Function:
Dehydration can impair cognitive function, leading to difficulty concentrating and reduced memory. Staying hydrated supports optimal brain function, helping you think clearly and stay focused. I know that mom brain and brain fog are often considered normal problems in women our age, but remember: normal doesn’t mean optimal. Try drinking more water for a week and see if your brain fog improves.
Aids in Weight Management:
Drinking water before meals can help you feel full, reducing the likelihood of overeating. It also boosts metabolism, facilitating weight loss and maintenance. Plus, staying hydrated helps prevent confusing thirst with hunger. A body with proper hydration can operate more efficiently. If your organs are not screaming for a drink, imagine how much extra energy could be focused on other things!
Enhances Athletic Performance:
Athletes know the importance of hydration for peak performance. Water maintains electrolyte balance, prevents muscle cramps, and ensures efficient energy production. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and decreased physical endurance.
Promotes Healthy Skin:
Proper hydration keeps your skin looking fresh and vibrant. It helps maintain elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and flushes out toxins, giving you a natural glow.
Supports Digestive Health:
Adequate water intake is essential for a healthy digestive system. It aids in the breakdown of food and promotes regular bowel movements, preventing constipation.
Alleviates Joint Pain:
Dehydration can lead to joint stiffness and discomfort. Water helps lubricate your joints and maintain their flexibility, reducing the risk of arthritis and related conditions. Even all those little aches and pains (that are considered “normal”) can be greatly improved by adequate water intake.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections:
Drinking enough water helps flush bacteria and toxins from the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections. It's especially important for women, who are more susceptible to UTIs.
Reduces the Risk of Chronic Diseases:
Chronic conditions like kidney stones, hypertension, and diabetes are more common in people who are chronically dehydrated. Staying properly hydrated is a simple yet effective way to reduce your risk of developing these conditions, and improving your overall longevity and quality of life.
How Much Water Do We Need?
While the "8x8 rule" (eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day) is a useful guideline, individual hydration needs vary. Factors like age, activity level, climate, and overall health play a role. A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces of water each day. Add more if you’re active or in a hot climate. Listen to your body, pay attention to thirst cues, and adapt your water intake accordingly.
Staying hydrated is not a suggestion. It’s a necessity for overall health and vitality. The benefits of drinking enough water are often overlooked, but in reality, they are far-reaching, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being. To lead a healthy, energetic, and fulfilling life, make it a priority to keep yourself adequately hydrated. Whether it's a refreshing glass of water, herbal tea, or water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, maintaining proper hydration should be at the forefront of your daily routine. Your body, mind, and long-term health will thank you for it.
Talk Soon,
Emily
PS: Having trouble downing the water? Add in more fruits/veggies into your diet and boost your antioxidants and micronutrients at the same time.
Check out my favorite glass water bottles and a few hydration helpers that I have found helpful in my Amazon Store here. (This is an affiliate link, which means that I can get paid a small commission for recommending my favorite products).
