You probably grew up hearing “drink more water” from your parents, your teachers, and your coach. But why is it so important? We’ve got the most important reasons to drink more H20, and a few tips on how to do that.
So, why should we be raising our glasses more often?
- It’s easy to get dehydrated – Thirst is actually your body telling you “I’m dehydrated, fix it!” The easiest and best way to hydrate your body throughout the day is to go to the source: water. While almost all beverages contain it, only pure water is the best way to stay hydrated. Coffee contains caffeine, which dehydrates you. And while a cold beer is definitely refreshing on a hot day, alcohol dehydrates your body as well.
- We’re made of water (mostly) – We’re 60% water. When we’re thirsty–or even further dehydrated than that–the efficiency of all the systems of our body. When we drink more water, everything works better: our bodies, our minds, and our moods.
- It keeps us alive – We need to drink water to live. The longest anyone has ever been able to live without water was about a week. Drinking more water has many health benefits. And no matter what else it does for you, it will improve your quality of life.
- Cancer Prevention – Did you know you can reduce risk of certain cancers by up to 50% when you drink more water. It decreases the chances of contracting breast cancer, bladder cancer, and colon cancer.
- Weight Loss – When we drink more water, we are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. The physical symptoms of dehydration often mimic hunger, tricking us into overeating.
- Better complexion – Drinking more water has long been associated with clearing and improving the tone of your skin and giving it a healthy glow.
- Boosted Mood – When you drink more water, it can improve your mood, and help you think more clearly. Dehydration often makes you cranky, and can cause confusion.
- Fewer headaches – Dehydration can cause headaches, so when you drink more water, headaches will be less frequent.
Tips for drinking more water:
- How much do you weigh? Divide that number in half. That’s how many ounces of water you should drink in a day.
- Raw fruits and vegetables are dense in water and can help you boost your daily water intake.
- Keep a bottle of water with you to remind you to drink water throughout the day.
