Every cell in our body needs water to be functional and healthy. An estimate of 60% of our body is composed of water, and it is our duty to maintain that amount for our system to work properly. Experts recommended that we drink eight glasses of water with a volume of 8-ounce (237 mL) per glass. This is what books called the 8×8 rule. Meanwhile, our daily activities may get in the way, causing us to forget to drink our optimal daily water dose. There may also be activities that will prompt dehydration, a dangerous state in which our body loses water and moisture very easily.
Specifically, why is hydration important? Here are a few reasons.
It helps enhance physical performance and activity.
While you are performing light to strenuous exercise, make sure to drink water to replenish the lost liquids that you have lost while exercising. We may not think about how important water is. Still, experts say that even a two percent decrease in your body water content has a noticeable effect on your overall performance. This may also lead to unstable temperature changes, a lack of motivation, and increased fatigue.
Athletes experiencing dehydration may also feel physically and mentally drained. Thus, to avoid these symptoms, one must bring one own bottle of water during training. To add more variety, you can consume flavored sparkling water to quench your thirst.
Significantly maintains or enhances energy levels and brain function.
A lot of our brain functions greatly depend on the level of hydration our body is receiving. And, the absence of water can actually impair or alter normal brain processes. In a study, women athletes experiencing a mild dehydration level found it hard to concentrate on their game. They also reportedly experience negative mood changes as well as physical symptoms such as headaches.
Among male athletes, researchers found that dehydration made male athletes anxious and fatigue.
In other studies involving normal people, participants showed negative mood, memory, and brain performance.
May reduce the likelihood of headaches.
A person who is not consuming enough water may experience headaches and migraines. If you are suffering from a mild headache, you may also try drinking a glass of water to alleviate the symptoms and get enough rest afterward. Patients experiencing migraines may also benefit from drinking more water. Researchers found out about this among male participants with migraines. Patients who increased their water intake felt significant changes in the level of pain they have felt. Meanwhile, this finding is still currently in need of more research.
A natural cure for constipation.
Constipation is a disorder that has been a nuisance to a lot of people. Normally, we release our waste and bowel every day. However, some people have difficulty passing stool and experienced constipation. With increased hydration, people with constipation may relieve their symptoms and ease releasing their waste. To experience significant results in bowel movement, experts advised drinking mineral water with magnesium and sodium.
A potent help in treating kidney stones.
When kidneys are not performing normally, urinary stones may form, causing a painful, burning sensation while urinating. A person with kidney stones may also feel discomfort on the ribs’ side and back area, the lower abdomen, and groin. Experts are looking into the possibility of higher fluid intakes to decrease kidney stone formation. As we drink more water regularly, we increase the fluids that will dilute mineral concentration in our kidneys. With more water, we can easily flush out the toxins and minerals in our bodies.
Our body needs to stay hydrated at all times to continue its functions at an optimal level. We must make a conscious effort to do this. The easiest thing to do is to keep a bottle of water the whole time. With the continuing clean and green efforts, authorities are encouraging us to bring reusable water. Plain water can be boring at times.
To add flavor to our drinking water, consider adding a slice of lemon and lime. Some individuals also reported an increase in their metabolism while consuming lemon water and has been a potent beverage to achieve their weight loss goals.
When doing strenuous workouts, don’t forget to drink water before, during, and after the activity. Some athletes also consume energy bars or sugars to replenish the nutrients they have lost during exercise.
Among kids, drinking water may be a task as they don’t have established habits yet. If you are a parent, you can impose a schedule for your kids to drink water when they wake up, at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and before sleeping at night. You may also improve your body’s hydration levels by drinking small amounts of liquids every hour.
