She Strengthens

Unlock the Power of Hydration: 10 Surprising Benefits of Drinking Plenty of Water

Staying Hydrated, Staying Healthy

Water is the ultimate wellness ally, and it’s time to give it the recognition it deserves. As the most popular beverage in the United States, water has been dethroning sugary drinks like soda and juice, and for good reason. With its numerous benefits for our bodies, from boosting productivity to aiding weight loss, water is the ultimate game-changer.

The Risks of Dehydration

Sugary drinks are a huge health hazard, increasing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems. By choosing water over these sugar-laden beverages, you can reduce your risk and reap the rewards of a healthy, hydrated body.

Top 10 Benefits of Drinking Plenty of Water

1. Fluid Balance: Water makes up about 60% of our bodies, and drinking enough maintains fluid balance, supporting nutrient transportation, temperature regulation, digestion, and more.

2. Weight Loss: Drinking water can help with weight loss by making you feel full, reducing calorie intake, and increasing energy levels.

3. Muscle Energy: Sweating at the gym causes muscle water loss, leading to fatigue. Refuel with water to push through that final set of squats.

4. Kidney Function: Our kidneys need the right amount of water to clear out waste and transport urine to the bladder. Let’s drink to that!

5. Productivity Boost: Even mild dehydration can negatively impact attention and memory. A glass of water may be all you need to really focus at work.

6. Fatigue Fighter: Water can help combat fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of dehydration. Ditch the coffee and go for the big gulp instead!

7. Hangover Helper: Hydrate your body and alleviate that pounding headache with a glass of water after a night out.

8. Digestive Health: Dehydration can contribute to constipation in some people. Drinking more water may help things, ahem, move smoothly.

9. Immune System: While drinking water hasn’t been scientifically proven to beat colds, it may help with decongestion when you’re feeling under the weather.

10. Clearer Thinking: A 2013 study found a link between students bringing water into an exam room and better grades, suggesting H2O promotes clearer thinking.

Your Action Plan

The amount of water we need varies, but the Institute of Medicine recommends 9 to 13 cups per day for adults. Here’s how to keep yourself hydrated:

• Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up and a glass 30 minutes before eating any big meal.
• Keep a water bottle on hand at all times.
• Add a squeeze of citrus or infuse water with other flavors to keep things interesting.

By incorporating these simple habits into your daily routine, you’ll be unlocking the power of hydration and reaping the rewards of a healthy, happy body. Bottoms up!