Why should I drink more water?

We all know that it is important to drink water but sometimes we forgot how important. We associate a healthy lifestyle with exercise and eating in moderation but sometimes neglect drinking water as a priority.

Our bodies need water for numerous reasons. This article will go over four major benefits of water and why water is so important. We may also think we are drinking plenty of water in reality we are not. Instead of drinking carbonated sugary drinks, it might be a good idea to reach for a nice glass of refreshing H20.

1. Water Helps Our Body Function Properly

Our bodily fluids help regulate necessary functions in our body. Water helps our body complete important tasks:

• Maintaining proper body temperature
• Transports oxygen and other nutrients to our cells
• Helps with proper digestion
• Lubricates Joints
• Protects organs and sensitive tissues
• Removes toxins and waste 

Your body automatically does this without you worrying about it! All you need to do is ensure you are drinking enough water and you are more likely to have a healthy body.

2. Water Increases Our Energy and Brain Function

Our brain is about 75% water. Proper hydration ensures that our brain is able to remain focused and in top form. Dehydration occurs when our bodies do not have enough water. Dehydration negatively effects energy levels and cognitive functions. Water helps our brain concentrate and gives our bodies energy to function. Drink enough and your brain and body will thank you!

3. Water Improves our Mood and Stress

Studies show that dehydration has been linked to increased anger, tiredness, and stress. Drinking enough water during the day to will help improve your mental state and reduce stress.

4. Water Helps with Weight Loss

Water can directly and indirectly help with weight loss. Water can help increase metabolism and works as an appetite supplement. Our body also sometimes confuses thirst with hunger. So instead of eating a quick snack, reach for a calorie-less glass of water instead. Replacing sugary calorie filled drinks with water will help with weight loss and decrease your risk for diabetes.

How much water should we drink?

Now that we know how important water is for us, an important question to know is how much water is enough? Just like with anything, even good things, too much of something can be bad. 

Drinking too much water, if you have certain health risks, can cause issues. How much water you drink depends on the person and his or her activities. 

The common thought of drinking eight glasses of water a day has no scientific evidence to support it. Some may need more than that amount and some may need less.

A good place to start is to from four to six cups a day. This should be a good starting point for most healthy people. However,  The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine say that men should have around 15.5 cups of fluid and women should be closer to 11.5. cups of fluid. In this case, they note that only 80% of fluid intake is actually from drinking. The other 20% comes from food consumption.

If you are unsure of how much water to consume daily, consult your doctor.

It is also important to realize that other factors can effect how much water you need to drink. You need to be cognizant of activities that you are doing and the environment you are in. For example, if you are sweating from exercising or because you have been out in the sun on a hot day, odds are you will need more water than if you have been inside in an air conditioning room. It is important to adjust your water intake accordingly.

Waiting until you are thirsty might be too late to start drinking water. It is a better practice to frequently be drinking water throughout the day as opposed to waiting until you are thirsty. 

Another general rule of thumb that helps with checking your hydration levels is to look at your urine color. You are getting enough water if your urine is light yellow or colorless.

As always, it is important to check with your doctor to see what is the right amount of water for you.

Now that you know how important it is to drink enough water, go grab a glass of water and start hydrating!