When we don’t drink enough water, our body systems can feel the impact. Our cognitive function starts to take a hit, our skin and hair look less healthy and vibrant, and we don’t have as much energy for the day. On World Water Day, we want you to learn why staying hydrated is so important! We’ll talk about different ways you can make sure you’re drinking enough water every day and will share suggestions to make it easier for you if it feels challenging.
Do You Know When You’re Getting Enough Water?
Here are the two most common signs that show you’re getting enough water:
Weight loss: Water plays a key role in weight loss by maintaining lean muscle mass and helping the body get rid of toxins that can slow down metabolism and make us gain weight, says Leslie Bonci, author of ‘The Water Prescription’. Water also helps the kidneys flush excess sodium and potassium from our bodies.
Healthy skin: When we don’t have enough water, our skin looks dull and tired due to dehydration. In addition to being deficient in moisture, dry air can strip color from your hair and skin and prevent it from remaining supple over time by causing dandruff or dry skin.
Importance of Keeping Yourself Hydrated
Listed below are the reasons why having water is crucial for your body:
1. Good for Skin
When you’re not drinking enough water, your skin can look dull and dry and even break out. Our bodies are mostly made up of water, so it makes sense that dehydration would affect our skin: the appearance of our skin is a pretty accurate reflection of how hydrated we are. Aim for about two-thirds or more of your body weight in ounces per day (so if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for about 90 ounces or 15 cups).
2. Healthy Hair
Our hair needs moisture to be healthy and shiny. Aim for about two-thirds or more of your body weight in ounces per day (so, if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for about 90 ounces or 15 cups).
3. Brain
Our brains need water every day, and the average adult brain is made up of 75% water by volume. Doing the math means that we lose roughly 1% of our brain volume daily if we’re not drinking enough water. That translates to an estimated 0.5% drop in our IQ and a 0.5% reduction in our ability to think clearly.
When we’re not hydrated, the simple act of thinking can be harder. It’s not so much that we have a hard time concentrating as it is that our brain is craving the amount of water it needs to function properly. Our gray matter becomes dehydrated, making it harder to think and solve problems, resulting in decreased productivity at work and home.
4. Energy
Our muscles are composed of roughly 70% water by weight. When we’re not getting enough water, our body holds on to that water, making us feel a little heavier instead of more energetic. Moreover, our cells may not function as well without the extra volume of water. The result? We feel sluggish and have a harder time powering through a workout or an afternoon of errands than we would if we were hydrated.
5 Easy Ways for Staying Hydrated
By following the steps mentioned below, you can ensure sufficient hydration:
1. Have a Reusable Water Bottle with You at All Times
Like many things, it’s easier to remember to drink when we have a water bottle in our hands. Carry your water bottle with you, whether you’re out and about or relaxing at home.
2. Drink Two Full Glasses of Water at Each Meal
There’s no need to be wasteful when it comes to drinking water, especially when it comes to our health! We lose 1% of our brain volume daily and we need that extra volume because despite being 70% water by weight, we burn through that water pretty quickly. So, rather than indulging in dessert or continuing with our wine-filled night out, drink an extra glass of water at each meal and before bed.
3. Hydrate with Coconut Water
This superfood supplement is rich in electrolytes and potassium, essential for overall health. It’s light and sweet with a naturally lower calorie count than other drinks. When consumed regularly, it will help your body maintain bodily functions and keep you hydrated throughout the day.
4. Keep a Bottle of Gatorade Handy
Gatorade is best known for fueling our bodies after intense physical activity but it’s an excellent hydration option for those who aren’t exercising. It possesses vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes beneficial to good health and natural ingredients such as organic blue agave nectar.
5. Drink a Glass of Water Whenever You Feel Like
If you have a sweet tooth, drink a glass of water instead of satisfying it with a high-calorie treat. It’s easier than you think and it will do your body much more good in the long run!
Conclusion
Staying hydrated is beneficial to every cell and every organ in our bodies. We spend most of our days staying busy and forgetting to focus on our health and wellness. By making drinking water a habit, we can ensure that our bodies are running at their best. This World Water Day, we want you to understand and share how favorable it is for you to stay hydrated.
For those who need a little extra help staying hydrated, coconut water is the perfect beverage with more electrolytes than Gatorade. It’s naturally isotonic, offering softness and smoothness while hydrating your body.
