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Most people know the medical recommendation of drinking 8 glasses of water a day. However, coffee, tea, and juices are always a more popular option, and thus, water ends up being the treat instead. There are more benefits to drinking clean water in Southwest Florida to stay hydrated in the humid climate, than relying on other beverages. From weight loss to brain function, water truly is the most natural beverage of choice for our bodies to function at it’s best.
Weight Loss
While most people don’t want to believe it, diet and exercise alone are not the only important factors in weight loss. Water is a crucial component in weight loss that is quickly left behind. The human body is 60% water and requires water to function correctly. Boosting metabolism up to 30% for an hour and a half and increasing the feeling of satiety, water can do wonders for weight. Drinking even 2 Liters of water in 24 hours can burn an extra 96 calories per day from the increase in metabolism alone.
In a study conducted by the Human Nutrition, Food and Exercise Department at Virginia Tech, dieters who timed their water intake lost significantly more weight than others. Drinking half a liter of water thirty minutes before meals increased weight loss by 44% over three months. Drinking water prior to a meal will help you feel full and consume fewer calories.
Headaches
Without water, your body cannot function due to the chemical exchanges that take place at a molecular level to keep your body functioning. The primary elements needed in these exchanges are hydrogen and oxygen, which is water! Water makes up 60% of our body’s chemistry. Without water, dehydration sets in, causing muscle cramps, dry mouth, dry skin, dizziness, and more. The headaches that are associated with dehydration can range from mild to severe. Without the proper balance of fluid and electrolytes through water intake, dehydration sets in and can temporarily contract the brain away from the skull due to fluid loss. Once your body is hydrated again, your brain’s fluid loss is returned and relives your headache.
Brain Function
From reading about the effects of dehydration and headaches, you can easily deduce the importance of brain function and hydration status. The National Center for Biotechnology Information reported several studies on men’s and women’s brain function after fluid loss. With as little as less than 2% of body fluid loss after exercise, significant repercussions occur. Women reported impaired mood and concentration. Men were reported to have increased fatigue, anxiety levels, as well as decreased cognitive function. Mild dehydration also caused adverse effects on men’s working memory.
Gastrointestinal Relief
When your body becomes dehydrated, the fluid in your colon is withdrawn to hydrate the body. The result is constipation. The little water available causes stool to become hard and dry, which is challenging to move through the colon. While most people choose to take a laxative, the best solution is a large consumption of water. Laxatives stimulate muscles spasms in the colon to artificially remove stool. Water rehydrates the colon and restores the proper function. Laxatives also train your colon to rely on outside sources to assist in its natural function. Water keeps the natural balance for elimination and ensures a hydration balance in the body.
Skin
When your skin is adequately hydrated, your skin cells plump up wrinkles and fine lines. Water also assists in flushing your system of toxins and impurities, which contribute to acne and dull complexions. The more hydrated your skin, the healthier the skin looks and feels. Water is known to help support circulation and give skin the glow most desire. Adding a splash of fresh lemon to your water will aid in all these benefits, plus fight damaging free radicals and support collagen health.
References:
Armstrong LE, e. (2019). Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22190027 [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
Dennis, E., Dengo, A., Comber, D., Flack, K., Savla, J., Davy, K. and Davy, B. (2019). Water Consumption Increases Weight Loss During a Hypocaloric Diet Intervention in Middle-aged and Older Adults.
Ganio MS, e. (2019). Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men. – PubMed – NCBI. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21736786 [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
