What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Water

It’s no secret that we need sufficient water for optimum health. While the human body can go without food for many days (sometimes months!) – it cannot last long without water. Dehydration hits faster than you think and can affect your body before you even start feeling thirsty. Our bodies are always losing water via sweat and urine, and while individual hydration needs vary based on activity levels, most of us need to drink least half an ounce of water per pound of body weight. It’s not always easy to consume enough water every day, but considering the effect that water has on your body, it’s worth giving it a try.

Your Mental Process Improves

If you’re feeling a bit foggy, it could be more than just not getting enough sleep the night before. Dehydration impairs our thought function, memory and attention span. Studies indicate that even a small loss of body fluids can cause headaches and mental fuzziness, as well as affecting our general mood. Sipping on water all day, even if you don’t feel thirsty, can give you a much needed mental boost and improve brain function.

Skin Troubles Vanish

Our skin is fortified by water and needs hydration in order to look its best. Not drinking enough water can make skin look dull and worsen wrinkles, as well as leave skin dry and flaky. Increased water intake creates a plumping effect that smooths and brightens skin. Proper hydration can also help flush impurities from the body, which may help reduce skin issues such as clogged pores or acne.

Muscle Aches And Soreness Diminish

Water helps maintain our electrolytes, which in turn helps muscle function. When you don’t get enough water, muscles feel fatigued and recovery time after workouts can take longer. Keeping that water bottle near you during workouts can prevent fluid loss from exercise as well as reduce your recovery time afterwards. Drinking just 17 ounces of water before a workout can potentially boost your metabolism, aiding in weight loss and overall energy.

Your Organs Function More Efficiently

A constant lack of water can be very hard on your organs, especially your kidneys. When kidneys are working the way they should, wastes and toxins are flushed from the body with your urine, keeping everything on an even keel. Dehydration can cause the kidneys to trap fluids that should be flushed and can increase the chance of other health problems like kidney stones. Water also helps prevent constipation and bloating, and there has been some evidence to indicate that staying hydrated may reduce the risk of colorectal or bladder cancer.

You Might Live Longer

With so many obvious benefits of drinking enough water, it makes sense that water consumption might increase overall longevity. Water clears toxins, helps our bodies work properly, reduces fatigue and keeps our minds sharp. It also improves our muscle recovery, which in turn supports our entire musculoskeletal system, and is good for every organ in our bodies. We certainly can’t live without it, and we just might live a little longer with it.