Surely you have heard that drinking water is essential for our health. In fact, if we stopped drinking it, we could not survive more than a week. But, do you know why?
Our body is mostly made up of water and it has many important functions such as regulating body temperature, helping brain functions, or helping to eliminate waste from the body.
Nutrition specialists recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, which equals 2-3 liters of water. Although there is little scientific evidence about this rule, staying hydrated is vital for the immune system to function properly, thus avoiding health problems.
Below, we have made a list of some of the benefits of drinking water so you are aware of its importance.
1. Reduces the risk of heart problems
When we drink water, especially before sleeping, we help pump oxygenated blood during the hours when we are at higher risk of having a heart attack.
According to several studies, people who drink eight or more glasses of water a day have a lower risk of heart problems compared to those who drink less than two glasses.
2. Prevents and relieves headaches
Another benefit of drinking water is that it prevents and helps reduce headaches.
One of the most common symptoms of dehydration in people is headache and migraines. It is recommended to drink water as soon as these symptoms start and avoid consuming other beverages that can be harmful such as alcohol or coffee.
3. Provides more energy to the body
Drinking an adequate amount of water activates the body's metabolism and makes us feel more energetic. These effects last in people for approximately one hour.
4. Reduces the likelihood of bladder cancer
The American Cancer Society has indicated that water prevents bladder cancer. By increasing fluid intake, the frequency of urination increases, which considerably reduces the concentration of carcinogenic agents in the bladder.
5. Helps eliminate waste products
Consuming water helps to eliminate waste products through sweat, urine, and bowel movements.
Sweat regulates body temperature when exercising or being in places with high temperatures. For this reason, you need to drink water to replenish fluids lost through sweat.
On the other hand, the kidneys are also important for eliminating waste through urine. Adequate water consumption can help the kidneys work more efficiently and prevent kidney stones.
6. Helps with weight loss
Drinking the indicated amount of water helps you maintain your body weight. However, drinking a lot of water can also help you lose weight. When you increase your water intake, metabolism speeds up, which increases the number of calories burned during the day.
Water has a satiating effect, so some experts recommend drinking a large amount of this liquid before each meal.
7. Reduces hangover symptoms
A hangover refers to the unpleasant symptoms we experience after drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose water when you consume it. This leads to dehydration.
Although this is not the main cause of a hangover, it can cause symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, headache, and dry mouth. A good way to reduce a hangover is to drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks and one before sleeping.
8. Helps have softer skin
Finally, another great benefit of water is that it improves skin elasticity, which makes it healthier, softer, and smoother. If you want to have stunning skin, now you know!
As you have seen through these benefits, water is fundamental for our body. However, you must be careful because drinking too much water is dangerous, as it can wash away salts and minerals from our body.
0 comments