Despite what some influencers may say, there are countless reasons why you should drink enough water. In fact, drinking plenty of water can literally change your life. In other words, keeping well-hydrated is crucial for your well-being. And although you’ve heard it all before, water is something you probably don’t give much importance to in your daily life, isn’t it? We worry about our diet, vitamins, minerals and calorie intake; we use tons of cosmetics, supplements for the joints, brain, blood pressure. Still, we forget the most important, the easiest and cheapest thing we can do to improve our health and appearance: to drink enough water.
A new trend has worried doctors lately. Some wellness influencers are advising their followers on social media not to drink water. These self-proclaimed health gurus encourage “water fasting” and to only hydrate yourself eating fruits. But British dietitian Nichola Ludlam-Raine says, “this is one of the most ridiculous diet trends I have seen so far“, and she adds, “telling people not to drink water is highly irresponsible.”
Some facts on why you should drink enough water
Water covers around 71% of our planet, our body is 60% water, and our blood, 90%, no wonder we need it so much. In the past, doctors used to say we had to drink eight glasses of water a day. Today, we know that the optimal intake of water varies according to sex and age, environmental conditions such as climate, activity, and so on. But surveys show that healthy adult women take an average of 2.7 litres of water a day, including the water consumed from foods and other beverages. Perhaps the best advice is: “If we just do what our body tells us, we will probably get it right”, as Prof. Farrell of Monash University says.
If you need some convincing of the benefits of water, here are the top 10 reasons why you should drink enough water:
1 – It regulates temperature
Especially during the summer, we need water to regulate our body temperature. By sweating, we cool down as the water in the middle layers of our skin comes to the surface and evaporates.
2 – It lubricates joints and bones
You may think this isn’t an issue for you since your joints are just fine. But the cartilage in the joints and also in the disks of the spine are 80% water; they need the water to maintain their shock-absorbing ability. If you don’t want to become a stiff and “cracking” woman in a few years, you’d better start drinking more water right now; your joints will thank you, and so will your bones.
3 – It removes waste from your body
Say goodbye to constipation. I know this isn’t a pleasant subject, but we, women, suffer very often of it. By drinking plenty of water you help your body get rid of waste and toxins, is there a more natural and affordable Detox than that?
4 – Beautiful skin
Water boosts your skin appearance. By hydrating your skin, you prevent premature wrinkles and keep a glowing and healthy complexion. It also keeps the skin elastic and tight, and reduces spots, dark circles under the eyes and chapped lips! Cosmetics are helpful, and we love them, especially the moisturisers containing Urea, but they can’t work miracles if you don’t drink enough water. In conclusion, don’t forget to add a few cups to your basic beauty regimen.
5 – Beautiful hair
Want fuller and shinier hair? Just increase the amount of water intake. Water helps your hair grow and keep your mane hydrated, glossy and flexible.
6 – It avoids dehydration
A bit obvious, I know, but dehydration can cause severe problems, from unclear thinking, fatigue, headaches, dizziness and mood change to even coma and death! So if you keep forgetting where you left your car keys, maybe it’s time to drink a cup of water. While some drink to forget, you will drink to remember!
7 – Weight loss
“Preload” with water before meals and you will feel fuller without overeating. An easy trick that creates a sense of fullness to help you lose weight with no effort. It also improves digestion. But avoid too much water during meals.
8 – Oxygen, minerals and nutrients
Water carries oxygen through the blood, which is 90% water! It also dissolves minerals and nutrients to take them to different parts of the body.
9 – It prevents kidney damage and urinary infections
The kidney needs water to function correctly. Every day, it filters the fluids and removes the excess and waste products from your body. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you drink plenty of water, you can reduce your risk of kidney infections and unpleasant urinary tract infections.
10 – It prevents hangovers
Last but not least, water is also the BFF of all clever party animals. Alternating water with alcohol, and drinking plenty of water before and after partying, will help you wake up the next day feeling fresh as a rose. Well, maybe not that fresh, but still…By the way, if you like a good party, did you know that there is a “Champagne etiquette“?
To help you drink more water, infuse it with lemon or chunks of pineapple and add some mint leaves. Leave it in the refrigerator, et voilà; you have a super refreshing and delicious drink that is almost like a miracle cure for everything!
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