Water makes up 60 percent of our bodies. What’s more, the health benefits of drinking water are plentiful and have been proven over and over again. Conversely, it can directly impact our health in a variety of negative ways when we don’t drink enough. Water is indispensable for our bodies, so we should drink plenty of it daily. The health benefits of drinking water include:
1. Maintains electrolyte balance
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in fluid. Such minerals can include sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate. When we lose water through sweat or urine, our bodies correct this loss by releasing these electrolytes into our bloodstream. An electrolyte imbalance, which can result in symptoms such as nausea and lethargy, is usually caused by drinking too much alcohol or not replacing fluids properly. As such, drinking water helps to maintain the proper balance of electrolytes in our bodies.
2. Keeps blood pressure stable
When you have low blood pressure, your body makes certain adjustments to keep your blood flowing at the right pace for survival; your blood vessels dilate or contract to help your blood go where it needs to go. When you don’t have enough water in your body, your blood volume decreases, causing low blood pressure, and the body’s reaction can make patients dizzy, lightheaded, or even cause them to pass out.
3. Prevents constipation
Dehydration is one of the biggest causes of constipation. This is because there is a lack of water in your intestines when you are constipated, causing the stool to harden and making it difficult to pass. Drinking enough water every day helps to adequately hydrate the body, keep enough water in the gut, and prevent constipation from occurring.
4. Improves brain function
Studies have shown that dehydration can reduce mental acuity, make it harder to focus, and affect memory retention. This is because dehydration reduces blood flow, which is vital to providing oxygen to the brain and maintaining brain function. As such, when you are properly hydrated, you have an easier time thinking clearly and performing at a higher cognitive level for longer periods.
5. Flushes out harmful toxins
Our bodies are designed to release waste from our systems through normal bodily functions such as metabolism, urination, and even exhalation. We release these toxins regardless of whether we take in water regularly. However, by drinking water, you can flush out more of these toxins in your urine, allowing your body to stay healthier for longer periods. The more water you drink, the better your body can maintain its health and flush out disease-causing ailments, such as bacteria that can cause infections.
Drinking water daily can prevent almost all of these problems from occurring and help you maintain optimal health. Sparkling water may be an excellent substitute if you find it difficult to drink normal water. It is more hydrating and contains much fewer calories than soda. Having a water purifier at home is also an easy way to ensure you drink water daily, as is carrying a water bottle with you when you go out.
