Direct Benefits From Drinking Water

You’ve heard that it’s important to stay hydrated and water is something that gives you many benefits. With a greater awareness of many health issues around today, you may be wondering what’s the connection.

So go grab a glass of water and read on to learn more about some of the benefits of good hydration habits!

Water has been known to help keep our energy levels up and relieve fatigue. While this may be more noticeable to the athletic person due to their obvious physical activity, everyone looses water everyday just from normal activity. While in truth the more strenuous the activity, the faster water will be expelled - Don’t delay reaching for a glass of water just because you are not running a marathon.  The idea is to keep your body consistently hydrated so that the normal functions required will work properly.

Speaking of athletes; anyone who’s enduring an intense activity for a lengthy period of time, such as a marathon…. Should consider carefully spreading out their consumption of water over the course of the event. You don’t want to suddenly flood your body all at once with lots of water. This can have serious adverse effects and may even lead to death. As was noted recently from a young man who ran a marathon then drank too much water at the end, only to have fatal results. Your best bet is to allow yourself to consume water over a period time throughout the marathon.

Another great benefit is weight loss. The key to this is drinking water on an empty stomach before your meal. The water will “fill” you up and naturally moderate your food intake. However, be aware of your habits. Some people will still try to eat everything on their plate. Just don’t try to over-stuff yourself by pushing to eat more than you really need. Try to slow down your food intake, especially during holiday season.  This is a time when people tend to gorge on more food while socializing without thinking twice about it - and it’s harder to resist when it’s free.

Flushing out toxins is also enhanced by drinking water. The natural cycle of our body is to rid us of waste, just like flushing your toilet. Through both sweat and urination water will help to carry out those toxins and rid your body of excess waste. Most importantly it helps to reduce the risk of kidney stones and UTI’s (urinary tract infections). Naturally, flushing out the toxins also helps to regulate your entire system. Try starting your day with a glass of water.

Dry cracked skin is also a sign that your body needs more water. Of course your skin results may also be due to a lack of certain nutrients your body needs to function better. I have found that in New England during the winter season I need to consume more citrus fruits in order to help my skin. While water is essential to healthy looking skin, be sure to learn about other important nutrients you will need to help keep your skin healthy!

Headaches are often remedied by drinking more water. One of the first signs of dehydration is a headache. I’ve learned this the hard way from personal experience. We often forget to keep well hydrated and the run for a pill remedy.  But before you run for that pill to mask your headache…. Grab a glass of water, sit down to relax, take a deep breadth and enjoy your water. Remember that your brain will feel better when your body is well hydrated.

Water can also help to fight off those colds. A well hydrated body will function better to keep the immune system running strong. Water will naturally help to thin out any mucus or congestion and will help to remove toxins through your waste system. You can always add in some essential nutrients to help boost your immune system in conjunction with the water.

Ever wonder about those cramps you get in the middle of the night? Sometimes it is just your body craving more water. Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so joint pain is less likely. When your muscles and joints feel good, you are less likely to have an injury. Be sure to include some essential nutrients to work with the water to naturally help your body fight off stress.

Debra Diamond
DiamondInspirations.com