Why Drink More Water? See 6 Health Benefits of Water
[ad_1]
Americans seem to carry bottled water everywhere they go these days. In fact, it has become the second most popular drink (behind soft drinks). But water lovers got a jolt recently when we heard that a new report had found that the benefits of drinking water may have been oversold. Apparently, the old suggestion to drink eight glasses a day was nothing more than a guideline, not based on scientific evidence.
But don’t put your water bottle or glass down just yet. While we may not need eight glasses, there are plenty of reasons to drink water. In fact, drinking water (either plain or in the form of other fluids or foods) is essential to your health.
“Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods. All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day,” says Joan Koelemay, RD, dietitian for the Beverage Institute, an industry group.
Kaiser Permanente nephrologist Steven Guest, MD, agrees: “Fluid losses occur continuously, from skin evaporation, breathing, urine, and stool, and these losses must be replaced daily for good health,” he says.
When your water intake does not equal your output, you can become dehydrated. Fluid losses are accentuated in warmer climates, during strenuous exercise, in high altitudes, and in older adults, whose sense of thirst may not be as sharp.
Here are six reasons to make sure you’re drinking enough water or other fluids every day:
1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
“Through the posterior pituitary gland, your brain communicates with your kidneys and tells it how much water to excrete as urine or hold onto for reserves,” says Guest, who is also an adjunct professor of medicine at Stanford University.
When you’re low on fluids, the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. And unless you are taking medications that make you thirsty, Guest says, you should listen to those cues and get yourself a drink of water, juice, milk, coffee — anything but alcohol.
“Alcohol interferes with the brain and kidney communication and causes excess excretion of fluids which can then lead to dehydration,” he says.
2. Water Can Help Control Calories. For years, dieters have been drinking lots of water as a weight loss strategy. While water doesn’t have any magical effect on weight loss, substituting it for higher calorie beverages can certainly help.
“What works with weight loss is if you choose water or a non-caloric beverage over a caloric beverage and/or eat a diet higher in water-rich foods that are healthier, more filling, and help you trim calorie intake,” says Penn State researcher Barbara Rolls, PhD, author of The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan.
Food with high water content tends to look larger, its higher volume requires more chewing, and it is absorbed more slowly by the body, which helps you feel full. Water-rich foods include fruits, vegetables, broth-based soups, oatmeal, and beans.
3. Water Helps Energize Muscles. Cells that don’t maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue. “When muscle cells don’t have adequate fluids, they don’t work as well and performance can suffer,” says Guest.
Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. Follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for fluid intake before and during physical activity. These guidelines recommend that people drink about 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. During exercise, they recommend that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.
4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good. Your skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don’t expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines, says Atlanta dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, MD.
“Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration,” he says. “But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.”
You can also help “lock” moisture into your skin by using moisturizer, which creates a physical barrier to keep moisture in.
5. Water Helps Your Kidneys. Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine, explains Guest. “Your kidneys do an amazing job of cleansing and ridding your body of toxins as long as your intake of fluids is adequate,” he says.
When you’re getting enough fluids, urine flows freely, is light in color and free of odor. When your body is not getting enough fluids, urine concentration, color, and odor increases because the kidneys trap extra fluid for bodily functions.
If you chronically drink too little, you may be at higher risk for kidney stones, especially in warm climates, Guest warns.
6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function. Adequate hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation. When you don’t get enough fluid, the colon pulls water from stools to maintain hydration — and the result is constipation.
“Adequate fluid and fiber is the perfect combination, because the fluid pumps up the fiber and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly,” says Koelemay.
5 Tips to Help You Drink More
If you think you need to be drinking more, here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water:
- Have a beverage with every snack and meal.
- Choose beverages you enjoy; you’re likely to drink more liquids if you like the way they taste.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. Their high water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods.
- Keep a bottle of water with you in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
- Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you’re watching calories, go for non-caloric beverages or water.
[ad_2]
Source link
mexican border pharmacies shipping to usa https://mexicanpharmacy.life/# – best online pharmacies in mexico
buying cheap propecia price https://propecia.cheap/# – buy propecia prices
Paxlovid over the counter https://paxlovid.life/# Paxlovid buy online
ed drugs list https://edpills.ink/# – pills for erection
buy cytotec online fast delivery https://cytotec.ink/# – buy cytotec online
ivermectin 1 cream https://ivermectin.today/# ivermectin oral solution
I’m genuinely impressed by the depth of your analysis. Great work!
I’m bookmarking this for future reference. Your advice is spot on!
You’ve presented a complex topic in a clear and engaging way. Bravo!
I’m bookmarking this for future reference. Your advice is spot on!
You’ve opened my eyes to new perspectives. Thank you for the enlightenment!
What a compelling enjoy reading! Your arguments were well-presented and convincing.
Your thoughtful analysis has really made me think. Thanks for the great enjoy reading!
What a compelling enjoy reading! Your arguments were well-presented and convincing.
I’m so grateful for the information you’ve shared. It’s been incredibly enlightening!
Your thoughtful analysis has really made me think. Thanks for the great enjoy reading!
A perfect blend of informative and entertaining, like the ideal date night conversation.
The approach to topics is like a master painter’s to a canvas, with each stroke adding depth and perspective.
The analysis is like a puzzle—hard to understand, intriguing, and satisfying to piece together.
I always learn something new from your posts. Thank you for the education!
Your passion for this subject shines through your words. Inspiring!
Your creativity and intelligence shine through this post. Amazing job!
Your ability to distill complex concepts into enjoy readingable content is admirable.
This post is a testament to your expertise and hard work. Thank you!
A gift for explaining things, making the rest of us look bad.
You have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing.
The post provoked a lot of thought and taught me something new. Thank you for such engaging content.
The hard work you put into this post is as admirable as The commitment to high quality. It’s very attractive.
The dedication to high quality content shows. It’s like you actually care or something.
Opened my eyes to new perspectives, and here I was thinking I’d seen it all.
I was truly impressed by how deeply you delved into this topic. The hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!
You have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing.
The writing style is captivating. Finally, something that can keep my attention longer than a TikTok video.
Shedding light on this subject like you’re the only star in my night sky. The brilliance is refreshing.
The Writing is a treasure trove of knowledge, like finding an untouched library book. A rare gem!
Each article you write is like a step in a dance, moving us gracefully through The thoughts.
You’ve done a fantastic job of breaking down this topic, like unlocking a door to a secret garden. Intrigued to explore more.
The creativity and insight left a big impression on me. Fantastic job!
The Writing is like a lighthouse for my curiosity, guiding me through the fog of information.
Truly inspirational work, or so I tell myself as I avoid my own projects.
I’m so grateful for the information you’ve shared. It’s been incredibly enlightening!
Opened my eyes to new perspectives, and here I was thinking I’d seen it all.
The grace and authority you handle topics with are as mesmerizing as a moonlit dance. I’m thoroughly impressed.
The grace and authority with which you handle topics are awe-inspiring. I always come away with new knowledge.
Handling topics with grace and authority, like a professor, but without the monotone lectures.
Bookmarking this for future reference, but also because The advice is as invaluable as The attention.
The unique perspective on this subject was enlightening. It’s refreshing to see someone so passionate about their topic.
This Writing is a treasure trove of knowledge. Thank you for The contributions!
I appreciate the balance and fairness in The writing. Great job!
Beautifully written and informative, making the rest of the internet look bad.
The Writing is like a warm fireplace on a cold day, inviting me to settle in and stay awhile.
The piece was both informative and thought-provoking. Thanks for the great work!
Amazed by The knowledge breadth, or what I’ve been mistaking for just good Googling skills.
Each post is a journey, and The words are the map. Thanks for leading the way.
Thank you for the hard work you put into this post. It’s much appreciated!
Bookmarking this for future reference, because who knows when I’ll need a reminder of The wisdom?
https://maps.google.com.br/url?q=https://anotepad.com/notes/47rped32
https://taisha.ca/home.php?mod=space&uid=1693969
http://www.neworleansbbs.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=278857
http://logikmemorial.ca/forum/index.php?action=profile;area=forumprofile;u=498049
http://vkeepw.evai.pl/home.php?mod=space&uid=399622
https://www.deepzone.net/home.php?mod=space&uid=3614713
https://maps.google.gg/url?q=https://www.openlearning.com/u/keeganasmussen-sefhhd/blog/ThroughTheLookingGlassAGuideToAutoGlassReplacement
The words are like brush strokes on a canvas, painting ideas in my mind.
https://glamorouslengths.com/author/sackrelish48
https://images.google.is/url?q=https://posteezy.com/shattered-no-more-ultimate-guide-auto-glass-replacement
https://www.webwiki.de/confident-zebra-khr121.mystrikingly.com
https://my.desktopnexus.com/steventurkey62
Handling topics with grace and authority, like a professor, but without the monotone lectures.
Bookmarking this for future reference, because who knows when I’ll need a reminder of The wisdom?
Every article you write is like a new adventure. I’m always excited to see where you’ll take me next.
Grateful for the enlightenment, like I’ve just been initiated into a secret society.
The thought-provoking post has me looking forward to more. It’s like the intellectual equivalent of a second date.
Most comprehensive article on this topic. I guess internet rabbit holes do pay off.
The prose is as smooth as silk, making hard to understand topics feel like a gentle caress to my mind.
Shedding light on this subject like you’re the only star in my night sky. The brilliance is refreshing.
Brilliant writing! You’ve perfectly captured the essence of the topic.
Reading this gave me a lot of insights. The expertise really shines through, and I’m grateful for it.
Beautifully written and informative, making the rest of the internet look bad.
This article was a delightful read. The passion is clearly visible!
The unique viewpoints you bring to The writing are as captivating as The online presence. Always a pleasure.
The depth you bring to The topics is like diving into a deep pool, refreshing and invigorating.
Reading The work is like watching the sunrise, a daily reminder of beauty and new beginnings.
The attention to detail is remarkable, like a detective at a crime scene, but for words.
The ability to distill hard to understand concepts into readable content is admirable.
I’m so grateful for the information you’ve shared. It’s been incredibly enlightening!
The Writing is like a secret garden, each post a path leading to new discoveries and delights.
Always excited for The posts, because who else is going to make me feel this inadequately informed?
Making hard to understand topics accessible is a gift, and you have it. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Glad I stumbled upon this article. It’s like finding a $20 bill in a pair of old jeans.
The words are like a melody, each post a new verse in a song I never want to end.
Reading The Writing is like finding an oasis in a desert of information. Refreshing and revitalizing.
A masterpiece of writing! You’ve covered all bases with elegance.
The voice shines through The writing like a beacon, guiding us through the darkness of ignorance.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article. It was exactly what I needed to read!
This was a great read—thought-provoking and informative. Thank you!
The Writing is a constant source of inspiration and knowledge, like a muse that never fails to inspire. Thank you for being my muse.
The breadth of The knowledge is amazing. Thanks for sharing The insights with us.
A go-to resource, like a library but without the late fees.
Packed with insights, or what I call, a buffet for the brain.
What a compelling read! The arguments were well-presented and convincing.
The insights have added a lot of value to my understanding. Thanks for sharing.
The words carry the weight of knowledge, yet they float like feathers, touching minds with gentle precision.
The unique viewpoints in The writing never fail to impress me. Insightful as always!
Each post is a window into The thoughts, and I must say, the view is stunning.
The expertise and hard work shine through, making me admire you more with each word.
This article is a perfect blend of informative and entertaining. Well done!
I learned so much from this post. The ability to break down hard to understand ideas is something I really admire.
Adding value to the conversation, because what’s a discussion without The two cents?
The words are like seeds, planting ideas that blossom into understanding and appreciation.
Appreciate the clarity you bring to this topic. It’s like you’re speaking to five-year-olds, which is perfect for me.
You have a unique perspective that I find incredibly valuable. Thank you for sharing.
Every article you write is like a new adventure. I’m always excited to see where you’ll take me next.
Stumbling upon this article was the highlight of my day, much like catching a glimpse of a smile across the room.
The ability to convey nuanced ideas with clarity is as alluring as a whispered secret.
The dedication to high quality content shows. It’s like you actually care or something.
Discovering The Writing felt like finding the perfect match. The intellect and charm are a rare combo.
The insights are like a fine wine—rich, fulfilling, and leaving me wanting more.
Bookmarking this for future reference, but also because The advice is as invaluable as The attention.
Beautifully written and incredibly informative, The post has captured my attention as if it were a love letter written just for me.
Each post you write is like a key that unlocks a little more of the world’s mystery.
Reading The work is like catching up with an old friend; comfortable, enlightening, and always welcome.
Beautifully written and incredibly informative, The post has captured my attention as if it were a love letter written just for me.
The article was a joy to read, and The enthusiasm is as infectious as The charm.