Water, Water Everywhere...But What Does It Really Do For Our Bodies?

Water, Water Everywhere...But What Does It Really Do For Our Bodies?

Water Everywhere

Water, water everywhere...but what does it really do for our bodies? It’s something we can’t live without and yet, most of us don’t pay much attention to how much water we consume every day or how much of it we actually need to maintain the proper balance in our systems. This article will examine the basics of what water does for the body, how much of it we need every day, and some other interesting facts about this most vital component of our bodies.

How do you feel when you don't drink enough water?

A lack of water in your body can leave you feeling lethargic and tired. We all know that hydration is an important part of a healthy lifestyle but it's easy to not drink enough water when your life gets busy. The recommended intake of water is 8 glasses a day (or half your body weight in ounces). Check out our helpful tips on how to reach your daily quota! If you drink coffee or tea try adding extra ice cubes or cold water to your cup. You might also try adding some fresh fruit like lemon, cucumber, or strawberries to help increase the amount of fluid you consume. If you don't like the taste of plain water then try infusing your H2O with flavorings such as citrus peels, berries, or even sliced ginger root. It may be difficult at first but try gradually increasing the amount until you are drinking more than 8 glasses per day!

Effects on brain

The human brain is about 80% water, which explains why it often feels foggy when we’re not hydrated. When dehydrated, our brains work much harder to function properly. Dehydration can cause headaches and make it difficult to concentrate on tasks that require concentration. 

If you feel like your thinking isn’t as sharp as it should be or you are frequently getting headaches, try drinking a large glass of water and see if it improves your mental clarity. A study from Appalachian State University found that students who drank more than five glasses of water per day got better grades in their classes than those who didn't drink enough water. 

Drinking a lot of fluids helps keep the tissues in the mouth moist, preventing cavities and dry mouth syndrome (Xerostomia). 

Effects on skin

Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin hydrated. When our skin cells are well-hydrated they will appear plump and healthy. Also, being dehydrated can lead to wrinkles so it’s important to drink plenty of water when you are young to avoid wrinkles later in life. Hydrating your skin from within will also help keep your face looking smooth and clear. You can do this by drinking a tall glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning or sipping on a tall glass throughout the day. Be sure to drink another glass before bedtime as well for best results. 

However, one side effect of drinking too much water is that some people may experience water intoxication. While this condition is rare, it's important to stay on top of how much fluid you're consuming each day.

Effects on digestion

Drinking plenty of water has some health benefits for our digestion system. During digestion, food passes through your digestive tract and is broken down into smaller molecules so they can be absorbed. Water and a protein-rich food called gastric juice that contains acids and enzymes are secreted by two organs (the stomach and pancreas) to digest food. If we do not drink enough water regularly or if we do not eat well-balanced diets rich in fiber, we are prone to get constipated. 

Not drinking enough water will cause the stool to become dry and hard which will make passing it very difficult. The importance of drinking lots of water can't be stressed enough because lack of fluid intake may lead to chronic constipation, urinary incontinence, hemorrhoids, irritable bowel syndrome, and other gastrointestinal problems.

How much water should I drink per day?

How much water you should drink a day depends on your body weight. A good rule of thumb is to take your weight in pounds and divide that number by two. If you weigh 200 pounds for example, then 100 pounds divided by 2 equals 50 ounces. 50 ounces is about a gallon of water per day. This applies to both men and women; however, pregnant women may want to aim for more than a gallon daily if they are feeling dehydrated due to morning sickness or other factors.

What if I still don't drink enough water?

While we may all know that water is an essential part of our health and well-being, it’s also one of those things that can fall by the wayside. Whether it’s because you don’t like drinking plain water or you just get too busy to take sips throughout your day, it can be hard to stay hydrated. When this happens, some common symptoms might include headaches, muscle cramps, dry skin, and joint pain. Not drinking enough water can even lead to kidney stones! If you find yourself getting less than 8 cups a day but want to increase your intake (we recommend 12), try adding a few more glasses each day.

How do I get more water into my daily routine?

To get more water into your daily routine, you’ll need to force yourself out of your comfort zone and start drinking at regular intervals throughout your day. Instead of taking large sips or gulps all at once, which may take some time to finish (and leaves you bloated), drink water slowly over a longer period of time to give yourself enough time to fully consume it. If you still have trouble getting enough water each day, set the alarm on your phone as a reminder to hydrate regularly.

Dehydration Signs & Symptoms

Being well-hydrated keeps your body and skin healthy. A good gauge of your hydration is your urine. The more clear it is, the better hydrated you are. Additionally, if you’re feeling thirsty (i.e., experiencing discomfort), that’s a sign that you need to drink more water. Darker urine with a stronger odor is generally a sign of dehydration, though there can be other reasons for those symptoms.