15 Impressive Health Benefits Of Drinking Water (Eat More?)

The human body is made up of 60 percent water. Drinking eight glasses a day has been long recommended. Keeping the body hydrated is vital for overall health, and not drinking enough water can cause several conditions, such as dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body flushes out more liquid (sweating or urinating) than taking it in. When the body is dehydrated, thirst acts as the primary warning indicator.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), total water intake is the amount of water consumed from plain water, other beverages, and food. The recommended total water intake daily depends on gender, age, and pregnancy/breastfeeding status. Drinking water and other liquids help your body meet the majority of its fluid requirements.

The body needs more water when a person is out in hot weather, physically active, has a fever, or is vomiting. The CDC advises carrying a water bottle and choosing water over soda and other sugary drinks to help the body retain more water. Being well-hydrated is essential for maintaining good health since water is a vital nutrient. 

Below are the benefits of drinking water.

Boosts Physical Performance

Physical performance decreases if the body does not acquire enough water. This is crucial during strenuous exercise or periods of extreme heat. Losing even two percent of the body’s water content might already cause dehydration, resulting in changes in body temperature regulation, decreased motivation, and increased tiredness.

Dehydration may also make exercise seem much more physically and mentally challenging. Adequate hydration can stop this from happening and may even lessen the oxidative damage that results from vigorous exercise. Therefore, proper hydration is essential if a person works out vigorously and frequently perspires.

People should drink more fluids than usual while exercising. One review revealed that dehydration lowers performance in exercise lasting more than 30 minutes, although further study is required to validate this. Researchers have hypothesized that drinking more water could improve athletic performance. 

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) previously recommended drinking water while exercising to avoid dehydration, which can cause alterations in electrolyte balance and a loss of more than 2 percent of body weight. These modifications may lead to decreased performance.