Are you drinking enough water? If you’re like most Americans, chances are you’re probably not. In 2013, the National Cancer Institute’s Food Attitudes and Behaviors Survey found that an alarming 78 percent of people surveyed admitted to drinking fewer than right cups of water each day. Because roughly 60 percent of the body is made of water, it is important to drink enough to maintain the body’s fluid balance, which helps transport nutrients in the body, regulate body temperature, digest food, and more.
The easiest way to remember to drink more water is to carry a water bottle at all times. And rather than buy a new plastic water bottle every day, consider carrying a shatterproof glass water bottle. Disposable plastic bottles are bad for the environment and contain chemicals like BPA that leach into your water. Glass, on the other hand, doesn’t have any chemicals, is reusable, and makes anything you’re drinking taste its best. Here are some other benefits of keeping a water bottle on hand throughout your day and drinking enough water.
Weight loss
Drinking more water delays hunger pangs and random cravings. It also increases the body’s metabolism. Some studies have shown that people who increased their water intake while dieting lost more weight than people that kept water consumption to minimal levels. As a plus, if you’re thirsty while on the go, you’ll have something on-hand right away, so you won’t be tempted to indulge in a soda from the nearest convenience story. Craving sugar? Add fruit to your water for a healthy beverage that quenches your thirst.
Reduce Stroke and heart attack risk
Adequate hydration prevents blood clots that could jeopardize the oxygen supply. It also excretes excess salt from the body and keeps blood pressure in check.
Skin health
Skin is the largest organ of the body. Regular water consumption improves the texture and elasticity of the skin, as the cells are allowed to function properly. Staying hydrated also helps the skin regulate body temperature through sweating.
Joint health
Water helps keep the cartilage around joints hydrated and soft. And when that cartilage is hydrated, your joints can move with ease. Think of water as the oil that lubricates your joints.
Prevent headaches and stay alert
Dehydration causes headaches and muscle fatigue, not to mention reduces the brain’s capacity for short term memory.
Lack of water, or dehydration, reduces the amount of blood in your body, forcing your heart to pump harder in order to deliver oxygen-bearing cells to your muscles. In the early stages of dehydration, you can become dizzy, irritable and experience headaches. As dehydration progresses, you become clumsy and exhausted. Your eyesight fades. In the last stages of dehydration, you may feel nauseous and begin vomiting. Without water, you will enter a coma and die. [source]
Drinking more water and keeping the body well-hydrated have shown to help people to improve their cognitive abilities and mental functioning. It also keeps your energy levels up throughout the day.
As the weather gets warmer, it’s even more important than ever to drink those eight glasses of water a day. But after a few sips, water can seem plain next to its more alluring neighbors: sports drinks and sodas. Don’t give in to temptation and indulge in sugary drinks – grab a glass water bottle and fill it with your favorite herbs, veggies and fruits to give your water a refreshing burst of flavor. Check out our other blogs for great fruit-infused water recipes to take on-the-go!
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