Drinking water is crucial for overall health since it supports a variety of biological activities, including joint lubrication, oxygen supply, kidney protection, and others.
With water accounting for around 60% of the body and covering roughly 70% of the Earth’s surface, it’s surprising that being hydrated isn’t a primary priority for many individuals.
Here are the 15 benefits of drinking water:
1. lubricates the joints
Cartilage, which cushions joints and spinal discs, is composed of around 80% water. Chronic dehydration can reduce the shock-absorbing ability of these joints, resulting in discomfort and agony.
2. Produces saliva and mucus
Saliva assists digestion and keeps the lips, nose, and eyes moist, which reduces friction and damage.
Drinking water also helps keep the mouth clean and, when substituted for sugary drinks, can lower the risk of tooth decay.
3. Distributes oxygen throughout the body
Blood, which contains more than 90% water, carries oxygen to various bodily areas.
Proper hydration aids in this crucial function.
4. Improves skin health
Adequate water intake is associated with increased skin hydration and resilience.
Dehydration can increase the risk of skin problems and dryness.
5. Cushions the sensitive tissues
Water helps to protect the brain, spinal cord, and other fragile tissues.
Dehydration can impair brain function, hormone production, and neurotransmitter activity, reducing cognitive performance.
6. Regulates body temperature
Sweating is the discharge of water from the skin’s inner layers, which cools the body through evaporation.
Inadequate hydration can impair heat tolerance and increase heat stress during exercise, although further research is needed.
7. Promotes digestive health
Proper hydration improves bowel function and helps to prevent constipation and acidity issues, lowering the risk of heartburn and ulcers.
8. Flushes Waste
Sweating, urine, and bowel motions all require water to help remove waste from the body.
9. Maintains blood pressure
Adequate hydration maintains the blood thin, which helps maintain appropriate blood pressure levels.
Dehydration can make blood thicker, potentially reducing blood pressure.
10. Keeps the airway functioning
Dehydration can cause airways to tighten, exacerbating asthma or allergies.
Staying hydrated helps keep the airways open and operating correctly.
11. Improves nutrient absorption
Water dissolves minerals and nutrients, allowing them to be absorbed efficiently throughout the body.
12. Prevents kidney damage
The kidneys rely on water to manage fluid levels and avoid problems like kidney stones.
Adequate hydration is crucial for kidney function.
13. Improves Exercise Performance
According to several research, drinking more water may improve athletic performance.
Dehydration has been proven to reduce performance in exercises lasting longer than 30 minutes.
14. Promotes weight loss
Drinking water instead of sugary drinks can help with weight management.
Drinking water before meals might give you a feeling of fullness, which reduces the likelihood of overeating.
15. Lowers Hangover Risk
Alternating between alcoholic beverages and still water with ice and lemon can assist to limit alcohol consumption and reduce hangover symptoms.
Avoid combining alcohol and fizzy beverages, as they can increase alcohol absorption.