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The human body consists primarily of water (over 60%). It is therefore essential that you follow the 8x8 rule. This means drinking 8 glasses of 8 ounces every day, which comes to 237ml per glass or 1.8L of water daily.
We cannot downplay the role that being hydrated has on our bodies and our bodily functions. So we might actually ask ourselves, what exactly are these so-called benefits we stand to get from drinking all this water? Although there are more than enough benefits to staying hydrated, we will walk you through 6 of these benefits and explain the reasoning behind them as well.
So we present 6 evidence-based health benefits of drinking enough water daily.
- Increases brain functioning and energy levels for daily tasks:
Our brains are directly affected by our level of hydration or lack of it. Studies show that even a small percentage like 1 to 3% of water loss in the body can negatively affect some functions of our brain.
In a study on young women, it was found that a 1.4% fluid loss resulted in issues such as mild sickness, a bad mood, and increased headaches. While a study on younger men showed 1.6% fluid loss resulted in inferior memory, fatigue, and an increase in stress levels/anxiety.
Even a small fluid loss of around 1 to 3% is the same as losing half to 2kgs of weight which is very easily possible through little exercise and/or daily activities such as walking, running, or staying in higher temperatures.
- Helps in dealing with stomach-related issues:
A common suggestion given by many experts for any digestive issue such as constipation is increasing the intake of fluids, and water is the best fluid to consume from all.
Lower levels of water in the body are the most common reason for constipation and other digestion-related problems in all age groups from kids to adults. Studies have shown that mineral water, one that is rich in magnesium and sodium is the best solution for avoiding digestive issues.
- Effective against kidney stones:
Kidney stones are clumps of mineral crystals that form in the kidney or urinary system. It is a very painful disease that may also need surgery if not dealt with timely and properly.
Although it is not a solution or a prescribed remedy, high consumption of water is believed to be one of the very few solutions outside surgery for a kidney stone. Lack of proper water consumption is believed to be a reason for these stones as it is believed if more water is passed through it dilutes the stone and it may even pass through the urinary tract.
Moreover, water is needed to keep the normal digestive system running properly and used in other functions of the body.
- Water helps in reducing hangovers:
Hangovers usually occur after consuming alcohol. Alcohol makes you lose water from the body because of its nature and therefore it can be a cause of dehydration if consumed in a higher quantity.
This can cause headaches, tiredness, and dryness in the mouth. It is advised to have water between drinks and have water before going to bed in order to avoid such an issue.
Hence, water keeps hangovers to a limit, or avoid them altogether if water intake is sufficient to rehydrate from the issues caused by alcohol.
- Effective for weight loss:
Water increases the metabolic rate, which further helps in losing weight as metabolism and weight loss are directly connected with each other.
Water consumption helps in burning extra calories daily and helps in losing weight quickly and effectively. Also, water is considered to be a natural appetite controller and prevents you from overeating and consuming extra calories. Water increases the speed at which digestion happens and hence, it allows waste to pass off quicker.
Also, it lessens calorie intake through other liquids which are much more harmful, and weight gainers such as soft drinks and beverages.
- Water helps in smoothening skin:
Water helps in removing dullness from the skin and brightening it. Water has the minerals needed to nourish the skin and increase its smoothness of the skin.
Most beauty experts suggest the first thing do for a healthier and more beautiful face is to drink plenty of water every day. It reduces skin dullness and maximizes nutrients and oxygen that reach your face, hence making it equally important, if not more than using beauty products on your face.
Apart from these 6, here are 4 more benefits of water that we will not discuss in detail, but are very important:
- It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive tissues
- Water helps in removing excess body waste
- Maintains and regulates body temperature
- Increases performance before exercise
Hence, we have seen how water, and staying hydrated regularly is very important. It not only helps us in maintaining the regular functions of the body but also helps in avoiding bigger issues and smoothens our skin.
So set your health apps and remember to create an alert to drink water by the 8x8 rule for an improved and healthy lifestyle.