As I sit here pounding water after a sweltering football game where the relentless Texas sun beat down on me for 4 hours sans water, I decided to let my own anecdote inspire others to not act as I did. Sure, you've heard that you are not drinking enough water. And sure, you feel like you are adequately combating those remarks by drinking more after someone tells you to pick it up. But, chances are, you still are not ingesting enough water! Studies show that over 2/3 of Americans currently do not drink enough water to ensure optimum performance and efficiency in one's body. What's more, many do not realize the vast repercussions that can occur from not meeting your bodies' seemingly insatiable need for water. If that statistic is not enough to motivate you to ingest more water, here are some other reasons why:
1. Weight Loss
No, water is not some sort of magical fat shredder. It is, however, a great appetite suppressant and often a way of satiating your body that many mistakingly attempt to do with food. Therefore, if you consume more water, the weight loss process will be made much more feasible.
2. Attitude Adjustment
People always quibble over what kind of liquor makes you act a certain way. Well, indisputably, water increases your mood and makes you a much happier person. Research shows that dehydration leads to grumpiness and irritability. Simply put: money can't buy happiness, unless that money is going towards buying your dehydrated self some water.
3. Cognitive Enhancement
Given that the brain is composed of more than 75% of water, dehydration stymies the brain from receiving the electrical energy for all brain functions. When the body isn't fully hydrated, thought, memory, focus, creativity and clarity are all diminished and are hindered from functioning at full capacity.
4. Overall Performance
This idea as a whole is rather ubiquitous. When our bodies are adequately hydrated, we perform better athletically on all facets. There is reduced joint pain, reduced fatigue and decreased recovery time. Whether you're a recreational tennis player or an olympic athlete, water should be your number one priority on the nutrition spectrum.
5. Look Better
Drinking water is one of the best things that you can do for ensuring healthy and glowing skin. With the skin being the largest organ in the body, there are an incredible amount of cells that rely on the transportation of water to ensure their health and nutrients–which will in turn lead to firmer, clearer looking skin.
6. Less Bloating
While it may seem counter intuitive, drinking more water means that your body will hold onto less of it. When your body is properly hydrated, it is not worried about not getting enough water to function properly, so it excretes it at an efficient rate. When you are under-hydrated, however, your body is fearful that it won't be getting enough water anytime soon and holds on to it as a result. So, contrary to what may make sense, less hydration means more bloating and water retention.
7. Immune System
Water is incredible when it comes to the support it provides for our immune system. It is responsible for flushing toxins, aiding in digestion, preventing chronic ailments and transporting white blood cells throughout the body.
8. Cancer Killer
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reveals that water intake is inversely related to bladder, colon and breast cancer. This study found that the participants that were in the higher quintile of water consumption had a 49% lower chance than those in the lower quintile of contracting bladder cancer.
9. It's Refreshing
Seriously though. I have no idea how some people can crave a coke or juice after sitting in the sun or exercising for hours on end. Water is incomparable when it comes to refreshing and replenishing post-strenuous activity.
10. Tiredness
Coffee may not be your best friend during those incessant study or work hours you have coming up. One of the sure signs that you are dehydrated is lethargy. Even the slightest of dehydration can cause the blood to thicken and make it much harder for your heart to pump blood through your body and to all your organs–surrendering them of their much needed energy supply!
So what is enough then? Well, as a rule of thumb make sure you drink at least 100 fluid ounces of water a day; or around 12 cups of water. However, if you are even moderately active, make it your goal to consume your bodyweight in fluid ounces of water each day. Though this may seem like a lofty goal, when you witness the considerable results firsthand, it will be more than worthwhile!
