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Benefits of drinking adequate water

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It’s no secret that water is essential for life and that we need to stay properly hydrated at all times. About 60% of the human body is constituted of water and we need to be hydrated for a number of reasons ranging from maintaining energy levels to controlling our moods and even our weight. Dehydration is often ignored or not even felt, but it has many detrimental effects on our bodies. We may not be aware but we steadily lose water during the course of our daily routine, and we should be sure to regularly drink water to compensate.

Let’s understand the benefits of drinking water and also determine the right quantity which is required on a daily basis. Considering how a significant portion of our bodies comprises of water, it is safe to say that there is no system that is not impacted if we do not have an adequate intake.

  • About 90% of the composition of blood includes water and blood has the critical function of providing oxygen and other nutrients to all parts of the body. Not having enough water can lead to impaired circulation and the blood tends to become thicker, which has adverse effects on blood pressure
  • Water helps maintain the balance of fluids in the body. These fluids perform all kinds of critical functions like regulating our body temperature and enabling absorption, digestion, circulation of blood and nutrients
  • Water is great for the skin, keeping it looking young and glowing. It increases skin elasticity, preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Water is great for the skin, keeping it looking young and glowing. It increases skin elasticity, preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines
  • For those intending to lose weight, drinking water before your meals can help decrease your appetite. Water contains no calories and tends to give you a sensation of fullness, ensuring you reduce your intake of food
  • You need to be well hydrated to perform any strenuous physical activity or exercise. The cells of our muscles need water to be lubricated and supple, and to avoid muscle cramps. Also, the fluids expended because of sweating need to be replaced to regain lost energy
  • Water helps the kidneys to filter and flush harmful toxins from the body. It also helps dilute minerals and salts which could otherwise harden to form kidney stones. Inadequate water intake leads to the occurrence of urinary tract infections and may even lead to chronic kidney damage
  • Being hydrated is important for the brain to function optimally. Stress, anger and mood swings are experienced in a state of dehydration. Even abilities such as concentration, reasoning and problem-solving may be impacted if you do not drink enough water
  • Our digestive systems need water to operate smoothly. Insufficient water intake affects the movement of food material in the gastro-intestinal tract and may lead to constipation or excess acidity in the stomach

Apart from regular water, even drinking any form of beverages containing water counts towards our hydration quota, though we must be careful about the fluids we consume. It is common knowledge that many beverages are loaded with sugar, caffeine and other ingredients which may not be conducive to good health.

With regard to what would be the ideal quantity of water to be had in a day, there is no definite answer. Though experts and fitness gurus advocate anything from 8 glasses a day to 4 litres a day, the required intake is different for each individual. The amount of water necessary depends on how physically active we are during the day, our occupation, body weight and how much we tend to sweat. The best bet is to be aware of the signals which our body sends us and drink up accordingly. Some telltale symptoms of dehydration include low blood pressure, headaches, light-headedness, dryness in the mouth, dark yellow urine and fatigue. Isn’t it great that just drinking enough water can prevent so many health issues ?

To summarize, water is crucial for our well-being as it ensures the smooth functioning of all our internal organs and systems. Remember, if we do feel the sensation of thirst, it means we are already on the road to dehydration. As prevention is the best remedy for dehydration, we must inculcate the healthy habit of drinking a few glasses of water at regular intervals. Staying hydrated has continuous, long-term benefits and does wonders for both the mind and body.