In today’s fast-paced world, people power through their 8-hour workdays on a caffeine over load. We start our days with venti coffees, drink energy drinks on our lunch breaks, and end our workdays with a 32 oz. soda on our drive home. While we are consuming beverage after beverage, we still remain dehydrated because we forget to consume water. Our bodies need water to function properly. In fact, our bodies are approximately 60 percent water. At Maryville Imaging, we are encouraging everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to stay hydrated this year by drinking the proper amount of water.
Chances are that you have heard of the 8 – 8-ounce rule. Nutritionists typically recommend individuals to drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, which is about 2 liters. However, the amount of water a person needs to consume in a day ultimately depends on the individual—the amount of physical activity they perform, the amount that they perspire, health issues, etc. Your healthcare provider can assist you in determining exactly how much water you should drink regularly.
In order to make drinking enough water a daily priority, think of water as a nutrient that your body has to have rather than merely a drink. H20 offers a multitude of health benefits, including:
• Water strengthens your muscles, keeping them healthy. When exercising, water is a key component to keep your body going. It lubricates your joints, preventing your muscles from straining or cramping. Not to mention, water allows your muscles to work harder and longer. If you want to excel in the gym (and prevent injuries), drinking a sufficient amount of water is crucial.
• Staying hydrated improves the health of your skin. We all are constantly trying skin care product after skin care product, spending loads of money for youthful, flawless skin. However, the secret to glowing skin is quite simple, a sufficient intake of water. Who knew? Water hydrates our skin cells and “plumps” them, which makes your face look younger. It also moistures your skin and improves its elasticity, preventing wrinkles from forming. Also, if you have acne, drinking lots of water can help flush out the blemishes in your skin, leaving it clear and smooth.
• Drinking enough water helps you maintain regularity in your bowel movements, preventing constipation. Water helps waste pass smoothly through your digestive system. If you are not drinking enough water, your body will take water from your stools to keep hydrated, which makes it more difficult for you to pass waste.
• Your brain depends on water to function properly. Did you know that your brain is made of mostly water? Water intake improves your memory and ability to concentrate. It also prevents headaches from occurring, as well as reduces stress. Studies have found that staying hydrated can even help maintain your mood and keep your emotions intact.
Now that you know the endless benefits of water, it is time to drink up! If you do not like water, try adding fruit in it. Lemons, cucumbers, limes, strawberries, and mint –the options are endless to adding a little kick to your H20. At Maryville Imaging, we have found that the easiest way to stay on top of your water intake is to always have a filled glass next to you to drink throughout the day. Happy Hydrating!