Live Longer Habits

There’s hardly ever a bad time to enjoy a glass of water. Our bodies are made up of over 60% water, so drinking enough is crucial for staying healthy. Whether you’re exercising hard, finding refuge from the heat, or just want to feel your best mentally, a glass of water can really help. For most people, drinking around 3 to 4 litres of water a day, in small amounts throughout, is key. 

The idea that we should drink enough water for good health has been around for a long time. In the 19th century, some alternative health practitioners believed that water could cure various ailments. One man, Vincent Priessnitz, an Austrian farmer, became known as the “father of hydrotherapy” when he opened a centre in 1829 to promote this idea, even though he had no formal training. 

In 1945, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board advised that people should drink about 2.5 litres of fluids daily. However, they mentioned that most of this comes from food, which many people seem to forget. Because of this, some experts, like nutritionist Fredrick J. Stare, suggested drinking at least six glasses of water a day, but he didn’t fully explain why. 

Everyone's water needs are different based on their lifestyle and health. Some may need to drink more water due to conditions like kidney stones, while others might need to cut back. It’s important to consider factors like physical activity, temperature, diet, and body size to ensure you’re staying well-hydrated. 

Thirst is your body’s natural signal to drink more. We need to balance the fluid we lose through sweat, peeing, and even breathing with what we take in. As we lose fluid, our blood becomes thicker with salt and minerals. The brain notices this and tells the kidneys to hold on to water while also making us feel thirsty. The hormone angiotensin II can also trigger thirst. 

Some people cut back on fluids to avoid frequent trips to the toilet, especially while travelling or during the night. Children might skip drinks to keep playing, just as workers might avoid breaks due to busy schedules. While not drinking enough can be a concern, it usually isn’t a problem if it balances out over time. 

The main takeaway about hydration is to listen to your body. If you’re thirsty, drink up! If you’re not, try to sip water occasionally or wait until you feel thirsty. Most people don’t have to worry about over-drinking unless specific medical advice says otherwise. 

So, what benefits does drinking water have? There are many, but here are eight important ones: 

1. Regulating body temperature:

In hot weather, sweating helps cool us down. It’s essential to drink water to replace what we lose through sweat; otherwise, we risk overheating, which can lead to serious health problems. 

2. Staying mentally sharp:

Even mild dehydration can affect your brain. Studies show that not drinking enough water can lead to memory issues, tiredness, bad moods, and reduced focus. Long-term, it can even damage brain cells. 

3. Keeping skin healthy:

Staying hydrated helps your skin do its job as a protector. Well-hydrated skin looks and feels better, while dry skin can become cracked and uncomfortable. 

4. Protecting joints:

Our joints, like knees and elbows, rely on water to work well. Adequate hydration helps keep a slippery gel in our joints, preventing pain from friction. 

5. Supporting digestion:

Water is key for breaking down food and preventing constipation. It helps keep everything in our stomach running smoothly. 

6. Improving blood flow:

Staying hydrated helps circulate blood, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to our bodies. Warm water is particularly good because it helps open up blood vessels. 

7. Controlling appetite:

If you want to lose weight or cut back on sugar, water is a better choice than sugary drinks. Drinking a glass around 30 minutes before a big meal can help you feel full faster and prevent overeating. 

8. Protecting kidneys:

Water helps keep our kidneys healthy by dissolving minerals and flushing out waste. Not drinking enough can lead to problems like kidney stones or long-term damage. 

Water is truly amazing, and it’s essential for our survival and the well-being of our communities.

Source: physiology, embracerelief