Water. We all know it is critical to our lives. Dehydration can lead to serious health problems. But is water just a conduit to survival? Research shows us that there are, in fact, many health benefits of water. When you drink more water, you feel better as a result. But what else should we expect from water?
In today’s post, we look at five surprising health benefits of water that everyone should know about.
Improved Brain Function
Brain fog is a very real issue. It can prevent your ability to be your best and accomplish big tasks. And our brains are influenced by our hydration levels.
Some studies show that even slight dehydration can impair your brain function. It turns out, our mood and concentration levels are directly affected by our water intake, as is the frequency of headaches we have.
Other research also shows that reduced water intake can cause memory problems, alongside anxiety and fatigue.
The results are in, if you want your brain to perform at its best, you need to stay hydrated.
Treatment for Kidney Stones
Another health benefit of drinking enough water is the treatment of kidney stones.
Known as one of the most painful experiences one can go through, kidney stones are clusters of mineral crystals that collect in the urinary system.
Some research suggests that more water intake allows urine to pass through the kidneys and dilute how many minerals crystallize to create clumps.
It’s also possible that kidney stones can be prevented if you drink enough water, although there’s limited research to show this.
Suppress your Appetite
If you’re trying to lose weight, water might be the key to your success.
Appropriate water intake can help you suppress your appetite. Drinking just a glass of water before you eat will fill your stomach up helping you eat fewer calories.
Water also boosts your metabolic rate. Two separate studies showed that drinking as little as 17 ounces of water can increase your metabolism by up to 30% for 1.5 hours.
Spinal Cord Protection & Joint Support
If you suffer from stiff joints and flexibility problems, you might not be drinking enough water.
Water is used for virtually every function in our bodies, including protecting our spinal cords and joints. Water protects each joint within our body and if we’re deprived of water, we could suffer from arthritis.
Our spinal cord relies on water to protect us from damage and shock on a day-to-day basis.
Prevents Premature Aging
As we age, we actually lose our thirst for water. As this happens, our joints and skin lose their health. We also suffer from fatigue. But much of this is because of a lack of water.
Not only that, when we are dehydrated we crave sugar and salt which in turn causes more problems for our health. Eventually, this causes a cycle that lands us in the hospital.
Fortunately, there is a way out—increase your water intake!
Another reason that dehydration causes premature aging is the fact that our skin relies on water to be healthy. It loses its elasticity and youthful glow without proper hydration. Dehydration decreases the effectiveness of the lymphatic system. The lymph system plays an important role in cleansing and rejuvenating the skin.
Wrapping it Up
The bottom line is, drink more water!
Figure out how much water you should be drinking and make that a part of your daily must-dos.
Take back your health with this simple routine and you’ll be surprised by how much better you feel both physically and mentally.