8 Health Benefits Of Drinking Water Daily, Backed By Science

Water is a critical nutrient for our body to function efficiently. Every cell of our system needs water. It is crucial for the digestive system, heart, and lungs.

Water is a colorless and flavorless liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Drinking enough water to stay hydrated is the first rule of health and nutrition. 

Did you know? Our body can last a week without food, but only 1 or max. 2 days without water.

This is because our body is made up of 60% of water and thus being dehydrated can affect us both mentally and physically.

Benefits of Drinking Water

1. Helps Maintain Proper Weight

Drinking water regularly before meals can help smoothen your digestive system and also suppress your appetite. A 2015 study also proved this point, which replaced weight loss drinks with water. Used to further lose weight and improve insulin resistance. Many times, the brain cannot distinguish between pangs of hunger from thirst. That is where we feel like it is sugar cravings. Next time, go for a glass of water instead of sugar-laden sweets.

2. Helps Fight Fatigue

About 2/3rd of the human body comprises water, so when we consume less water – dehydration can hit! Even milder dehydration can have negative effects on mood and energy levels and confusion, emotional problems, and decreased physical strength. You need to be hydrated enough for the cells to function normally. Always drink water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.

In my experience, drinking water may help to lubricate the joints. Around 80% of the cartilage of joints contains water. Researchers have found that those who do not drink enough water and have dehydration may develop a reduction in the joints’ capacity to absorb shock and eventually experience joint pain.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

3. Aids in Digestion

One of the important components for the movement of foods and proper digestion is water. Water helps break down the food you eat so that nutrients can be absorbed into your body. After drinking, both the small and large intestine absorbs water, which enters the bloodstream and is used to break down nutrients. According to the American Institute of Diabetes, Digestive, and Kidney Diseases, it absorbs water and changes stools from liquid to solid. 

4. Glowing Skin

Proper hydration of the skin makes the pores and skin healthful and complements the complexion. People who drink aerated beverages tend to have greasy spots and tired-searching pores and skin. Drinking a whole lot of water improves blood movement inside the body, accordingly including a tender crimson glow on your face, brightening it up instantly. So, drink a complete glass of water each time you yearn to make a sparkling pot of coffee.

From my knowledge, water consumption keeps the oral cavity healthy. Researchers have found that water contributes to the production of mucous and saliva. Saliva keeps the lips, nose, and eyes moisturised and aids in food digestion, which may avoid gastric damage and friction. Drinking water may also lessen tooth decay, especially when substituting sugary beverages.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

5. Anti-aging Benefits

Water is essential to maintain optimal skin moisture and provide essential nutrients to skin cells. Increase skin elasticity and replenish skin tissue. Lack of water in the body can cause flaking, tension, and dryness. Remember, dry skin is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines.

6. May Reduce Hair Loss

Water brings important vitamins to the roots and moisturizes the entire hair from the inside, thereby stimulating hair growth. Contact with chemicals used in shampoos and conditioners.

7. Helps with Better Workout

Staying hydrated is a boon for longer workouts. Drinking enough water can help you with longer workouts and lesser injuries. The amount of water you need to take depends on several factors like age, activity, sweat, and the weather. But keep in mind to always have a minimum of 2 to 2 1/2 cups of water every 3 hours to make sure you are well hydrated before going for the workout.

8. Can Prevent Kidney Stones

Good hydration can prevent the formation of stones. The water dilutes the salt and minerals, otherwise, these salts and minerals may accumulate in the kidneys and turn into stone. The kidney performs important functions in the body, such as maintaining the water level, regulating blood pressure, and filtering waste. Drinking warm lemonade when you wake up in the morning is a healthy habit, not only good for the kidneys but also good for your overall health.

In my experience, drinking water may regulate the body’s temperature. When the body heats up, water stored in the body rises to the skin’s surface as perspiration or sweat. It makes the body cooler as it evaporates.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Other Benefits Include

• Helps maintain a normal heart rate
• Can help control blood pressure levels.
• You need the right body fluids to produce lymph, important body fluid, and part of the immune system.
• Helps detoxify the body.

What Is The Best Times To Drink Water?

No matter what you plan to do, keep drinking water all day long. The following seven drinking times are wise:

• Immediately after waking up, drink 1 or 2 glasses of water.
• Make sure to drink one glass of water immediately before your meal. This will help regulate the digestive system.
• Have a glass of water 30 minutes after your meal.
• Try sipping on water in the afternoon instead of coffee or tea.
• Drink water when you suffer from a headache.
• Keep sipping water before, during, and after the exercise.
• And finally, have a glass of water before going to bed.

How Much Water Should You Drink Daily?

We all have read and heard of having a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, others may tell us to drink as per our body. No one formula fits in. The amount of water needed depends on a person’s age, activity, and much more than that.

Various factors are responsible for losing water from our body, like sweat, urine, breath, etc. Our body to function properly also needs to utilize water.

In 2004, the Institute of Medicine set this number to 2.7. Women’s total water per day and men’s average is about 3.7 liters per day. This refers to the total daily fluid intake from all sources, defined as “the amount of water consumed by food, drinking water, and other beverages.”

Dehydration brings many health risks and can lead to fatal complications, such as irreversible kidney damage, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, migraine, asthma, etc. Of course, water is cheaper than all those cosmetics. And drugs. So what are you waiting for? Have a drink, man!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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