Water; A five-letter word, which holds power beyond imagination. Many would attest to the importance it has. But have you ever wondered what it really does for us? What are the magical properties and secrets it beholds?
Water is magnificent and is everywhere; in our body, our environment, even in the atmosphere. In other words, it is ubiquitous. We need it to survive, but it can also kill us (in case you drown).
“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
It is crucial for our health that we maintain a moderate water intake according to our body’s needs. Not surprisingly, we take it for granted as well (among other things). We find it hard to drink 7 glasses of water in a day i.e., 24 freaking hours.
Needless to say, it is not on the list of priorities for some people. Many of us have seen H2O written in some places. This, in fact, is the chemical name of water.
Water is intertwined with our lives on a much deeper scale.
Our body needs H2O to function properly. It is made up of 60% water. Isn’t it interesting to know that we can survive without food for a long time but not without water?
The cardinal rule for health and nutrition is to stay hydrated. The same goes for when you want to stay fit and healthy. You need to drink loads and loads of it.
Why Water?
Water is an underestimated subject in health and nutrition. We know that we should drink it, but we fail to emphasize its importance.
When we need to lose weight, it helps us. If we drink cold water, it shrinks the capillaries which result in less consumed food. If we drink warm water, it helps in digestion and also helps us to lose weight.
“Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother, and medium. There is no life without water.
Water improves our well-being
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Water flushes out toxins
Kidneys need H2O to flush out all the toxins from our body. To excrete waste, to urinate and even to sweat our body needs it. So, drink as much of it as you can.
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It rejuvenates you
Our body needs a water-rich environment to work at its best. Mild dehydration can cause fatigue, tiredness, anger, and increased mood changes. To perform throughout the day, we need H2O constantly.
Drinking H2O maintains our blood pressure, our heart rate, and may protect us from heat strokes as well. So, to maintain equilibrium in our body, we need to drink it steadily and not dehydrate ourselves.
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It helps you slim down
Studies have shown that drinking cold water helps us lose weight. Our body temperature rises and energy is expanded. Thus, meaning you lose calories. Instead of drinking sugary drinks filled with chemicals, we can opt for water.
Detox water is a term that is thrown around a lot as well.
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Better workout routine
A dehydrated body cannot work out well. Dehydration lessens the functionality and movements of our bodies. We get tired and stressed out quicker. Drinking water before a workout, give our system the boost it needs.
Hydration affects our stamina, strength, power, and endurance. That is why athletes always load up on water.
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It lubricates joints
It helps cartilage (which is found in our joints and disk of the spine) to maintain its function. A hydrated body helps cartilage in performing its shock-absorbent ability, which in turn reduces joint pain.
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Booster of a healthy skin
Keeping hydrated is the key to healthy, glowing, and radiating skin. It clears up acne, keeps your pores the size they should be, and improves circulation. H2O may promote collagen production as well.
It pumps up the skin cells, resulting in fewer wrinkles and fine lines and a much younger-looking skin. Adding vitamin C with it in our daily routine helps quite a bit as well.
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Improved GI Tract
It helps in absorption, which leads to a healthy gut. It also works with fiber to eliminate constipation. As it flushes out toxins and waste, it cleans out our Gastrointestinal tract as well.
The dehydrated body leads to constipation. And increased sodium or fiber without enough H2O leads to bloating.
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Avoid kidney problems
Whenever I had kidney pain, my mother told me to up my water intake. It dilutes the salt and minerals, which otherwise concentrate on kidneys. Hence, H2O or a hydrated body prevents stone formation in kidneys.
If urine is pale yellow, we are well hydrated. If it's darker it means we are dehydrated. Kidneys also maintain H2O levels and regulate blood pressure.
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Regulation of body temperature
It regulates our body temperature. It is stored in the middle layers of the skin. When the temperature goes up, it comes out as sweat and evaporates. Leaving a cooling effect on our body.
It also helps us to avoid heatstroke and fatigue.
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May treat headaches
Migraines and headaches sometimes become the bane of our existence. Research has shown that a hydrated body may help us in preventing headaches. Headache is also the most common symptom of dehydration. Dehydration might trigger headaches and migraines in some people.
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Hangover Solution
Alcohol is diuretic, which means that our body becomes severely dehydrated with alcohol consumption. A good way to relieve yourself of a hangover is to keep hydrated. Drink water in between your drinks. This will prevent the overconsumption of alcohol.
It’s prudent to say that you need to keep yourself hydrated to function properly and get through your day. Make sure to keep a balanced water intake. Don’t overdo it, neither underdo it. Drinking water and keeping yourself hydrated is the best thing you can do for your health.
