Did you know our bodies are made up of about 60% water? So, while we aren’t quite as liquid-loaded as a watermelon (92% water) or a cucumber (96%), it is an essential piece to our health puzzle. In fact, every cell, organ, and tissue relies on water to carry out its proper function, making water for our body equivalent to gasoline for a car. In other words, if you want it to run smoothly, you better fuel it properly.
If you’re in need of some H2MOtivation to help you step up your water sippin’, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn the surprising & science-supported benefits of drinking more water.
The OG “Cleanse”
In the age of fancy detox diets & juice cleanses, it’s ironic to learn that plain ole’ water is arguably the most effective natural cleansing agent for our body. From aiding in digestion & helping to eliminate waste, to supporting the natural detoxification process carried out by our kidneys, water is pivotal in helping our body efficiently and effectively remove toxins and waste.
If you’re looking to ramp up this natural waste removal process one step further, swap standard tap water for mineral water. While general healthy hydration is imperative for optimal digestion and regular bowel movements, studies show that regularly consuming mineral water significantly improves bowel function & can naturally relieve symptoms of constipation.
So next time you consider putting yourself through a juice cleanse or detox diet, maybe…don’t? Instead, focus on filling your cup with more of mother nature’s finest (& bonus points for mountain-sourced mineral water).
Improves Brain Function
Water comprises 75% of our brain, so it’s no wonder that it plays a huge role in cognition. From mood and memory to focus and concentration, time and time again, proper hydration has been shown to be a huge factor for optimal brain functioning.
Throughout our day, even if we don’t work up a sweat, we experience natural fluid loss by normal processes like breathing, general perspiration, & using the restroom. Studies show that even mild dehydration of 1-3% of body weight can compromise our cognitive function. So if you need to stay sharp, attuned, & focused, make sure you’re drinking enough of the good stuff.
A Crash-Free Energy Booster
We’ve all been there—it’s 3pm & you’re sitting at your desk trying to decide between an overpriced latte or an all-too-convenient diet soda from the office vending machine. The goal? Ride a caffeine-induced wave of artificial energy to help you power through to the end of the work day.
While caffeine may seem like a quick-fix when it comes to combating the late-afternoon crash, it’s ultimately counterproductive in the name of stable & sustained energy. Studies show that dehydration (a side effect of stimulants, such as caffeine) can cause impaired alertness and increased fatigue, tiredness, & confusion. An easy solution? Skip the afternoon soda or double frap and JUST drink some water.
A Wonder for Workouts
We’ve already mentioned how dehydration can impair our energy levels in general, let alone when we need to grind out a workout. When we work up a serious sweat, we can lose up to 6-10% of our water-weight, putting us at risk for dehydration if the fluid loss is not replenished.
Beyond the standard negative health effects of dehydration, exercise-induced fluid loss can lead to impaired body temperature regulation, decreased motivation, heightened feelings of fatigue, & increased perceived difficulty of the workout, both physically & mentally.
When we focus on optimizing our water intake before, during, & after a workout, we can combat the detrimental effects of exercise-induced dehydration, in addition to counteracting oxidative stress that results from intense bouts of exercise.
An Aide for Weight Loss
With all the wacky & wild weight loss tricks, tips, & supplements out there, it may seem hard to believe that simply drinking more water can help you lose weight & support long term weight management—but it’s true! One massive & influential study of more than 18,000 American adults showed that increasing daily water intake by just 1% lead to a reduction in average calories consumed.
Another weight loss advantage linked to water consumption is its positive effect on metabolism. Research has shown that drinking more water could lead to an increase in water-induced thermogenesis by providing a sympathetic stimulus which in turn, raises metabolic rate. In short, if your goal is to slim down, an easy, pseudoscience-free first step is to up your daily intake of water.