It’s 2023 and I am baffled that folks are still struggling with proper hydration regarding their bodies.
Bro, drink water!
Water is essential for our survival. The human body is composed of around 60% water, and every cell in our body requires water to function correctly. Therefore, it is no surprise that drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining our health and well-being. But wait, don’t juices and other beverages have water in them? That will work, right? Actually no… there is nothing quite as good as the natural resource. You could also eat an abundance of water-rich fruits, but chances are you aren’t really consuming a lot of those either… but I digress.
Here are some of the reasons why drinking water is so important:
- It helps regulate body temperature: Water helps regulate body temperature by allowing us to sweat and release heat from our bodies. When we sweat, our body loses water, so it is important to drink enough water to replace what we have lost.
- It aids in digestion: Drinking water helps to break down food and move it through our digestive system. This can help prevent constipation and other digestive problems.
- It keeps our skin healthy: Dehydration can lead to dry skin, and over time, can cause wrinkles and other signs of aging. Drinking water helps keep our skin hydrated and looking healthy.
- It supports kidney function: Our kidneys filter waste products from our blood, and water helps them do their job. When we don’t drink enough water, our kidneys can’t function properly, which can lead to kidney stones and other problems.
- It can improve cognitive function: Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Drinking water can help improve our cognitive function and make us feel more alert.
- It helps maintain blood pressure: Drinking enough water can help regulate blood pressure, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
So, how much water should we be drinking? The recommended amount varies depending on age, gender, and activity level, but a general guideline is to drink at least 8 cups (64 ounces) of water per day. It is also important to listen to your body and drink more water if you are thirsty or if you are sweating a lot due to exercise or hot weather.
Basically, drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining our health and well-being. By staying hydrated, we can improve our digestion, skin health, cognitive function, and kidney function, among other benefits. So, make sure you drink enough water every day to stay healthy and feel your best!
Until next time,
~Your Neighborhood Health Dealing Nutritionist & Chef~ K