I think we often underestimate the effect water can have on your health just because it’s so freely available. The most important lesson I have been able to teach my boys is that “Water is life.” If we consist of 60% water, then I think the statement water is life is pretty darn accurate! Drinking water is so much more than just quenching your thirst, our bodies need water to be able to sustain all the important body functions. Not to mention the effects that a lack of hydration can have on your body. The benefits of staying hydrated go far beyond what we can even comprehend, but if you’re still not sure why, here’s everything you need to know about the importance of hydration.

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The benefits of staying hydrated to ensure a happy, healthy life.

When I say that people underestimate the benefits of staying hydrated, I’m not even joking. And I don’t just mean carrying around a water bottle all day and drinking gallons of water. There are so many different ways to stay hydrated and understanding the importance of hydration is a good place to start. Some of these might be general knowledge and some might even surprise you, but here are some of the benefits of staying hydrated.

Improves your brain function.

One of the most important benefits of staying hydrated in my opinion would have to be the effect it has on your brain function. Even mild dehydration can lead to noticeable cognitive impairments, including difficulties in concentration, memory lapses, and reduced alertness. Water plays a major role in delivering nutrients to brain cells and removing toxins, which ultimately supports mental clarity and efficiency. When you drink enough water you can expect to see imporved focus, quicker information processing, and enhanced problem-solving abilities.

Helps with digestion.

I never really knew that drinking water or staying hydrated played a role in digestion, but it makes sense when you stop to think about it. Water helps in breaking down food, allowing your body to absorb nutrients more efficiently. Proper hydration ensures that digestive enzymes can function properly, helping with smoother digestion and nutrient absorption. And on the TMI side of things, water helps to soften stools, preventing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.

Drinking enough water and staying hydrated also helps in flushing out waste and toxins from the digestive tract, keeping it clean, and reducing the risk of gastrointestinal issues. If you are still experiencing some discomfort, try using a digestive supplement to help balance things out again. I personally use Iberogast drops which have changed my life, but I know they aren’t available everywhere, so find a supplement that works well for you.

Improves physical performance.

Have you ever seen an active person without a water bottle close by? There’s a pretty good reason for that! Dehydration can quickly lead to muscle fatigue, reduced endurance, and a decline in strength, all of which stop you from doing your best in anything. Water is used by your body to maintain important functions like maintaining optimal body temperature, lubricating joints, and transporting nutrients to muscles. When you stay hydrated, your body can efficiently regulate heat, reducing the risk of overheating and allowing you to exercise longer and with greater intensity.

Hydrated muscles are also more elastic and less prone to cramps and injuries. If you seem to struggle with regular muscle cramps and are drinking enough water, try adding a magnesium supplement to your water to help relieve those muscle cramps.

Supports healthy skin.

When I’ve been lacking in the hydration department, I can clearly see it on my skin. Water is key to keeping your skin moisturized from the inside out, which helps to maintain its elasticity and prevent dryness and flakiness. Proper hydration supports the skin’s natural barrier function, protecting it from environmental damage and reducing the likelihood of irritations and blemishes.

Water also helps in getting rid of toxins from the body, giving you a clearer complexion and a more youthful appearance. Who knew that by drinking water you can clear up your skin, even out your skin tone, and fight those pesky wrinkles? I love natural skincare remedies and they’re free too!

RELATED: The Amazing Power Of Calorie Counting To Lose Weight.

Improves your mood and energy levels.

I don’t drink coffee in the morning, but one thing that does give me a boost for the day ahead is a cold glass of water before getting ready for the day. It’s like a feel-good shot of energy! Your mood and every levels are linked to your cognitive function and body functions that need water to work smoothly. When you feel even the slightest bit of dehydration, it can lead to feelings of fatigue, irritability, and confusion, which can significantly impact your daily life and productivity. Water is also essential for various bodily functions, including nutrient transport and waste removal, which keep your energy levels stable.

By drinking enough water throughout the day, you can prevent the dips in energy and mood swings that dehydration often causes. It doesn’t just play a physical role in your body, but by choosing water over other drinks, you make the mindful decision to choose the healthier option for your body and that has so many benefits for your mental health too.

Helps with weight management.

This is one of the benefits of staying hydrated that motivated me the most when I first started my wellness journey. I wasn’t aware of all the other benefits drinking water had to offer, but no matter how you get there, as long as you do. Drinking water can help control your appetite, studies have shown that 37% of people mistake thirst for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking and extra calorie intake. Starting your meals with a glass of water can help create a sense of fullness, helping you eat less and avoid overeating.

Water also boosts your metabolism by helping with digestion and the transportation of nutrients, which can enhance your body’s ability to burn calories. Replacing high-calorie beverages with water will reduce the amount of calories you consume in a day. My rule of thumb that has helped me lose weight is “Don’t drink your calories.”

RELATED: The Best Fruits To Juice And Why They\’re Healthy.

Boosts your immune system.

I love saving the best for last because anything that keeps you healthy and happy is good right? Water plays a big role in producing lymph, a fluid that circulates white blood cells and other immune system cells throughout your body, helping to fight off infections and illnesses. Proper hydration ensures that your body’s cells can function optimally, allowing for efficient nutrient delivery and waste removal, which are vital for a healthy immune response.

Staying well-hydrated helps maintain the health of mucous membranes in your respiratory system, acting as a barrier against pathogens. By drinking enough water daily, you support your immune system’s ability to protect you from sickness, keeping you healthier and more resilient. Still, there’s no harm in helping your immune system along with a few good supplements!

Signs of dehydration to look out for.

If you haven’t been drinking enough water and you’ve been feeling a bit low, it might be a sign of dehydration. There are a few things you can look out for to find out if your body is dehydrated, and luckily there are a few things you can do to hydrate your body quickly. Remember, water is life, so don’t forget to live! From a 4-year-old’s perspective of course.

Signs of dehydration:

• • Thirst: This is one of the earliest and most obvious signs of dehydration.

• • Dark yellow urine: Concentrated urine is a common sign of dehydration.

• • Infrequent urination: Less than four times a day can signal insufficient fluid intake.

• • Dry mouth and throat: This is a common symptom when the body lacks adequate hydration.

• • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or lethargic.

• • Dizziness or lightheadedness: This can occur due to decreased blood volume.

• • Headache: Often caused by the body’s reduced ability to function optimally.

• • Dry or cool skin: This can be a sign that the body is conserving water.

• • Muscle cramps: Especially during or after exercise, due to electrolyte imbalances.

• • Rapid heartbeat or breathing: Your body is working harder to maintain circulation.

• • Sunken eyes: Most commonly noticeable in severe dehydration.

• • Confusion or irritability: Mental functions can be impaired when dehydrated.

• • Lack of sweat: Even in hot conditions, indicating your body is retaining fluid.

• • Cracked lips: Another sign of moisture deficiency in your body.

RELATED: The Best Ways To Hydrate Quickly.

Tips on how to stay hydrated.

There’s no need for your body to get to the point of dehydration when there are so many things you can do to stay hydrated. These are a few of my favorite tips on how to stay hydrated that have saved me over and over again from dehydration. The biggest sign of self-respect you can show yourself is to take care of your body.

• • Carry a water bottle: Keep a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day for easy access to water.

• • Set reminders: Use phone alarms or hydration apps to remind you to drink water regularly.

• • Eat hydrating foods: Add fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges, into your diet.

• • Drink water before meals: Having a glass of water before eating can help you stay hydrated and may also aid in portion control.

• • Infuse your water: Add natural flavors like lemon, mint, or berries to make drinking water more enjoyable. You can even opt for water enhancers on the go.

• • Track Your Intake: Use a water tracking app or a journal to monitor how much water you drink each day.

• • Drink water right after waking up: Give your body a much-needed hydration boost by drinking a glass of water the moment you wake up.

• • Choose water over sugary drinks: Rather choose drinking water over sugary drinks to avoid loss of hydration and extra calories.

• • Stay hydrated during exercise: Drink water before, during, and after workouts to replenish fluids lost through sweat.

• • Keep water close by: Place water bottles in frequently used areas, such as your desk, car, and bedside table to keep your water in site.

Conclusion.

Staying hydrated is a simple way to give your body a well-deserved boost. By trying to make hydration a priority in your life, you’ll definitely start seeing the benefits of staying hydrated in your life. So grab your water bottle and don’t forget to sip.

Happy Sipping,

Your Wellness Warrior!