When babies are first born, 78% of their bodies are made up of water. As we age and enter adulthood, that percentage averages out to around 60%. Let those numbers sink in for a second as we dive into the various benefits of providing your body with water and hydrating nutrients.
#1: Helps Us Function
Generally speaking, keeping our body hydrated is essential for performing everyday activities and staying healthy. Water serves as a vital nutrient to the life of every cell as it maintains the function of every system in your body, including your heart, brain, and muscles.
#2: Boosts Skin Health and Beauty
Staying hydrated prevents your skin from feeling rough and tight. In other words, dehydration causes your skin to be less elastic. Additionally, with dehydration, the skin can become more vulnerable to skin disorders and premature wrinkling. Keeping your body hydrated will slow the aging process as water will combat the appearance of wrinkles.
One study specifically evaluated whether hydration (water) is beneficial for health, in regards to dermatological (age preventing) terms. The researchers found that “higher water inputs in regular diet might positively impact normal skin physiology, in particular in those individuals with lower daily water consumptions.”
#3: Makes you Mentally Stronger
Staying hydrated throughout the day has significant benefits for brain function and cognitive abilities mainly due to the fact that your brain is made up of about 75% water. Hydration drastically helps with your memory because of its ability to improve the flow of both blood and oxygen to your brain.
#4: Water Promotes Cardiovascular Health
One study found that “minor dehydration might promote cardiac disease and arterial hardening in young, healthy men.” The researchers went on to state that minor dehydration can impair vascular function nearly as much as smoking a cigarette. Given that your heart is constantly working, pumping 2,000 gallons of blood a day, proves that a hydrated heart won’t have to work as hard. The harder your heart works, the more difficult everyday activities, like walking up the stairs, become.
#5: Helps with Weight Loss
Did you know drinking plenty of water can help you lose weight? This is because water increases your satiety levels, making you feel more full, and water also increases your metabolic rate. Another reasoning is that water improves your metabolism causing you to burn more calories throughout the day.
So I guess now the only question is: How do we know how much water is enough?
Well, there is no official set amount of water that is best daily as much of it depends on the climate, level of activity, general health, and age. Try to aim for around 8 to 10-ounce glasses of water daily, with an aim for more depending on climate and level of activity. Drinks with electrolytes and hydrating plant-based waters, including tree water, help increase the speed at which your body can rehydrate, so consider a low sugar, healthy wellness drink like recoup after a workout to help replenish quickly. Functional beverages, including recoup, should not replace your total water consumption, but can be a great way to mix up your daily hydration.
Written By: Charlie Nagle