I wrote this article as to remind myself, and to share with you, of the remarkably rewarding benefits of drinking more water! Mayoclinic.com states that the amount of water to consume each day depends on your individual needs. The most common recommendation I've heard is to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. (Note: I am not a health care professional. I would suggest drinking enough water to avoid various symptoms of dehydration including fatigue, irritability, dry skin, dark colored urine, headache and thirst haha). I believe the five benefits I've listed are the most important, everyone is different though. These are just a few; there are tons more to know about. I know people who can't stand drinking water. If that's your case try incorporating some fresh lemon into your water. I don't mean store bought containers of lemon juice (which include preservatives), I mean a lemon cut into squares, manually squeezed into water. Drinking lemon water has an abundance of health benefits. Check it.
Your weight Working to help our metabolisms, water transports nutrients, minerals, hormones, and oxygen throughout the body as it takes away harmful toxins and waste materials. It aids in digestion, as certain proteins and enzymes require sufficient amount of water to function properly. Consuming water throughout the day helps flush byproducts of broken-down fats. It also suppresses hunger and when consumed with food, limits the amount food you may ingest. (Organic facts)
Healthy skin This one's for you ladies! Drinking a sufficient amount of water can help replenish and moisturize skin. Hydration helps maintain a healthy skin tone and elasticity of skin, therefore keeping our skin looking younger. (mangosteen-natural-remedies.com)
Productivity When your body is functioning properly, your mind feels better! Remember, body and mind have considerable effect on one another. Because our brains are made of mostly water, drinking more helps process our thoughts, aids in alertness and concentration. (mangosteen-natural-remedies)
Promotes better exercise Water helps maintain body temperature. Especially in times of exertion, our bodies 'dissipate excess heat' in order to regulate temperature. It is important to have water close at hand when exercising as to keep you energized and willing to push through your routine.
pH Balance Our bodies require a pH level ranging from about 7.35 to 7.45. Even a slight shift in pH can alter how our bodies assimilate crucial vitamins and minerals. An imbalance may also lead to illness. Keep in mind - drink more water as to prevent illness or as a remedy to fight it. For all you women out there, it is important that we drink plenty of water as to maintain the pH of our vaginas. The slightest alteration can cause really uncomfortable changes. So keep drinking and sneak some acidophilus 1-3 times daily too. (Organic Facts)
Why does alcohol dehydrate you? If you're wondering why you wake up with a terrible headache after a night of drinking it's because you're dehydrated! Alcohol is a diuretic. This means that alcohol stimulates your kidneys to filter water out of your blood. (Answer.com) Alcohol also prevents the release of anti-diuretic hormone (hormone that prevents you from urinating). So when drinking, you're peeing more frequently, therefore ridding the body of water. I'd suggest alternating alcohol and water while you're partying or maybe just stop drinking so much? Make sure to chug a huge glass of water before bed and when you wake up.
