It is no secret that drinking water is good for the human body. But, many people do not realize exactly how and why water is beneficial. Obviously, drinking water hydrates the body, but it also does so much more. Take a look at some of the other great benefits that can be derived by drinking water.
Reasons You Need To Drink Water
Water consumption helps you control calorie intake
Although water in itself does not help you lose weight, drinking it can help you beat the battle of the bulge. Swapping out high-calorie drinks for glasses of water helps you conserve your calorie count through the day.
Water energizes muscles
Muscles need to have the proper balance of fluids to work properly. Even if you only work out moderately, you want to make sure your muscles are working at an optimum level to get the most out of your workout. Drinking water can help you accomplish this goal.
Water helps skin look healthy
Your skin functions as a protective barrier against fluid loss and it needs an adequate amount of water to perform this important function. If your body is dehydrated, your face shows it by drying out and developing wrinkles. Also, water washes toxins from your body and keeps your skin clearer.
Water helps your insides function properly
Drinking water does wonders for your internal organs as well. It helps your kidneys rid the body of toxins and helps to maintain normal bowel function as well.
Water helps to increase your energy level
When your body is properly hydrated, it helps to increase your natural energy. Also, since your brain is mostly water, maintaining proper hydration also helps you to stay alert and focused on tasks.
Water helps to boost your immune system
When you drink more water, you are less likely to get sick. Simply drinking more water helps to fight against the flu, cancer, heart attacks, and other maladies.
Other benefits
Other benefits you can derive by drinking water include:
- Natural headache remedy
- Prevents cramps and sprains
- Improves mood
Drinking More Water Is Easier Than You Think
It is not a secret that drinking lots of water can get boring quickly. So, check out some great ways to make getting an adequate amount of H2O easier.
Add flavor
It is easy to add flavor to your water by infusing fruit into it. Some great options are lemon, cucumber, strawberries, and grapefruit, but you can easily choose any fruit you want. Also, you do not need to stop at fruit. You can add fresh herbs and vegetables, too.
Use technology
Download a water-tracking app. If you are tied to your phone, you may as well put it to good use by downloading a free water tracker app. Another technological option that can help you drink more water is a high-tech water bottle that records your consumption as you sip. The information then gets sent directly to your phone.
Dilute other drinks
If you like sugary drinks such as fruit juices, you can easily dilute them with water and ice. That way you can still enjoy them but you reduce your calories and up your water intake at the same time.
Try sparkling water
If you crave the fizziness that comes from carbonated drinks, swap out high-calorie soft drinks for carbonated sparkling water. You will still get the effervescent fizz but still get all the benefits of water.
Add water breaks into your regular schedule
Think about your daily routine and find places where you can easily pencil-in drinking a glass of water. Before long, drinking a glass of water at that regular time will become second-nature.
Drink through a straw
When you drink water through a straw you will automatically drink more and drink it faster. It’s a no-lose situation.
Set up a goal and reward system
Most of us are easily motivated by a goal and reward system. So, create a goal-oriented water bottle that has times listed on it and try to drink a set amount by a specified time. If you don’t want to write on your water bottle, set up reminders to drink on your phone. When you reach your daily or weekly water-drinking goals, reward yourself with a special treat.
Make it one of those things you do without thinking
You know how we all open a bag of chips and eat and eat and eat. Part of our reason for doing that is taste or hunger, but a lot of it is that we are watching tv or enjoying conversation at a party and we aren’t thinking about how many chips we eat. We just keep mindlessly picking them up. You can do this with water. Have a glass of water nearby while you’re working, playing the Wii U, or cooking. You’ll be surprised at how often you drink water this way.
Eat water-dense foods
No one ever said that all water needs to be drunk. You can eat your water as well. A great way to increase your water consumption is by eating water-dense foods. Most fruits and vegetables are rich in water, so be sure to add them to your diet.
Some of the best choices include:
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Watermelon
- Grapefruit
Stick to the one-to-one rule when drinking
If you like to enjoy alcohol every now and then, always stick to the one-to-one rule and pair one glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you drink. Not only is this a great way to avoid a hangover, it is a great way to get in additional ounces of water that will help to counteract the calories and sugar you are consuming with the drinks.
You’ve always known that water is good for you, and know you know why. So, put these helpful hints to use and start drinking more water!
