Water!

by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner

It’s simply essential. Here are some useful facts on the health benefits of this clear necessity. Read on and drink up …

The body is composed of about 60 percent water. Throughout the day, our body uses it to aid joint lubrication, temperature regulation, spinal cord and tissue protection, and digestion and waste removal. The next time you quench your thirst, consider all the good you are doing for yourself.

Weight Loss

Being sufficiently full from water and water-rich foods can substitute for higher caloric choices. Water itself is not a means for weight loss. However, hydrating with it helps reduce the intake of sugary drinks and fatty foods. Hunger is often mistaken for thirst, which is another reason to make water a first-responder. You can save calories and refresh simultaneously.

Feelings of dehydration also may trigger one to reach for comfort foods, highly caloric by nature. The fatigue, low mood, and irritability common from dehydration are triggers for emotional eaters. Maintaining adequate fluid levels throughout the day helps eliminate cravings. It’s an easy step to better health, which can have a cumulative effect. Try it– replace your afternoon soda with a tall, chilled glass of water. Lemon twist optional.

Muscle Power

Without the right balance of fluid and electrolytes, cells shrivel and cause muscle fatigue. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking 17 ounces of water two hours prior to your workout. It is also important to take regular sips throughout your fitness session. Your time is valuable. Exercise with your body at peak ability to perform.

We all know the effect of water outside the body. Tone, tone, tone! When submerged in the stuff, muscles meet with about 12 times the resistance of air. The extra effort spent when you are submerged sculpts muscles like crazy.

Consistency

Efficient waste elimination helps keep the body healthy and energized. Water flushes out toxins and other impurities. When dehydrated, the colon pulls water from waste material, which results in constipation. Irregularity means irritability, sluggishness, and other issues.

Inadequate fluid intake can hurt kidney health. Kidneys will need to work harder to cleanse and eliminate. They also hold back extra fluid for bodily functions. Chronic dehydration puts one at risk for kidney stones.

Radiance

Crisp and clear, it is not surprising the effect water has on your skin. When well hydrated, skin is less dry and wrinkled in appearance. You can’t hydrate your way to younger skin, but you can help decrease the signs of aging and weather by keeping fluid levels high. Once you reach appropriate hydration, your body eliminates any excess.

Drinking sufficient water also helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. It is a natural method to plump skin so underlying fat cells are less noticeable. As for tired, puffy eyes, water can help. Much like a cold compress, splashing cool water on your face can temporarily reduce puffiness. Perhaps long enough for you to drink down a cold glass of it (or, yes, a cup of coffee).

Get Your Share

Pick a sports bottle to suit your style, and fill it up at every chance. Bring it in the car, office, park, and definitely to the Center. Freeze it to stay cool during a hot day. Save money with it by avoiding pricey soft drinks. Even enjoy a sweet treat by allowing yourself to indulge in something more fun than soda. Get healthier with it by nourishing your body with one of the most fundamental necessities.

Sources

CDC.gov

“6 Reasons to Drink Water,” by Kathleen M. Zelman

“15 Big Benefits of Water,” by Jennifer Goldstein at health.com.

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