It is no secret that water is good for you. With our bodies being made mostly of water, it is understandable why this element would be necessary for our health. Every process that takes part in your body requires water, so without it we cannot function.

Of course, knowing that water is vital to life is one thing, but do you know all the ways that this powerful element benefits your body and ultimately your well-being? Understanding these reasons can be an important part of motivating yourself to start and continue a healthier lifestyle. Here’s what you should know.

The 15 Essential Reasons for Water

Without water we are dehydrated and feel bad. When we are drinking enough water, we feel refreshed. The recommended daily amount of water is about 8 glasses, but many adults do not get close to this. Without water out bodies cannot function properly, which puts you at risk for illness and disease. Here is what water does for you and your body:

1. Supports Weight Loss

Upping your water consumption can help reach your weight loss goals. Studies have found that drinking a glass of water before a meal helps you to feel full, so you eat less. It also works to boost your metabolism, which means more efficient digestion and energy consumption as well as less fat storage.

2. Improves Mood

Drinking water makes you feel refreshed and also refreshes your mind. Even the mildest dehydration can negatively impact your mood, so staying hydrated can help keep you positive throughout the day.

3. Better Digestion

Regularly drinking water keeps everything moving through your digestive tract. This prevents constipation and reduces the strain on your liver and kidneys when it comes to flushing and removing waste. By preventing constipation, you protect your bowels from stagnant waste that increases your risk for digestive issues and disease.

4. Prevents Headaches

Dehydration can cause headaches and can even trigger migraines. Within thirty minutes of drinking water (2 cups), patients have reported relief from headaches, so drinking water regularly throughout the day can help you avoid the pain in the first place.

5. Supports Kidneys

Your kidneys are responsible for removing waste, keeping your blood pressure steady, and balancing your body fluids. Adequate water consumption keeps your kidneys functioning at optimal levels, which keeps you healthy.

6. Helps You Stay Alert

Water can keep your brain energized in the same way it does for your body. Dehydration can impair cognitive functions such as motor skills, memory, and attention span. Staying hydrated is the best way to stay alert, especially if you have projects that require your attention for a lengthy amount of time.

7. Helps You Think More Clearly

Dehydration causes your brain tissues to shrink (which is also a major reason for the hangover headache). By getting enough water, you can keep your brain cells intact and protect your brain from having to work overly hard.

Drinking water before exams or assessments has been shown to result in clearer thinking and better performance.

8. Gets You Energized

Dehydration causes tiredness and fatigue. By drinking water throughout the day, you stay hydrated and energized. If you are feeling a lag through the day, try drinking water instead of energy drinks. You will have a more refreshed feeling rather than a spike and crash of energy.

9. Protects Your Joints

To prevent joint pain and injury, your joints need to stay lubricated. Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lubricate joints.

Cartilage, the material that coats your bones, is made mostly of water, so hydration is essential for fluid mobility. Water also helps to lubricate your spinal cord and tissues, preventing damage and wear.

10. Beats the Blues

Water can help fight loneliness. Studies have found that people experiencing loneliness feel comforted after taking a hot bath. The physical warmth replaces the emotional warmth they are missing.

Baths also promote the release of oxytocin, which is the hormone released during closeness with another person. When you are feeling alone and blue, hug yourself with a warm bath and feel better.

11. Better Heart Health

Studies have found a link between drinking water regularly and a reduced risk of death from heart disease. The risk for heart disease increases with consumption of sugary drinks, like soda, so replace that soda can with a water bottle to keep your heart in good shape .

12. You Can Gargle Germs Away

Gargling with water has been shown to reduce the risk for respiratory infections during cold and flu season. By removing potentially harmful germs from your mouth and throat, you protect your lungs from illness.

| Related: How to Best Protect Yourself During Cold and Flu Season |

Staying hydrated also supports your immune system function, so you are better able to fight infections.

13. Better Workouts

Aquatic aerobics and swimming are both excellent ways to improve fitness and health. The water supports your weight so you can move more easily and actively exercise all parts of the body. These low-impact exercises are great for improving cardiovascular health as well and can be just as effective as cycling, but without the physical strain.

14. Relieves Congestion

Stuffy noses and congestion are common through the colder seasons as well as allergy seasons. Congestion can cause you to feel tired and achy as well as cloud your thinking.

Breathing in steam or rinsing your nasal cavities with water (saline spray, or neti pot) can help dissolve the congestion. You can breathe easier and feel better in minutes. Just be sure you never use tap water in your neti pot.

15. Maintains Balance in Your Body

Water helps to regulate all the fluids in your body. This allows for more efficient nutrient transportation and absorption, better digestion, and efficient temperature regulation.

The Bottom Line

Every cell in our body is made of water. You can go weeks without food, but without water, you will perish much quicker.

The good news is that water is all around, so there is no reason you shouldn’t be getting enough. Support your body systems and functions by getting the water you need. Go and hydrate now!

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