Water is essential to your good health. Here are five important reasons that you should drink more water.
The health benefits of drinking water are many. Water is free, easy to get and so good for you, so why aren’t you drinking enough?
Most people know that they need to eat plenty of fibre in order to maintain their digestive health. But, they may not realize just how important it is to also get enough water in their systems, in order to stay regular.
A study recently published in The American Journal of Gastroenterology showed that hydration may be even more important for your digestive health than fibre.
The study examined approximately 9,000 adults who experienced irregularity and compared their dietary intake. After reviewing the data, the researchers concluded that those adults who consumed less water were more likely to have problems with irregularity. There was no direct correlation to fibre intake.
Water is necessary to keep all of your major body systems running smoothly. It helps keep your joints properly cushioned and helps to protect your spinal cord. Water keeps tissues pliable and healthy. It helps remove toxins through elimination of waste in urine, feces and sweat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are four more great reasons to drink more water.
Water Helps You Lose Weight: Water may be one of the most important components of a healthy diet. When you drink enough water, you will be at a much lower risk for obesity and related chronic health conditions. Dieters who drink water before and during every meal lose more weight than their counterparts who do not drink enough water.
Water Helps Prevent Kidney Disease: Consuming enough fluids will help you lower your risk of developing kidney disease because your kidneys will more easily flush out the toxins that accumulate.
Water Makes You Happier: Water is one thing that can actually make you feel happier. A study published recently in The Journal of Nutrition showed that women who were mildly dehydrated reported more symptoms of depression than their well-hydrated counterparts. Fewer headaches, less fatigue and better overall mood was reported when hydration was adequate.
Water Makes You Run Faster: A study conducted in 2011 examined the running performance of 14 runners. The runners were divided into two groups, one which was well hydrated and one with limited water intake.
Those runners who were well hydrated performed faster and had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms after running than those who consumed less water. Heart rates were also found to be healthier for those well hydrated runners.
Getting enough water is critical for your health and well being. Make sure that you are getting at least 8 cups of water each day, more if you are physically active.
SOURCES: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/drink-more-water;https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256?; Image courtesy of tiverylucky / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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