We bathe in it, wash our cars with it and “water” our gardens with it. We can live weeks without food, yet we can only survive 3 days without water. Water has a multitude of health benefits and really is essential to life.
Let’s take a look at why water is so good for you.
Other benefits of water:
Digestive Health
Water helps you stay regular, reducing the likelihood of constipation and haemorrhoids. If you’re dehydrated, your body absorbs all the water from your colon, leaving a hard stool that is difficult to pass. Water helps dissolve waste matter and flushes the body of toxins, promoting overall health and wellbeing.
Cardiovascular Health
Water is a component of blood and influences its thickness. If you get enough water your heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood around the body. That’s good news for your heart!
Healthy Brain and Nervous System
Did you know that 85% of brain tissue is water? Water also transports hormones and neurotransmitters (body chemicals) around the body, including the brain and spinal cord, so for optimal brain and nervous system function drink water. Dehydration also increases sensitivity to nerve pain, so ensure that you stay well hydrated.
Urinary System Health
Water helps reduce the risk of kidney stones by flushing out salts and minerals in your urine. Being dehydrated means these substances can form solid crystals known as kidney stones, so reduce your risk by drinking plenty of water. As a component of urine, water also helps flush out bacteria that may cause urinary tract infections.
Joint Relief
The buoyancy of water eases the pressure on our joints and reduces stress on the body. For individuals unable to exercise on land, try aqua-aerobics or even swimming laps and you’ll be supporting your emotional and mental wellbeing as well.
Weight Loss & Management
Try drinking a glass of water next time you’re hungry. Often we mistake hunger pains for thirst. Drinking a glass of water helps you feel full and can even promote healthy weight. Water is also zero calories! Have you ever noticed how sapped you feel in hotter weather or when you’ve forgotten to drink your eight glasses? Staying hydrated assists with energy and means that you can exercise for longer.
Keeps you Looking Younger for Longer
Water is essential for healthy looking skin. Fine lines and wrinkles actually appear deeper when you’re dehydrated. Drinking water hydrates skin cells, plumping them up, and helps your skin stay soft, moist and young-looking. Water also flushes our impurities and improves blood flow, leaving your skin clear and glowing. Plus, water is used to make tears and saliva, is found in the synovial fluid of joints to stop bones grating together and helps regulate body temperature.
