You've probably heard that you should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, but what does that mean? An important question is, are you drinking the right amount of water when exercising? And why would you want to stay hydrated in the first place? Finally, what are the benefits of staying hydrated throughout the day?
To answer your questions and more, read on to learn about the benefits of staying hydrated throughout the day and get some great tips for how to make drinking water more accessible and more convenient.
1. It regulates body temperature
When you're too hot, your body sweats to cool off. When you're too cold, your body shivers to generate heat. These are both ways that your body regulates its temperature. But are you aware that water can also regulate your body temperature? That's right. Water helps keep your internal temperature at a comfortable level.
2. It helps maintain blood pressure
Drinking water helps to maintain blood pressure levels throughout the day. When you are dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, which can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Drinking water helps keep your blood pressure at an average level, preventing these symptoms.
3. Helps maintain a healthy weight
When you're adequately hydrated, your body functions optimally, which can help you maintain a healthy weight. On the other hand, when you're just a little bit dehydrated, your body can hold onto water weight, which can increase the scale. Plus, drinking water can help keep your hunger in check and prevent you from overeating.
4. It prevents kidney damage
Our kidneys filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. Unfortunately, when they don't have enough water, they can't function properly, and this can lead to kidney damage. However, drinking plenty of water helps prevent this by keeping the kidneys flushed and working correctly.
5. Relieves constipation
When your body is adequately hydrated, your digestive system can function at its best. For our bodies to digest food properly, we need adequate fluids; drinking plenty of water will ensure this happens!
In addition, it can help to relieve constipation and make it easier for you to have a regular bowel movement. Also, drinking water can help to soften your stool, making it easier to pass.
6. Boosts energy levels and brain function
Drinking water boosts your energy levels and brain function. When your body is dehydrated, your brain does not function as well as it could. As a result, you may feel exhausted, have a headache, or find it difficult to concentrate.
Being optimally hydrated also has been shown to reduce stress levels and depression. A decrease in brain function is caused by dehydration because dehydration decreases blood flow to the brain.
Drinking water regularly can help you avoid these symptoms and feel your best. So how much water should you drink? Health professionals recommend consuming about eight x 8-ounce glasses of fluid ( Which equals to about 2 litres ) daily.