Water Intake
Drink water effectively
'Drink more water' is an advice people love giving and fail following. Your mom tells you to do it. Your doctor strongly advises you to have more of it. You read it everywhere. You know the importance of keeping yourselves hydrated. But alas, we all falter to follow it. Let us discuss our water-intake habits.
The fact
You must have noticed that at times you pee clear liquid within 20 minutes of water-intake. This means that your body has not absorbed the water you consumed. What is worse is that this regime of needing to visiting the loo too many times puts you off and keeps you away from drinking more liquids.
It is true that increasing water intake does involve increase in trips to the bathroom; but, you should not be peeing out water immediately after drinking it. It is important to learn how to get your body to absorb water effectively.
Why drink water?
Our body is composed of about 60% water. This water is stored both inside and outside the cells to dissolve nutrients, carry waste, regulate body temperature, deliver messages to and from the brain, and lubricate all our moving parts. You need plenty of water to function and feel good. However, you lose a lot of water every day while breathing, sweating, urinating, and during bowel movements. For good health, it is imperative that you replenish your body with ample water.
When your water intake does not equal your output, you become dehydrated. Dehydration can lead to dry lips, skin, eyes and hair. Inflammation of the skin, rashes and burns, clogged pores leading to acne and red eyes, dark yellow-colored urine, constipation or lack of bowel movements and little or no sweat.
You stay hydrated by regulating the amount of water in your system. The body can hold on to water when you don't have enough or get rid of it if you have too much.
Just like there are rules for eating, there are rules for drinking water. It’s more than just glass to lips and chug. Sip your water – don’t force it down your throat – it just runs through you. You can help your body by drinking when you're thirsty and drinking extra water when you exercise and whenever it warms up. Your body will be able to do all of its wonderful, water jobs and you'll feel great!
Healthacation advises you on proper water intake techniques so that your body absorbs and replenishes its water content.
Benefits of drinking water effectively
Relieves Fatigue
When there is less water in the body, there is a drop in blood volume, which causes the heart to work harder to pump oxygenated blood out into the bloodstream. Low water intake also lowers the efficiency of other major organs.
Improves Mood
Research indicates that mild dehydration (even one or two percent hydration level than the optimal level) can negatively affect your mood and ability to think. It can take a toll on your mood and cognitive functions.
Treats Headaches and Migraines
If you have a headache or migraine, the first thing that you can do to get some relief is drink plenty of water. Headaches and migraines are often caused by dehydration.
Helps in Digestion and Constipation
Water also improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. This helps in digestion and prevents constipation. Inadequate water in the body often results in constipation as the colon pulls water from the stools to maintain hydration.
Aids Weight Loss
Drinking two eight-ounce glasses of water prior to meals can help suppress appetite and hence support your weight loss efforts. When you drink water, it fills your stomach and reduces the tendency to eat more.
Flushes Out Toxins
Water is an excellent detoxifier as it helps flush out toxins from your body and get rid of waste primarily through sweat and urine. It also promotes kidney function and reduces your chance to deal with kidney stones.
Regulates Body Temperature
The thermal properties of water and its ability to release heat from the body when sweat evaporates from the surface of the skin greatly helps maintain an even body temperature.
Promotes Healthy Skin
Water keeps the body well hydrated and improves capillary blood flow, which promotes healthier and younger-looking skin. Water helps replenish skin tissues, keeps it moist and increases its elasticity.