The amount of water in the human body varies between 50 and 75% depending on the person. With this in mind, it is no surprise that we need water for our bodies to function properly.
But, how does water help our bodies function? And, how much do we need on a daily basis for our bodies to function at their maximum capacity?
In this article, we’re going to tell you the primary signs and causes of dehydration. We’ll then tell you why you should be drinking plenty of water and how much you should be drinking each day.
Signs and Causes of Dehydration
Signs of dehydration depend on the age of the person in question. Some of the most common signs include:
- A lack of tears when crying
- Less frequent urination
- A dry mouth and tongue
- Sunken cheeks and eyes
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Extreme thirst
- Bright yellow urine
But, why do people become dehydrated? Well, for some it’s as simple as a lack of fluids. For others, it could be because of a medical condition. Some medical conditions that can cause dehydration include:
- Problems with blood pressure
- Hypovolemic shock
Flu and food poisoning can also cause dehydration. In these circumstances, you must increase your fluid intake. Additionally, if you are in a hot climate you should drink more water.
8 Benefits of Drinking Plenty of Water
Now that we’ve gone through the signs and causes for dehydration, let’s check some of the key benefits of drinking water.
1. Drinking Water Keeps You Energized
The human brain is made mostly of water. This means that by hydrating it, you are allowing it to function at its full capacity.
Hydrating your brain will:
- Help you think
- Allow you to focus and concentrate for longer periods of time
- Make you more alert
Not only this, you’ll have more energy to go about your day without getting tired.
2. Water Can Promote Weight Loss
One of the easiest ways to shed some pounds is to drink more water. A key benefit of drinking water is that it can help you burn calories. This is because the water helps you process calories in a more efficient way.
3. Fluids Flush Out Toxins and Deliver Nutrients the Body
Water flushes waste through the body. It allows you to sweat and urinate toxins which reduces your risk of getting Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.
Additionally, if you drink clean water, the body will absorb more minerals from your food. These minerals will help fight against flu, heart attacks, and cancer, just to name a few.
4. Your Complexion Will Love You For It
Water is one of the best anti-aging serums around. One of the biggest benefits of drinking clear water is that it can reduce the chances of wrinkles.
By upping your water consumption, your skin will keep its moisture and stay soft for years to come.
5. Water Aids With Digestion
Constipation can come from dehydration in the colon. With this in mind, if you are having trouble passing stools, it could be because you have not drunk enough water.
If you hydrate your body, less water will leave the colon. Stools will be softer and easier to pass. Water also helps your body break down your food so that it is easily digestible.
6. Liquids Can Help Prevent and Treat Headaches
Dehydration is often the root cause of headaches and migraines. It is, therefore, no surprise that if you drink more water, you could prevent them from happening in the first place.
Additionally, water can help treat headaches. If you suffer from a headache because you have not had your daily dose of fluids, drink a few glasses and you may find that you’re back on your feet in no time.
7. Proper Hydration Keeps Your Muscles and Joints Healthy
If you want to stay in peak physical condition, you need to drink more water, especially if you partake in some form of high-intensity activity.
The right hydration can:
- Help lubricate your joints
- Make your muscles more elastic
- Provide your body with energy to perform
By drinking clean water on a regular basis, you may not have to worry about cramps and joint pain.
8. Water Regulates Your Body Temperature
Think about it. If you’re in a hot country, what do you crave the most? While some would say ice, others would agree that water is a must. This is because, without water, you can’t regulate your body temperature.
Water absorbs and transfers heat around your body. This is how the human body protects you from extreme weather conditions.
How Much Water Should You Drink Each Day?
If you look online, you’ll see that most websites recommend you drink 8 glasses of water a day. While this is a good starting point, the amount of water you should drink each day depends on your:
- Level of physical activity
According to the Institue of Medicine (IoM), women should drink about 2.7 liters of water a day. On the other hand, men should drink about 3.7 liters of water each day.
These recommendations are for people with good health that live in a temperate climate. To find out how much water you should drink, ask your health practitioner.
The Best Sources of Water
The best way to hydrate yourself is to drink clean water. Water has zero calories and is one of the easiest drinks to find in most parts of the world.
Unfortunately, some people don’t like the taste of water. While you shouldn’t substitute water for any other drink or food, there are other ways you can get some of your daily intake of fluids.
The following fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of water:
- Red tomatoes
- Iceberg lettuce
- Green cabbage
Read more here to get additional tips on how to consume more water throughout the day.
Learn More Health Tips at Estilo Tendances
Drinking plenty of water each day is essential to your physical and mental health. Without water, the human body can’t survive.
To learn more about how to keep your body and mind as healthy as possible, read more in our health section today.