3 Benefits of Drinking More Water Each Day
By Stephen R. Farris
Staying hydrated is essential for overall good health. Our bodies are made up of 60 percent water, and studies suggest that we consume as least eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
However, most people ignore that rule or have never heard about it. Water is usually the last beverage people drink, as they opt more for diet or sugary sodas, energy drinks, coffee, tea, and even alcoholic beverages.
When you don't get enough water in your system each day, your physical performance can suffer. Even a 2 percent drop of water in your body can be noticeable. Fatigue can quickly set in, you may even have changes in body temperature, and it may seem difficult to think straight.
That's one of the reasons it's so important to do your best to stay hydrated. Some of the benefits of drinking water -- according to scientific research -- it helps with brain function and maintains healthy energy levels. Here are a few others to let at:
May Help Reduce Headaches
Headaches are one of the signs of being dehydrated. Drinking water may reduce headaches and headache symptoms. However, research is not conclusive on the subject and scientists are still testing. In the meantime, it won't hurt to drink water when you feel a headache coming on.
Hangover Prevention
While it's not a good idea to drink alcohol excessively, you can drink water to help prevent having a hangover the next morning. Because alcohol is a diuretic, it can actually cause you to lose more water, thus leading to dehydration. Your best bet while celebrating out on the town is to drink a glass of water in between each alcoholic beverage you consume, and a big glass before going to sleep.
Water Could Help You Lose Weight
Drinking water can increase your satiety and affect your metabolism to the point you actually lose weight. So if you are following the water guidelines (eight 8-ounce glasses per day), you can kill three of those by drinking a glass at least half an hour before each meal. Doing so will make you feel fuller and consume less calories from food because you won't feel like eating a lot.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hixson, Tenn.