The Importance of Drinking Enough Water
“Make sure you’re drinking enough water” is a phrase we hear time and time again. After all, 75 percent of Americans are described as being “chronically dehydrated”.
Most people know that getting enough water every day is important for your health—however, what many don’t know is that water can have immediate health benefits, even within 10 minutes or less. In an article by Domino, multiple doctors and nutritionists explain the ways in which drinking enough water can benefit your health after one day, after one week, after one month, and after six months.
Dr. Dana Cohen, an integrative medicine specialist, explains that water intake can have immediate same-day benefits in that it “increases the cells’ functional efficacy, leading to better energy, clearer thinking, and less brain fog”. Cohen also says that drinking water can help to improve muscle cramps and provide headache relief in 10 minutes or less.
Nutritionist Dr. Charles Passler explains that within seven days of being hydrated, your bowel movements will become more regulated and you’ll experience fewer aches and pains. Drinking enough water can also improve your skin clarity in just one week. Passler says that a body that has not been properly hydrated will “shunt water toward essential organs like your heart and away from nonessential tissue like your skin and muscles”, which can lead to “wrinkled or drooping skin, as well as reduced muscle strength”.
After one month of staying hydrated, Dr. Passler says that you can expect clearer skin, plus continuous benefits in mental clarity, muscle strength, and stamina. Six months into drinking your daily recommended ounces of water provides long-term benefits such as reducing the risk of diseases and disorders, like urinary tract infections, hypertension, coronary heart disease, glaucoma, and gallstone disease.
In addition to what is mentioned in the article, water also helps your body regulate its internal temperature, lubricates and cushions joints, and protects your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues. Switching from beverages like soda and juice that contain calories and extra sugars to calorie-free alternatives like water can help you achieve your weight loss and weight management goals, as well.
If you think you may not be getting enough water, here are some tips to help increase your daily intake:
- Carry a water bottle for easy access when you are at work or running errands.
- Improve the taste of your water by adding a wedge of lime or lemon.
- Set reminders to drink more water by using an app or an alarm on your phone.
- Drink one glass of water at every meal.
- Order water when eating out. This helps to save money and reduce calories, too!
Read more from our blog.
