Sputter sputter, putt putt, oof….
Is that you right now running out of gas? Are you tired all the time, don’t feel well and always run down? You probably need water! Just like cars need gas to run, our bodies need water to run properly. Without enough water, your body is breaking down.
PIN for when you want to read later.
(This post contains affiliate links)
The fact is that 75% of people are chronically dehydrated. We’re not drinking enough water. What is your go to drink that you grab each day? Maybe it’s soda, coffee, or a sugared juice. These don’t give your body the water it needs to function properly.
Our bodies are about 60% water. No kidding! Plus, our body is losing water everyday just by breathing, going to the bathroom, and sweating. And yet we struggle to drink a glass of water a day. Why? Simply because sugar and caffeine are addicting. They throw the chemical balance off in your body and make you want more of it. You need to break the habit!
I won’t get all Bill Nye the Science Guy (who is awesome by the way) on you and talk about how our cells and molecules need water, which they do! But let’s look at the basics.
1. It Helps You Lose Weight and Controls Metabolism
Who doesn’t want to boost their metabolism by up to 30%? Studies have proven this! And of course, an increase in metabolism will boost your body’s ability to burn fat. Also, if you’re drinking water, you’re not drinking sugar and calories.
2. Removes Waste Products Out of Your Body
Basically, it’s the best detox method out there! Water moves food through your intestinal tract so the waste your body doesn’t need gets removed by going to the bathroom. Water will keep your stool soft and prevent constipation.
3. Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
If you’re working hard to eat healthy, then you want your body to get those vitamins, right? Water aids in the digestion of food when we eat and that starts with saliva, which is based on water. This moves the food to the stomach, breaks down the food, and dissolves the nutrients so they can pass through your intestinal walls and into your bloodstream. Water keeps your blood from thickening and slowing down. This moves the nutrients and oxygen throughout your body better.
4. Protects Your Heart
No one wants to have a heart attack! It may be what people fear the most as they age. A 6-year study found that people who drank 5 or more glasses of water a day were less likely to die from a heart attack than those that drank 2 glasses (American Journal of Epidemiology).
Photo belongs to Clear2Go https://www.clear2o.com/t-health.aspx
5. Prevents Headaches and Other Brain Issues
This is a huge one for me because I suffer from chronic migraines, and it’s what got me to start drinking more water every day! Our brain is about 75% water… That’s huge! When we don’t drink enough water, not only is our body dehydrating, but our brain is as well. A lack of water in our brain will cause headaches, memory loss, brain fog, and sleep problems.
6. Regulates Body Temperature
The body’s cooling and heating system is distributed through perspiration. You need water so that you don’t overheat during exercise and when you’re hot. The body regulates itself through perspiration.
7. Lubricates Moving Parts
Water is a necessary lubricant for our body. It’s a lubricant and cushion for our joints and protects our spinal cord. There are studies that show water therapy has worked wonders for arthritis and fibromyalgia.
8. Cells and Other Important Stuff
Okay, we’ll briefly mention cells and science stuff since it’s important. About 75% of the water in our body is in our cells, interstitial fluid, blood plasma, lymph, and bodily sections. Water helps send electrical messages between cells so that your muscles can move, your eyes can see, your brain can think, and all that important stuff.
These are some pretty convincing facts why we should be drinking more water every day! But how much do we need? We always here, “You need to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.” I think I’ve heard that for like 30 years LOL. That’s just a guideline to make it easy, and a good one to follow! A more accurate amount is based on your individual body weight.
To find the right amount of water to consume, a good rule of thumb is:
Your weight X 1/2 (.50) = # of ounces of water per day
Example: 150 lbs. x .50 = 75 ounces of water per day (about 9 1/2 cups of water)
Don’t let these numbers overwhelm you. 20% of our water intake comes from food each day, so you’re 20% there! 😊
There are so many benefits to drinking water! And you just flat out need it to be healthy and feel good! I personally have seen such a positive change from drinking more water, and it is a permanent part of my life now. Start choosing water and let me know the difference it makes in your life!
P.S. If you’re looking for an easy way to help you meet your water goal every day, use a timer / ounces marked water bottle. I use a 32 ounce bottle and refill at least once. Plus, it also comes with a removable filter if you want to add fruit. You can find it HERE.
Water often for health and happiness. xx
6 Comments