Fluid balance is critical for daily human function. The average human body is 65% water so it makes sense that it is essential for everyday life. Here are 5 ways in which keeping up with your water intake can benefit your everyday life.
Improves Skin Complexion
As the saying goes, “when you look good, you feel good.” When you are dehydrated, your skin tends to get dry and flaky. The skin cells do not turnover at the same rate, so you get more dead skin cells accumulating on the surface. Dehydration can lead to cracked and itchy skin. It can often affect your overall skin tone, making your skin seem dull.
Skin cells like all cells are made up mostly of water. When cells are filled with water they keep their shape and remain firm. Good levels of hydration can keep your skin bright and promote the generation of collagen.
Helps Provide Energy
Hydration is extremely helpful for brain function. Another symptom of dehydration is fatigue. Studies show that drinking more water can help improve energy levels and attention span.
During and after exercise are really important times to rehydrate. Not only can it help reduce fatigue but also improve endurance, especially paired with frequent, low-impact workouts. If you feel too tired to work out, drinking water can help with oxygen flow through the body and give you that boost of energy you need.
Affects mood and wellbeing
Dehydration is known to cause headaches and changes in mood. A lack of water is shown to throw off your balance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Studies have found that even mild cases of dehydration can have a negative effect on mood. A lack of water can even increase the effects of depression and anxiety.
Water is known to help shorten the length of headaches, as well as lessening the intensity. A glass of water can help prevent headaches while also refreshing and alerting you.
Helps with Digestion
A lack of water can cause constipation. If your body lacks fluids, it will absorb fluids from your stool causing constipation. Increased water consumption helps aid with nutrient absorption. Drinking water before, during and after eating can help you digest your food.
Sometimes thirst disguises itself as hunger. Drinking water can help curb cravings. It has also been seen that people lost weight faster when they drank more water than those who don’t.
Helps Flush Toxins and Prevent Illness
The kidneys naturally filter waste from the body. In order to do so they require adequate water intake. When the body is properly hydrated the filtering and transportation of nutrients is restored. Many medical experts believe being properly hydrated can help prevent many diseases related to the joints because it decreases inflammation. Proper water consumption can also protect against kidney stones, constipation and urinary tract infections.