Start your
day off right by drinking a glass of water each morning before breakfast. This
will jumpstart your mind and body. And carry a reusable water bottle with you
throughout the day to ensure you remain hydrated.
So maybe
your new drinking habits will lead to a couple more trips to the bathroom. But
you'll be happier, healthier, and more efficient with a properly hydrated
brain.
Increases Brain Power and
Provides Energy
Need a mental boost? Next time you feel your mental
performance diminish, skip the cup of coffee and drink some water.
One of water’s many benefits is an increase in brain
power. Since your brain is made of 73%
water, drinking it helps
you think, focus, concentrate, and stay alert. As a result, your energy levels also
improve.
According to research, it doesn't take much to feel the
impact of dehydration. "Being dehydrated by just 2% impairs
performance in tasks that require attention, psychomotor, and immediate memory
skills, as well as assessment of the subjective state."
BSX Technologies lists four
ways dehydration affects
your brain:
1. Dehydration affects your mood.
2. Dehydration reduces your cognitive
and motor skills.
3. Dehydration makes
you more sensitive to pain.
4. Dehydration affects your
memory.
If you begin to feel these
dehydration symptoms, grab a glass of water.
Promotes
Healthy Weight Management and Weight Loss
Your brain isn't the only part of your body to feel the positive
impact of staying hydrated.
Water aides in the removal of fat by-products and also helps you
feel more full. Not only does this act as a natural appetite suppressant, but
it can also improve your metabolism.
Research on water's impact on your metabolic function is
ongoing. But one thing is certain – you're less likely to gain weight when
you drink a couple glasses of water before a meal rather than eating the
basket of bread.
Flush Out Toxins
You’ve probably heard the expression, “sweat it out.” Water
consumption helps your body flush out waste through sweat and urination. This
also prevents kidney stones and protects you from urinary tract infections.
Your body is able to naturally detoxify through the use of
its lungs, liver, and kidneys. But sometimes we give it more than it can handle
(i.e. holiday eating marathons or a few too many drinks over the weekend).
Consider toxins the boats
floating through your body. Water is the river that floats those toxins out.
Don't let the water level drop or the toxins make get stuck and cause harm.
Improves Your Complexion
It's understandable that if your body is composed of 60% water,
dehydration will harm your skin.
As UW Health points
out, your skin is an organ. And water is important for organ function. "If
your skin is not getting the sufficient amount of water, the lack of hydration
will present itself by turning your skin dry, tight and flaky. Dry skin has
less resilience and is more prone to wrinkling."
Drinking water is great for your skin. It helps to moisturize it,
keep it soft, and removes wrinkles.
Maintains Regularity
Being regular is the result of a healthy digestive system. And
drinking water helps your body digest everything you eat.
According to Mayo Clinic, water
helps break down food (so that your body can absorb the nutrients) and prevents
constipation.
Boosts Immune System
Want to know the easiest way to stay healthy during the cold and
flu season? Drink more water!
One of the most common overlooked benefits of drinking water is a
healthy immune system. And drinking water has been directly related to a
stronger immune system.
According to Fit Day, water
strengthens your immune system in two ways: First, it carries oxygen to your
body's cells, which results in properly functioning systems. And secondly
(see the third point mentioned), it flushes harmful toxins from your body.
Water has also been shown to reduce the risk
of bladder cancer by rapidly flushing toxins from your
bladder.
Prevents
Headaches
One of the most common symptoms of dehydration is headaches. Water
is important for brain function. In addition to increasing brain power,
drinking water also helps prevent and relieve headaches often caused by
dehydration.
Medical News Today explains that a
dehydration headache occurs when your body loses essential fluids to
function properly. Dehydration can cause the brain to temporarily
shrink from fluid loss. This mechanism causes the brain to pull away from the
skull, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache.
Prevents
Cramps and Sprains
It’s no secret that dehydration leads to cramping. But did you know
that hydrated muscles are also less prone to sprains?
Water acts as a natural lubricant for
your muscles and joints. Develop healthy hydration and you’ll be more flexible,
less likely to experience sprained ankles, and less likely to be sore after
that next killer workout.
Helps
Regulate Your Body Temperature
One of the more well-known benefits of water is the way
it replenishes your body's cooling system source – sweat.
Sweat is the natural cooling system of your body. And since water
is a key ingredient of
your sweat, your body
needs enough water to properly regulate your body’s temperature through
perspiration.
Prevents Backaches
Dehydration is often an overlooked cause of back pain.
The bones of your vertebrae are supported by discs. And the central
nucleus of each disc is made of water. A
lack of water can compromise these discs leading to back pain.
Improves
Your Heart Health
Research has shown a link between coronary
heart disease and water consumption.
Water maintains the proper
viscosity of blood and plasma and fibrinogen distribution.
. Prevents Bad Breath
Have you ever hung out in a crowd of runners after a
marathon? You'd be wise to remain at a comfortable distance when speaking.
Bad breath is often a clear sign of dehydration. In addition to the
food you eat, dehydration can also cause
bad breath.
Drinking a sufficient amount of water washes away leftover food
particles and oral bacteria that lead to bad breath.
Takes
the Edge off of Hangovers
Instead of being reactive the next morning, take a proactive
approach next time you drink alcohol. Alcohol consumption
causes dehydration,
which can lead to a hangover.
The unforgiving
consequences of alcohol can be prevented by simply drinking a glass of
water with each alcoholic beverage.
Puts You in a Better Mood
Just as a well-oiled engine runs at top performance, so your body
will also work better when properly hydrated. And when your internal systems
and organs are running better, you’re more likely to feel better about
yourself. In turn, you’re more likely to be in a good mood!
