We all know drinking water is important, especially during a sweat-inducing, cardio-intensive work out in your best running leggings. However, there are many reasons to drink up, besides simple hydration.
Hidden Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Increases Your Brain Power
Did you know that staying properly hydrated actually positively impacts your brain function? According to research, even a minor loss of hydration of a mere 2% can impair you cognitively, causing memory issues as well as hindering performance related tasks. It is believed this is true because of the makeup of the brain itself. It stands to reason since the brain is made up for 73% that even a small amount of dehydration would have detrimental cognitive results.
Helps You Lose Weight
Virtually all of us want to lose a little weight to fit into some cute activewear or fashionable yoga apparel. A desire to lose weight is especially true after the covid-forced hibernation period. Did you know that you could improve your body’s ability to shed weight simply by drinking more water and being properly hydrated? This is thought to have something to do with the way water affects your metabolism, which of course serves an important role in weight loss. The direct correlation between metabolic function and water is not completely understood. However, it has been proven that you will more than likely consume fewer calories at a meal if you drink a glass of water before sitting down to eat. This could have something to do with water being a known natural appetite suppressant.
Improves Your Skin
Again, your body craves water, because it is made up of water. Your skin, which is your body’s largest organ, is made up of 60% water. When you aren’t drinking enough water, your skin will become flaky, tight and dry. It will also be more prone to wrinkles. Staying hydrated can help you look younger by reducing wrinkles and making your skin softer and more moisturized.
Boosts Immunity
Water effectively strengthens the immune system by carrying needed oxygen to your body’s cells and ensuring your body flushes away any harmful toxins. This results in your body functioning as designed, which means a better immune system. This is especially important now as the COVID virus is still a big factor. While the specific connection between general immunity and COVID specifically hasn’t been thoroughly studied, boosting your immunity could only help.
Reduces Your Risk of Sprains and Cramps
You probably already know that dehydration can lead to painful cramps. We have all seen athletes cramping up during sports in the humid weather when they are losing too many fluids. This happens because water naturally lubricates the joints and muscles and its absence causes issues. Conversely, when you are well-hydrated, you will be less likely to experience either cramps or sprains.
Improves Your Mood
Lastly, proper hydration will help your body’s engine run at top speed, which will mean that every part of your body does its job as designed. Your organs and internal systems will all run smoothly. This in turn will make you feel better overall. As our health is deeply connected to our mood or emotional health, proper hydration is a great way to naturally improve your mood.
The body needs proper hydration to function optimally at every level. The hidden benefits listed above are just a few of the many hidden benefits of staying hydrated. In general, proper hydration requires women to drink 11.5 cups of water a day and men to drink 15.5. Of course, the amount of water you need to drink daily will be affected by your activity level, so adjust as needed.