Every organism relies on water to function. As far as we know, it is essential to life. In the human body, a drop of only a few percent fluid content (1-5%) can impair brain function, increase the frequency of headaches, and worsen anxiety and fatigue. A 15% drop could prove fatal. So if hydration has such a radical effect on our health, how might it influence our beauty? Let’s dive deeper.

Facts about water and the human body

Since the womb, water has been a big part of your life. A human embryo consists of more than 80% water. Once born, this number falls to between 55-75%. Every system in the human body counts on water to function. The blood is more than 80% water, and the brain is more than 75% water. Outshining them all is the liver, which is necessary to filter out everything that enters the body. The liver is 96 percent water, and works best when water is abundantly available within the physical system. Water even provides a moist, healthy environment for the ears, nose and throat.

Nothing is softer or more flexible than water, yet nothing can resist it. – Lao Tzu

Why drink more water?

Apart from the obvious, that it sustains life, here are 15 reasons why you should drink more water:

1. Drinking water keeps your skin hydrated so it is less likely to dry out. This results in a more youthful, radiant complexion and reduces wrinkles by filling in and plumping the flesh.
2. Water is a natural stress reliever. Even the sound of rushing waves or running water triggers a soothing response in the body and lowers stress.
3. Drinking water helps burn fat.
4. Water carries oxygen to the cells that build muscle tissue. Moreover, it helps to make muscles stronger by maintaining the proper balance of electrolytes.
5. Water boosts mood and brain power. It is estimated that the brain makes up only about 1/50th of the entire weight of the body, but uses 1/20th of the blood supply. Drinking water helps you think clearly and increases cognitive function by delivering oxygen to the brain. Studies have shown that drinking 8 to 10 cups of water a day improves brain performance by as much as 30%. Additionally, drinking water supports proper nerve function, making it easier for the brain and the nervous system to communicate.
6. Water lubricates the cartilage and joints for healthy movement. Back pain and rheumatoid joint pain has been shown to be relieved with proper water intake. Picture a hydraulic lift, and you get a pretty good visionary pictures of how water supports the spine. Water is stored in the disc's cores within the spine to support spinal joints and the frame of the upper body.
7. Water regulates body temperature. Water is used in perspiration to cool you down and prevent you from becoming overheated. Proper hydration also helps to bring down high fevers.
8. Water helps to protect body organs and tissues.
9. Water flushes out toxins and other waste products, like uric and lactic acid. This lessens the burden on your kidney and liver and cleans out the whole system.
10. Histamine levels decrease with water and increase with dehydration. This is why some studies have shown that asthma-sufferers typically find relief when they drink more water.
11. Water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells by moving proteins, enzymes, hormones, oxygen and antibodies throughout the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Water helps dissolve minerals and other nutrients to make them more accessible to the body.
12. Water helps the body heal faster when sick and can help alleviate aches and pains, even those caused by arthritis. Even if you don’t drink it, it prevents the spread of disease when you use it with soap to wash hands!
13. Warm water opens pores and cold water closes them to help create a healthy facial glow and even skin tones.
14. It helps you lose weight and maintain weight loss. No, it’s not a magic bullet or a fairy's wand. The way it works is that when your belly is full of water, you are less likely to feel hungry. One study revealed that adults who drank two 8-ounce glasses of water before breakfast, lunch and dinner ended up eating 75 to 90 fewer calories during each meal.
15. Drinking water prevents constipation by providing the proper amount of fluids to the gastrointestinal tract. A healthy balance of fluids in our body aids in digestion, circulation, transfer and absorption of nutrients, regulation of body temperature, and the production of saliva.

How much is enough?

Experts don’t completely agree on how much water is enough, but there is a great rule of thumb to help you stay in the ball-park. The rule is this: “Drink 8 times 8.” This means, Drink an 8-ounce glass of water 8 times a day.

As clever and easy to remember as this formula is, studies have revealed that, perhaps, more than 8 glasses is actually needed for ultimate health. Some say to drink eleven 8-ounce glasses a day, though “11 times 8” isn't quite as catchy. Others recommend that a non-active person drink half an ounce of water for every pound of body weight per day, which amounts to roughly 9 glasses for most women and 13 glasses for most men.

An active person needs to drink more. The American College of Sports Medicine suggests drinking 17 fluid ounces two hours before exercise and at regular intervals throughout the workout.

During hot weather, you will need more water than on cold days. Higher altitudes create the need for more water than lower altitudes, and active people will need more water while exercising.

Though it does happen rarely, it is difficult to drink too much water, so given the benefits more is probably better.

The Tale Tell Signs You’re Not Drinking Enough Water

Simply put, when your water intake is less than the water leaving your body, you are on your way to becoming dehydrated. Some indicators of dehydration include joint pain, migraines, stomach aches, ulcers, back pain, lack of energy, confusion, or even water retention as the body tries to compensate for the lack of water in its system.

It is natural for your body to lose water throughout the day. Just breathing uses up water, as it lubricates the lungs. More water is lost through the skin and when you use the restroom to eliminate fluids and solid waste from the body.

Dehydration sounds drastic, but the truth is that even slight dehydration runs its toll on the body. University researchers have reported that even mild dehydration is linked to anger, depression, and even confusion. Other studies suggest that dehydration impairs brain functions. Chronic fatigue syndrome has even been linked to dehydration.

When you feel that dry mouth thirst, you are already on your way to dehydration. Make an effort to drink a glass of water at the first signs of thirst.

What about other beverages?

While some complain that water has no flavor, there is a notable difference between drinking pure water and consuming other beverages. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, pulling water away from your body. It also acts to stimulate which creates stress on the adrenal gland. The phosphorous in sodas robs the bones of calcium, and soda also has unhealthy amounts of sodium and sugar. Fruit juices have tons of sugar which sends the pancreas into overload.

Avoid drinks that pose as healthy, but really have artificial sweeteners, hidden sugars, phosphorous or an extreme amount of electrolytes.

Tips on drinking more water to stay healthy

1. Make a habit to drink a glass of water with every meal, and at least one glass in between meals. Determine the proper daily amount of water you need, and fill up jug of water in the morning to provide you with the water you need throughout the day. If the jug is empty at the end of the day, you succeeded in drinking enough.
2. Keep a bottle of water or a stainless steel or BPA-free plastic cup handy and filled at all times.
3. Use a filter on your faucets or fridge water dispenser or use a pitcher that has a built-in filter.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon for flavor. The lemon also serves as a natural water purifier.
5. Throw in just a touch of some of your other favorite fruits just to add a hint of flavor.
6. Keep a decanter filled with water in the fridge.
7. Eat fruits and vegetables that contain high amounts of water, like tomatoes and watermelon.

At first you will need to take frequent trips to the bathroom, but after a short while your body will adjust. Ultimately, the amazing health and beauty benefits of drinking more water are well worth the effort. Let me know how water is impacting your health. Leave a comment below.

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