What liquid is the answer to better workouts, fewer headaches, easy weight loss, and clearer skin? No, it’s not a new, expensive bottled drink from Paris — it’s water. And experts say there is nothing better for improving our health. Increasing your daily water intake can make you feel better, look better, think better, eat better, run better . . . need I say more?
Here are six reasons why you should be drinking more water.
1.Better exercise workouts
As any fitness expert will tell you: Sweat, and then sweat some more. But that can prove difficult when you’re dehydrated and sweating. “The human body is roughly 60 percent water,” explained the experts at Abbott. “And keeping it well hydrated helps it function properly.” Water is the main ingredient in the fluid that lubricates your joints. Without enough water, our muscles, tissues, and joints become dehydrated and less flexible. This makes us more prone to injury. Stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing a water bottle with you to the gym for a sweat-worthy workout.
2. Lose weight
Between feeling fuller longer, drinking fewer calories, and helping you get more out of your workouts, drinking water can be your secret weapon for losing weight. A 2010 study conducted by Brenda Davy, Ph.D. found that over the course of 12 weeks, dieters who drank water before meals, three times per day, lost about five pounds more than dieters who did not increase their water intake.”
3. Forget headaches
While it depends on the type of headache, fluids can significantly decrease the level of pain and length of time a headache lasts. Next time you feel one coming, think about how much water you’ve had that day. As a general guideline, the Mayo Clinic recommends drinking about 8-eight ounce glasses of fluid per day. That averages out to about three fluid liters for active men and around 2.2 liters for active women. Fortunately, much of that fluid can come from foods as well as fluids. Water can even help prevent/treat the dreaded hangover headache.
4.Don’t be mental
Lack of water can affect your mood, brain function, and alertness — all factors that impact your daily life at work, school, home, etc. A 2014 study published by the National Institutes of Health showed, “Problems with cognitive performance that can occur with mild dehydration include poor concentration, increased reaction time, and short-term memory problems, as well as moodiness and anxiety.” Stay hydrated to avoid these small but substantial potential side effects of dehydration.
5. Treat acne
If you’d rather not start your day with a look in the mirror revealing yet another tiny pimple, then start guzzling. Adding hydration to your skincare routine is a natural way to clear your complexion and get a healthy glow. Water acts as a natural toxin cleanser and helps circulate nutrients throughout your body, resulting in healthier skin.
If you are looking for a better quality workout with less joint pain, help with weight loss, fewer headaches, and smooth skin, the answer may be a simple walk to the kitchen. Don’t forget the ice.
Originally published at medium.com