Healthy Living Tips: Why is Water so Important?
I have recently been learning a lot of water. I have always considered myself to be a big water drinker. I prefer water and actually like the way it tastes. It is my go-to drink when I feel thirsty.
I recently started keeping track of how much water I drank each day and was shocked to discover that I have not been drinking enough water on a regular basis. I know this because my body actually feels different when it is properly hydrated. The difference is quite noticeable.
This made me wonder…Why is water so important? So I did what I do and I researched the topic. What I found is very fascinating.
Why Is Water So Important?
Our body weight is made up of about 60% water. That is a LOT of water. For me, that means that of my 150 pounds, 90 pounds are water! That is crazy.
So what happens when I don’t drink enough water? Dehydration!
Trust me… dehydration is not my friend.
Dehydration can lead to some crazy stuff! Things like fatigue, anxiety, confusion and it can even affect the mood. It can also impact brain function and short term memory! As if that were not enough reasons to up the water intake there is more. It can also impact almost every function in the body because we are so dependent on water to function correctly.
These are some signs of dehydration
- Feeling thirsty. If you feel the sensation of being thirsty your body is already bordering on dehydration.
- Colored urine. If urine is colored you are not getting enough water. Urine should be clear or lightly colored.
- While constipation is not always caused by dehydration it can be a sign that you need more water because water is an important part of the digestion process. If you do not have enough water you will likely struggle in this area.
So now let’s talk about what water actually does for us. We are told to drink water but what are the benefits of drinking more water?
Why Is Water So Important?
- Water is used in all of our cells, organs, and tissues.
- Water is part of temperature regulation.
- Water helps brain function.
- The body uses water as part of toxin elimination via sweating, urine and bowel movements. These three processes require water to function correctly.
- Water protects tissue, joints, and the spinal cord.
These are just a few reasons to increase your water intake.
If you think you are not drinking enough water I challenge you to measure out how much water you need. I recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces a day. For me, this means I need approximately 75 oz. of water a day. I have a water bottle that I need to fill and drink 4 times every day.
Measuring your water intake takes the guesswork out of it. It is super easy to say, “I drink enough water.” It is entirely different to actually measure and track your water intake. You may be surprised at how much you should still be drinking! I know I was!
Why is water so important? Water is vital to living a healthy lifestyle. Not enough water can lead to dehydration. Our bodies are up to 60% water and if we do not drink enough water we will not function at our best. So drink up!
To check out more Health and Wellness topics click here.
