Drinking more water lately? Even if you’re not trying, chances are the hot weather has you reaching for a few extra cups of something cool. And that’s great news for your body considering nearly all of our major organ systems rely on it. But how exactly do we benefit from from drinking water?
Here are 10 ways water benefits our bodies:
1. It boosts skin health and beauty
Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, making the skin more vulnerable to premature wrinkling and even some skin disorders. If you don’t like the taste of water, try slicing up from strawberry or cucumber slices to give it a little flavor.
2. It regulates body temperature
Water is stored in the middle layers of your skin. This water appears as sweat when your body heats up, and then evaporates to help keep you cool. Science suggests that without enough water present in your system, heat storage increases, and the body is less able to tolerate heat strain.
3. It flushes waste from the body
Water is needed to flush urine and feces from your body.
4. It helps maintain blood pressure
Not drinking enough water can cause blood to become thicker, resulting in higher blood pressure.
5. It prevents kidney damage
Not drinking enough water can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
6. Weight loss
Studies suggest that drinking water can help regulate appetite by creating a sense of fullness. It’s also a great, calorie-free alternative to sweetened juices and sodas.
7. It reduces the intensity of a hangover
Alternating alcoholic or sugary drinks with a tall glass of water can help prevent overconsumption the day of, but it also helps hydrate your body and reduce the chances or intensity of the headaches you might feel afterwards.
8. It cushions the brain, spinal cord, and other sensitive areas
Dehydration can affect brain function and structure, meaning that not drinking enough water can lead to problems with thinking rationally.
9. It forms saliva and mucus
Saliva helps digest food and keeps our mouth, nose, and eyes moist. Without enough water, friction could seriously damage these sensitive areas. Drinking water also helps keep the mouth clean.
10. Water delivers oxygen to the body
Blood is more than 90 percent water, and it’s the blood’s job to carry oxygen throughout the body. No water. No blood. No oxygen.
Also see, This is what would happen if you stopped drinking water.
