These days, people are carrying bottled water everywhere and has become the second most popular drink after soft drinks. A new report had found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold and has caused a stir. The eight glasses a day rule is not based on scientific evidence and maybe more than a guideline.
Although we may not need to drink too much, there are plenty of reasons to drink water be it plain water or in any other forms of fluids or foods.
Large amounts of water are lost each day by our body. We loose water from skin evaporation, breathing, urine and stool and these happens continuously. Therefore, drinking water is essential as a nutrient loader the body needs as it is essential to replace these losses every day.
We can become dehydrated when our water intake does not equal to our output. Furthermore, the fluid losses are accentuated in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes and also in older adults.
6 reasons for you to consider why we need to drink enough water every day.
1. Maintains the Balance of Body Fluids
60% of our body is composed of water and it functions in digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients and maintenance of body temperature.
In our body, the amount of water to excrete as urine or keep for reserves and this action is controlled by the communications between the brain and kidney through the pituitary gland.
The brain will trigger the body thirst mechanism when we are low on fluids. Get yourself a drink of water, juice, milk or coffee. However, keep alcohol away as it may interfere with the brain and kidney communication. This can result to dehydration due to excess fluids excretion.
2. Calories Control With Water
Substituting water for higher calorie beverages has been a strategy used for dieters to help on weight loss. Waters, non-caloric beverages and water-rich food are more filling and this help to trim down the calorie intake.
High water content foods require more chewing due to its large and higher volume and therefore absorbed slowly by the body thus helps you feel fuller. Fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal and beans are some of water-rich foods.
3. Muscles Energize
Muscles fatigues are resulted from cells imbalance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel. Adequate fluids are needed for muscle cells to work well and perform better. That’s why, when exercising, you need to make sure your fluid intake is enough before and during the physical activity. It is recommended to take 17 ounces of fluid before exercise, start drinking early and at regular intervals during exercise to replace the water losses.
4. Keep Your Good Looking Skin
Our skin contains plenty of water and functions as a protective barrier against excess fluid loss. Through dehydration, the skin looks more dry and wrinkled. This can be improved through proper dehydration and once adequately hydrated the kidneys will functions to excrete the excess fluids. However, over hydration will not erase wrinkles or fine lines. Instead, use a moisturizer to lock and creates a physical barrier to lock and keep the moisture into your skin.
5. Kidneys Helper
As long as our fluid intake is adequate, our kidney does a fantastic job of cleansing and getting rid of the toxins from our body. Blood urea nitrogen is the main toxin in the body. It is a water-soluble waste that is passed through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine.
Urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor when we’re getting enough fluids in our body. However, when we don’t get enough fluids intake, urine concentration, color and the odor increases. The increase happens due to extra fluid for bodily functions is trapped by the kidneys.
In warm climates area, you may be at a higher risk for kidney stones if you chronically drink too little.
6. Maintain Normal Bowel Function
Constipation is a result of insufficient fluid and the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration. Hydration can be prevented with adequate hydration to keep things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract. A perfect combination will be adequate fluid and fiber. The fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel to function properly.
Tips To Drink More
Check out these tips. Reap the benefits of water and increase your fluid intake.
1. Drink beverages you enjoy. You’ll drink more when you like how it tastes.
2. Eat high water content food like fruits and vegetables. 20% of our fluid intake comes from our foods.
3. Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
4. Go for non-caloric beverages or water if you’re watching calories.
5. Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
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