Benefits of Drinking Water
Benefits of drinking water
It’s extremely important to stay hydrated. Even during the warm summer months, most of us are not getting enough water to satisfy our needs. Especially as we get older, we need to ensure that we replace fluids lost through perspiration and other activities.
The benefits
Too many of us are not getting enough liquid to satisfy our bodies’ needs when the weather turns cold. That can have some rather unpleasant consequences. Let’s see what the benefits are of staying hydrated:
- Flushes out toxins and bad bacteria from your liver, kidneys and bladder.
- Normalises blood pressure.
- Aids digestion.
- Regulates body temperature.
- Protects your organs and tissues, and stabilises the heart.
- Helps to maintain the sodium balance in the body.
- Cushions the joints.
- Helps to maximise performance when exercising.
- Helps boost energy levels and enhances your brain’s function.
- Helps to prevent headaches.
- Aids weight loss.
What happens if I don’t drink enough?
Dehydration can cause dizziness, fainting, weakness, confusion, difficulty thinking or remembering things and urine that’s dark in colour.
Even mild dehydration can result in these symptoms, so it’s vital that you get enough fluid throughout the day. Carry a bottle with you and fill it up regularly to stay hydrated. It’s a good habit to practise.
How much should I drink in a day?
It all depends and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Generally, healthy people should not drink more than four to six cups per day.
It’s also possible to over-hydrate. Keep in mind that drinking too much can interfere with certain medications that affect the thyroid, heart, liver and kidneys and can make you retain excess fluid, such as anti-depressants.
So, drink a sufficient amount for your body to function at its’ optimal level.
In summary
Water is one of the best things for your overall health and well-being. Make sure you get enough every day!