3 More Reasons to Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water certainly seems like a given. We all know that water is essential for health, but a lot of us (including me) just don’t make it a point to drink enough daily.
For starters, water is critical for flushing out toxins, carrying nutrients to your cells, and providing a healthy environment for your ears, nose and throat.
However, in this post, we’ll explore three lesser-known benefits of water that you may not be aware of (but totally should be).
Water Keeps You Sharp
Feeling a little dull? Check your hydration status. Research shows mild dehydration may impact short-term memory, concentration, alertness, and even your ability to do math.
So, if you’re a little slow in the afternoon, consider drinking a cup of water instead of that regular cup of joe. It might be just what you need.
Water May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease and Other Conditions
A key function of water is to dilute blood. This is important for maintaining circulation and a healthy cardiovascular system.
One study showed that drinking five or more glasses of water per day was linked to a lower risk of coronary heart disease in comparison to those drinking two or fewer glasses daily.
In addition, good hydration is linked to a lower risk of blood clots, strokes, and hypertension.
Water Really Improves Your Skin
We’ve all heard the claims that drinking water improves the quality of your skin. Is it really true? The answer is yes.
Research shows that water improves the thickness, density, and hydration of skin. However, there isn’t much research to suggest it prevents wrinkles.
How Much Water Do You Really Need?
Eight glasses a day is conventional wisdom, but the amount of water that you actually need is based on your activity level, the climate, the amount of salt in your diet, and other factors.
A simple way to get more H20 is to divide your weight in half and drink that amount in ounces. If you’re not a fan of water (like me), spruce it up a little.
Adding cut-up fruit, cucumber slices, lemon or herbs can make it more appealing.
The Bottom Line
Drinking water is the foundation to good health. Are you getting enough daily? Please tell us about your water habits in the comments!
