Water may not be the most exciting, tastiest beverage, but there is no denying the many health benefits of drinking water on a daily basis. With so many beverage options, such as coffee, tea, soda, and juices, most of us actually forget to pour ourselves a glass of water. Yes, I am guilty of choosing coffee over water. In fact, the only time I think of water is when there is no other option or when I am cooking.
However, health experts recommend that adults drink about eight glasses of water each day. This may seem like a lot, but when you consider the amazing benefits of this fluid, you’ll gladly add water to your daily regimen. I completely agree. Especially after being diagnosed with diabetes, I consider water the tastiest beverage and have made it my friend. Of course, the warm weather makes it easy. I think of water as my liquid asset!
“Think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods. All of these are essential daily to replace the large amounts of water lost each day,” says Joan Koelemay, RD, dietitian for the Beverage Institute, a resource for health professionals on the science of beverages, hydration and active healthy living.
But I’ve noticed that even though people recognize the health benefits of drinking water, they tend to frown at the idea simply because they don’t like the taste, or maybe the water at home has a funny odor or they rely on weight loss drugs that work to take care of their health. To each their own, I’m not going to judge anyone. I urge everyone to try harder though.
I remember when we lived in Hyderabad, the tap water used to taste naturally sweet and pleasant. It is not the same where we live now. However, there are plenty of ways to improve the taste and smell of the water that flows through your pipes.
And sometimes, installing a home filtration system does the trick.
“A whole house water filter completely reduces the bad tastes and odors of chlorine and chloramines without removing essential and healthy minerals such as calcium and magnesium,” says LifeSource’s hard water treatments.
So, what exactly are the natural health benefits of clean, good water? Plenty, but here are five prominent ones:
1. Balances the fluids in your body
Since our bodies are composed of about 60% water, reports the Mayo Clinic, we need adequate fluids to keep our body functioning like clockwork. Everything from digestion to the production of saliva is influenced by the fluids in our body. And unfortunately, failing to drink water can have a negative impact on our body’s functions, triggering dehydration, dry skin, and even fatigue.
2. Helps control your weight
If you’re looking to lose a few pounds, drinking eight glasses of water a day can help your weight loss efforts. For example, if you drink a glass of water before meals, you’ll feel fuller quicker, resulting in eating fewer calories. Likewise, drinking water on a regular basis can stimulate urination, which is how your body releases excess fluids that contribute to water weight.
3. Maintains bowel functions
If you suffer from constipation or other digestive issues, maybe the problem is not enough water. The same way water keeps the rest of your body hydrated, it also keeps your gastrointestinal tract hydrated, preventing hard stools or constipation. Rather than turn to medications as the first resort, increase your water consumption. You may see an improvement in your condition.
4. Fights fatigue
If you’re always sluggish, maybe you’re not drinking enough water. It’s possible to be dehydrated and have zero symptoms. And when you’re dehydrated, your blood volume drops, causing your heart to work harder pushing oxygen into your bloodstream. Bodily systems may begin to slow down, and as a result, you may feel more tired or lethargic. For a quick energy boost, drink a bottle or glass of water.
5. Keeps your skin looking healthy
Frustrated about acne or dry skin? Increasing your water intake can make a huge difference. Dry skin can be a direct result of dehydration. I should know! And since fluids help flush toxins out of your body, drinking water can also mean fewer breakouts, resulting in clear, healthier-looking skin.
If you haven’t already, make it your aim to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. For added flavor, squeeze a few drops of lemon juice into your water, or add other fruits for natural sweetness. Slices of cucumber can also be very refreshing. And yes, iced tea counts!
Stay healthy! ♥
45 comments
Hi Vidya
Ah yes, water by choice! Once you get into the habit it is very easy to continue drinking water even at a restaurant. I would drink water even if I had to pay for it. Can’t stand the sugar-filled drinks on the market. Don’t even care for lemonade anymore.
Activated charcoal is great for filtering water and has zero taste and is so good for you.
I think once someone gets in the habit of drinking more water, they then become aware of how much they should be drinking. You will feel dehydrated a whole lot sooner and you will reach for water instead of a snack. Most of the time people have their wires crossed and think they are hungry, when in fact they are really thirsty.
Mary
We have a filtration system and my husband still won’t drink water! I use Crystal Light drink mix in mine–I know that’s not quite as good as pure water, but it’s sugar free and caffeine free–so the artificial sweeteners are the only bad thing. It’s the only way I can make myself drink 8 glasses, though.
Stephanie Faris recently posted…My Mini Book Tour
Drinking sufficient water is a habit that has to be cultivated. Each person has to find her/his own method to do this.
I normally consume about 2 – 3 litres of water per day plus a litre of green tea in addition to morning coffee. This has all the positive results you’ve mentioned, the only possible negative being one may have to visit the washroom frequently during winters :-).
Proactive Indian recently posted…Achche Din Aane Wale Hain? (Good days are coming?)
You are right, Pro! What we do is fill a certain number of bottles of water for each of us as a must-consume. So easy to get caught up with what we are doing and not realize it until we’re desperately thirsty. Ok. Me. Not everyone. 🙂 And it is easier in summer than in winter. The more I read about it, the more conscious I am about it. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!
Drinking water contibutes to weight loss, this is a new info for me.
I am very guilty of this. I don’t drink water as often as I should. The days I work out, I down two litres without any trouble. And although I have read these reminders before, it becomes important to read them over and over until they are etched in your brain. Thanks Vidya.
Shailaja V recently posted…A ‘trashy’ tale
I actually end up drinking more water at work cause I hv a botlle right in front n its almost an unconcious habbt! But at home….
Meena Menon recently posted…Chinnu….
I used to drink very less water in a day and it was pointed time and again to me by family. And then I found an app that reminds you to drink water and tracks your water drinking habits. After using the app for a week, and drinking water once it reminded me with the beeps on the phone, it became a habit. And I can see the difference… especially on my skin! 🙂
Shilpa Garg recently posted…Far Beyond the Dead End
Hello Vidya, can you suggest how to ensure kids are drinking the required amount of water especially in summer?
Hi Amit! Here is what I practice – ensure that my son finishes a 1.5 liter bottle of water during the day, in addition to other fluids (milk, fruits with water content, and 1 juice). Then, drink water before playing, during play and after play. Drink water whenever thirsty. Also, drink water after visiting the washroom. This more or less keeps them well-hydrated!
Great post Vidya! I do try to drink the required 8 glasses a day, but usually fall short. My husband doesn’t like drinking water at all and it’s a real chore getting him to drink it, but I insist, with dinner at least. We use Brita filters in a jug.
Debbie recently posted…BITCHES, BABES AND BROADS
I am guilty of not drinking near enough. I have tried to do better ever since I collapse at the county fair one year and experienced severe heat exhaustion and dehydration. It was awful!
Kathy Combs recently posted…I Will Follow
I am bad and I have to say-I don’t like water-sorry:( I do drink it at work and have about 2 glasses at work. I tried , more than once, to drink 8 glasses and when i moved, you could hear the water”splash” around in my stomach and then I felt nauseous and I threw up water. Every time! So now I have sparkling water with a little orange juice and combined with just plain water I have at least 8 glasses. no idea why I throw up with just water but I burp and up it comes and away we go:)
Birgit recently posted…Happy Birthday to niece #1
Water is such a great healer, and something I do each day as part of my healing program. I drink 3 litres a day and make mine alkaline with lemon
Namaste
Suzie Cheel recently posted…Do You Welcome Money Into Your Life?
I always keep a bottle of water at my desk, even at home. Specially during winter when I forget to drink water. Wonderful points you have shared.
Rajlakshmi recently posted…WTF Wednesdays – Of Hooters & Bridenapping
even I am guilty of not drinking water that much.. Thanks for the reminder..
simple girl recently posted…AtoZchallenge – Z for… Oh yes, the last post for the challenge
Water is a great drink. I do drink a lot but should start measuring how much.
Suzy recently posted…Innocence
Great article Vidya. I’ve been strictly following my water intake over the past couple of months and it surprises me to notice my actual quantity. Starting my day with 3 cups of lukewarm water refreshes me and keeps my acne issues at bay. Thanks for sharing the information.
Eloquent Mind
http://momentsilike.blogspot.com
Eloquent Mind recently posted…Choosing Life…
Great article Vidya!
I know from first hand experience that water prevents me from getting headaches and also significantly reduces any inflammation I may get at times. Your Body’s Many Cries for Water by F. Batmanghelidj is a great resource in this. Thanks for sharing sweet lady 😉
Melissa recently posted…Is This Fear All Your Own?
Thanka Vidya good reminder. I drink hot water even in summer. I like it plain or occasionally with a vanilla chai tea. This apart from daily regular tea and coffee.
Susan Scott recently posted…Field of Potential
Going to the gym taught me the importance of water. And from someone who lived on a single glass a day I now manage some 3 litres or more. Isn’t that just great? I can attest all the above benefits.
Heavy water drinker here! But I till could do more. Two large glasses in the morning immediately upon rising and your energy level will go up. Water helps with aches and pains too. Good post – good information. We all need to be reminded and encouraged. One of the best habit to have – your body will thank you by lasting longer!
Carol Graham recently posted…Wouldn’t You Love To Be A Fly On The Wall?
Great post! You are so right about the benefits of water. I am constantly amazed at what a difference it makes in how I feel when I’m well hydrated. My kids are learning how important it is, too. My teens skin is much clearer when they have enough water. And, it’s so much healthier than soda or juice!
Gina Valley (@GinaValley) recently posted…Top 10 Vital Preps Before My Kids Start Summer Break
This is a good reminder for me. Thanks Vidya 🙂 I should be drinking more water than I normally do! But like you I drink often during/immediately after cooking, esp when making chapatis I get very thirsty 🙂 And yes mornings too, before my tea.
Off to check out your blog on blogging block now 🙂
Beloo Mehra recently posted…If Only I Could Go Back
For me, water was essential in losing extra weight. Anytime I felt hungry when I shouldn’t, I would gulp a large glass of water and it kept those pangs at bay. Water is my weight loss secret!
Jamie recently posted…Best Black Leggings For Women
I have a bottle of water on my desk as a reminder and one on every room at home. It is easy to forget if it is out of sight.
My yoga teacher recommends adding a slice of lemon for those who don’t like drinking plain water. 🙂
A great reminder, Vidya. Thanks!
Monica Deshpande recently posted…Crusty loaf
I think I’m one of the few who actually enjoys drinking water! Its Winter now so I’m a bit hesitant to drink water, I cant stand the cold. But, it does have amazing health benefits and I’ve experienced all the benefits H20 has to offer 🙂
Great article water is very crucial for the human body. We need to stay hydrated and water does the job perfectly!
Tony recently posted…5 Amazing Health Benefits From Cranberry Juice
Hello Vidya! I believe in the health benefits of water too. These reasons are worth hydrating and drinking enough water. Thank you for sharing this wonderful post.
I only drink water when I feel thirsty. We need to keep ourselves well hydrated. Ideally I try to drink 2 liters of water a day.
Very nice article about the health benefits of drinking water Vidya. I want to ask a question that how much water must I drink in summer for skipping dehydration? Do you suggest me drinking water, depends on age?
I used to drink coffee more often than plain water. Then, my skin started to go dry. Now, I only drink water, no more, no less. And I noticed that I am feeling good than yesterday!
For many months, I only drink water. I skipped drinking coffee, beer, wine, and juice. So far, I feel like my skin is soft and clear. Also, I am losing weight little by little (of course with proper diet and exercise).
I have panic attacks in the past. Whenever I feel nervous, I will drink water to calm my nerves. Truly, it does amazing effects on my body. I skipped coffee and other drinks altogether. Water is the universal medicine.
It’s important that we use water for both drinking and bathing. Because our body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help regulate its temperature and maintain other bodily functions.
Water is the best beverage in the world it has 0 calories and it is essential for our body to survive. Great blog, on listing out the other benefits of drinking water.
Fitoru recently posted…Grocery List For Weight Loss: Eat This, Not That
Water is one of the most important need of human and where as health is concerned purity water is required to live healthy.
James Smith recently posted…How to get distilled water – Get your Distilled water at your homes
Very nice and informative article vidya, I regularly read your articles.
thanksn for such lovely article.
subham recently posted…Why Aqua Hunk Water is Unique Among All?
How many liters should drink water in a day? And no one can replace water
Normally about 8 glasses of water. Unless your doctor advises you differently based on your health.
It was interesting to read about how your blood volume can drop if you’re not drinking enough water. My sister just moved into her new place about 3 weeks ago. She mentioned that she’d like to get a water delivery because the taste of the water coming from her tap tastes a little metalic.
I have trouble drinking all of my water. I bought a water bottle with a straw and that has helped.
Just4Foodies recently posted…The 7 Best Bang Energy Drink Flavors, Ranked by Taste (2021)
Thanks for reminding me that I need to consume at least eight glasses of water each day to harvest its benefits. I really love coffee and I think that I drink it more every day compared to normal, tasteless water. Maybe I can install my own water purification system to encourage myself more to drink from our source.
It’s great that you’ve written this blog post about how you believe in the health benefits of drinking water. It’s even better that you offer a few tips on how to get more people to drink water. I know there are some people who feel that water isn’t all that great for you, but I think you’ve done an excellent job of breaking down the facts and showing why it’s important for everyone to drink water.
I drink at least 4 gallons of water 🌊 a day. My skin is always looking healthy and glowing. I love water , also when I use the restroom its always clear….
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