The Importance of Hydration
Staying hydrated is easy to talk about, but not so easy to do. After all, who wants to always keep track of a water bottle and waste time constantly filling it up? Plus, you have to make a lot more trips to the restroom when you stay well hydrated! While it can be inconvenient, staying hydrated is very important. It will help you function at your best and keep you feeling healthy and happy. Without water, you simply could not live. Still not convinced? Here are six reasons why hydration is so important.
1. Keeps You Balanced
Our bodies are about 60% water. If we deplete our water supplies, then the balance between water and electrolytes is upset. This leads to serious consequences like the breaking down of both nerves and muscles. In the short term it can affect your workouts, but in the long term, it can keep you from functioning at your best during day to day activities.
2. Improves Cognition
Water is very important for keeping our neurons firing. When you are dehydrated, your brain can’t keep up and you may find yourself unable to think clearly. In fact, if you are just 3% dehydrated, your cognitive functioning drops by 30%! Drinking water can also give you a boost if you are feeling sluggish or struggling to finish a task.
3. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
Without water, your heart must strain to pump blood to your body, which can lead to an increased heart rate. Exercise can exacerbate this, so it is especially important to hydrate while exercising. You may be causing unnecessary strain on your heart. Water also keeps your arteries free from plaque and cholesterol, which reduces the risk of developing heart disease.
4. Flushes Waste
Earlier we mentioned the need to hit the restroom more often when you stay hydrated. While this can be annoying it is incredibly important for your body! When you go, you are getting rid of toxins and other waste that your body has accumulated. In addition to this, staying hydrated decreases inflammation, which can cause pain in your joints and muscles.
5. Aids Weight Loss
If you are looking to lose weight, then drinking lots of water can help! Water fills your stomach and can help you stay full, so you are less likely to snack between meals or make unhealthy choices at meal times. Staying hydrated also gives you the energy to be more active, another important factor in losing weight.
6. Improves Your Skin
Staying hydrated is just as important as your skin care regimen. Water keeps your skin plump and elastic because your skin cells are mostly made of water. When you become dehydrated, your skin becomes wrinkled and dry. Since water helps flush out toxins, it can help get rid of acne, blackheads, and cysts, as well.
Staying hydrated can be annoying, but it is worth it! When you stay hydrated, your body is functioning at top level, so that you look and feel your best. Shoot for at least 50 – 100 ounces of water per day, but increase that amount if you exercise regularly.
So, take the time to grab that water bottle before you head out the door every morning. Drinking water throughout the day will help you have a great day!
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