Water…it is everywhere. The earth is 72 percent water. Our bodies are 60 percent water. And many of the foods we eat are mostly water.
Water is a big part of any weight loss plan. The bottom line is we cannot live without it and our bodies need a certain amount to function at their optimal level.
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Most people don’t drink enough water each day. Then there are those of us who take in lots of fluids, but they are drinks other than water. There is nothing wrong with having a cup of coffee or two each day.
But don’t be confused about substituting sodas and juices for water. Soda and juice are loaded with calories and sugar.
And diet sodas really aren’t much better. The calories may not be there, but there are sugar substitutes are can be equally unhealthy.
There is nothing better for you than pure, clear water. Healthy people start each day with a glass or two and end the day with a glass of water.
It can come from a bottle, a cooler or a tap. It will sustain your life and improve the way you function, the way you feel and the way you look.
It’s time for a tall glass of water! This is the first in a series of 30-day challenges for creating a more fit life.
Why Should You Drink Water?
There is a lot of discussion about how much you should drink daily. There is also discussion around whether drinks like soda and coffee count towards your daily fluid intake.
If for no other reason, you should drink water because your body is made of water. Your brain, heart and other organs function better as a result of water.
Keep reading to discover some of the other benefits (1) provided by water.
How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day?
I guess this depends on who you talk to how much water you should drink each day. It is possible to drink too much water.
Drinking more than 27 – 33 ounces of water in an hour can cause something called “water intoxication”. So, how much water do you really need? Some go by the 8 x 8 rule…8 glasses of 8 ounces of water.
Athletes, older adults and pregnant women may need to drink some extra water each day.
As long as you drink when you are thirsty, you should be okay. Pay attention to what your body is telling you.
7 Benefits of Drinking Water
1. Lowers Blood Pressure
Do you have an elevated blood pressure level…drink water. Your blood pressure has a tendency to increase if you don’t drink enough water.
Your body retains sodium to secure its fluid supply. Additionally, dehydration puts more pressure on your capillaries and arteries elevating your blood pressure.
Drink 8 glasses of water to help control blood pressure without overdoing your fluid intake.
2. Reduces the Risk Heart Attack
Drinking water before bed helps level out your blood throughout your body to prevent heart attacks throughout the night and the early hours of the morning.
You may be tempted to avoid drinking water before bed just because you may have to get up in the middle of the night and make a trip to the bathroom.
The inconvenience should not keep from hydrating before bed.
3. Moisturizes the Skin
The skin is the largest and the heaviest organ in the human body which also requires proper care.
Essentially, what is good for other body organs is generally good for the skin: drinking sufficient water, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, reducing stress levels, lowering sugar intake, avoiding alcohol, and exercising.
4. Eliminates Body Waste
If you have a problem with constipation, water can be your best friend as well as vegetables with skins. Having a glass of water before meals can help aid in digestion as well.
Not drinking enough water seems to be a contributor to constipation in both the young and the elderly.
5. Boosts Energy
Your brain depends on water and not getting enough water can zap your energy. Mild dehydration (fluid loss of 1-3%) can impair energy levels and mood, and lead to major reductions in memory and brain performance.
This fluid loss can occur through normal daily activities, let alone during high heat or exercise.
6. Prevents Headaches
One of the first signs of dehydration is a headache. If you are a headache or migraine sufferer, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to stay hydrated.
In some people, water can reduce and even relieve a headache. If you have a headache, drink a few glasses of water. It certainly will not hurt.
7. Promotes Weight Loss
Water benefits weight loss in a number of ways. And if you don’t drink at least 64 ounces of fluids, you are leaving an easy weight loss tool on the table.
Water helps you feel full. Drink a glass 15 minutes before you eat. You will be less likely to overeat during a meal.
If you feel hungry, before you put food in your mouth have a glass of water. Many people mistake thirst for hunger. You can save yourself a lot of calories if you drink before you eat.
Tips for Drinking More Water
If you are like me, the taste of water just does not bring me joy. Here are some things I do to try to drink more water.
Drink a glass (or 2) in the morning and a glass at night. Drink a glass before each meal and that will only leave you with a few more times during the day to drink water.
Simply put, schedule your eight glasses of water. Plan when you will drink your water and set reminders if necessary.
Get a fancy glass (or a nice water bottle). Use a water container that is appealing to you and will make you feel like drinking more water.
Flavor your water. Water with fruit in it not only looks refreshing, it gives you variety in the flavor of the water. Add strawberries, cucumber slices, lemon slices…well you get the idea.
The options are many when it comes to flavoring your water with fresh fruit. You can also opt to flavor water with powder packets.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Water
If you really can’t drink 8 glasses of water, substitute a few glasses with tea. Green tea and herbal tea can be a great way to enjoy an afternoon beverage.
Get creative when it comes to drinking water. Challenge yourself in whatever way possible to drink the water your body needs.
Anytime you are trying to change your habits, a thirty-day challenge can be the push you need to turn this healthy behavior into a healthy habit.
Losing weight is a process and drinking water can be a big part of that process. But outside of that, there is nothing more refreshing during the day than a tall glass of cool clear water.
If you are not a water drinker, start by making a glass of water part of your morning routine. After you have done that for several days, add in a glass of water before bed.
Adding the recommended amount of water to your daily diet is just one of the small changes you can make to improve your health.
Challenge yourself to drink 8 glasses of water a day for the next 30 days.