Since time immemorial, we have been advised to take plenty of water. Always keep our bodies hydrated with at least eight glasses of water a day. Why water? It has no desirable taste in its natural form. Fortunately, there have been advancements in the beverage industry with the inclusion of flavoured water. However, not everyone can afford it. I find I am more invested in a course if I have all the facts and know how I am directly benefitting. I went on a fact-finding mission to discover why water comes so highly recommended. Here’s what I found.
Water maximizes physical performance
When dehydrated, your body loses about 2% of its water content. Sounds like a drop in the ocean, right? Well, such a minute drop can lead to fatigue, reduced motivation, fluctuating body temperatures and make menial tasks tasking both to the brain and the body.
For athletes, it’s not uncommon to lose up to 10% of their water weight through sweat. If you exercise often, hydrating can help increase your performance.
Hydration affects brain function and energy levels
Studies have proven losing between one to three per cent of body weight can impair certain aspects of the brain’s functionality. The study is carried out both on men and women, in women, the results showed altered mood and concentration as well as a frequency of headaches after just 1.36% water loss. In men, the results showed after 1.59% water loss; the subjects had increased anxious feelings, fatigue, and distorted memory.
Many other studies with a range of subjects spreading from children to the elderly show dehydration can impair memory, mood and brain function.
Drinking water helps relieve constipation
Constipation is more of a widespread problem than many may want to admit. It is characterized by an irregular bowel movement and difficulty in passing stool. The most common treatment is increasing fluid intake. Low water intake has been proven to increase the chances of being constipated. Health and Fitness: Natural Remedies for Constipation
Drinking water can treat kidney stones
Urinary stones are clumps of mineral crystals formed in the urinary system, and they can be very painful. The most common form of urinary stones is kidney stones. An increase in water intake increases the amount of urine, which dilutes the concentrated minerals while passing through the kidney. The minerals have a smaller chance of crystalizing and clumping.
Water intake can help in weight loss
Drinking water boosts the metabolism rate and can increase satiety. A study has shown that drinking half a litre of water can increase the metabolism rate to 30% within one and a half hours.
A more direct approach is drinking water before a meal, the space occupied by water will lead to you eating less.
It is recommended you drink cold water, so the body has to burn extra calories trying to warm the water to the body’s temperature.
Drinking water can prevent and treat headaches
Dehydration can cause headaches and migraines in some people. Several studies have helped prove water can treat headaches in dehydrated people.
However, it’s important to mention the efficacy of water’s healing powers depends on the type of headache. A study does, however, show that though water will not reduce the frequency of these headaches, it does help reduce the duration and intensity.
Our bodies are made up of two-thirds water; it is no surprise water could have such benefits. It is essential to keep our bodies well-hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you whenever you have to leave the house. Health: Foods That Treat & Prevent Migraines
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