Importance Of Hydration: How Water Affects Your Body Health? 10 key reasons

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, hydration is the key. Hydration is not about only drinking water, but it’s about maintaining the correct balance of fluids in your body for its proper function. Hydration is essential whether you are running, studying, or simply getting through the day, being hydrated is vital for a healthy body. 

But have you ever wondered why hydration is so important? To clear this doubt, here we have this article where we will discuss all factors and importance of hydration. So without wasting a moment, let’s jump into the article.

The Role Of Water In Our Body

Our body is made up of 50-75% water, and 60% of body weight is of water in our body. From transporting nutrients to regulating the temperature, water is involved in every function. Where other nutrients are stored in your body, the water needs to be replenished regularly. Drinking water is essential for maintaining good health.

Functions of Water

Water plays several crucial functions in our body, here are some functions:

• Temperature Regulation: Water can help you with temperature regulation in the body. Through the process of respiration and sweating, your body vanishes the extra heat to stay cool. 
• Oxygen And Nutrient Transportation: An amazing fact is that the blood is made up of 90% water. And it is responsible for the transportation of nutrients and oxygen in our body.
• Waste Removal: Through urination, sweating, and bowel movements, water helps to remove waste products from your body.
• Joint Lubrication: For smooth movement of the body, it’s crucial that your joints are working efficiently. To ensure it, water helps to form the part of Synovial Fluid which lubricates and cushions your joints for proper functioning.
• Shock Absorption: Water also helps to protect your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues from any type of physical damage.

Signs Of Dehydration

So we have understood the role and functions of water in our body, now the next question arises is how to know if you are suffering from dehydration? Well, here we have marked some signs of dehydration:

Early Signs Of Dehydration

When you lose more water than you take, then dehydration happens. Your body will not take much time and will show the early signs of dehydration instantly through:

• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Dry Mouth
• Dark Yellow Urine
• Lightheadedness

If you see these early signs then hydrate your body immediately before the condition become worse.

Severe Symptoms

If the symptoms grows continuously, then you may see these severe symptoms of dehydration:

• Rapid Heartbeat
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Irritability
• Sunken Eyes
• Infrequent Urination

If you are noticing such symptoms then it means the condition has become worse and you need to take medical help immediately. It is important to stay hydrated especially during hot climates and physical exertion.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

Drinking almost 8-ounce of water everyday is said to be a good water intake for everyone. According to the Institute Of Medicine, a man should drink about 3.7 liters of water which is approximately 13 cups everyday. Whereas, a woman should drink 2.7 liters of water everyday which is about 9 cups of water. 

Factors that influence the requirement of water intake

There are many factors that should be understood that influence the need of water, here are as follows:

• Activity Level: The person who is physically more active will need more water as compared to a person who is physically less active. The water will replace the fluids lost during sweating. 
• Climate: The hot and humid climate increases the loss of fluid in the body. In this type of environment, a person should drink more water.
• Health Conditions: Illnesses like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever will increase the water loss in the body.
• Diet: If you eat heavy salted or protein-rich food, then the water intake will be increased for processing these nutrients.

These are only some general guidelines about water requirements of the body, it’s always crucial to listen to your body and be mindful about your thirst.

Hydration And Physical Performance

Water is crucial to maintain peak physique, and active individuals and athletes should always be mindful about their hydration levels. Whereas, dehydration may lead to decline in endurance, strength, and coordination of the body muscles.

Your body can’t regulate its temperature when it is dehydrated. It can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, and even heat stroke. So it’s quite important to remain hydrated. When you put water in your body, the chances of injury reduces while performing at its best.

Hydration And Mental Health

Yes, hydration plays an important role in regulating your mental health. Your body is very sensitive to even mild dehydration. Only 1-2% drop in your body water levels may impair cognitive function of your brain. It may lead to serious problems like short-term memory, alertness, and difficulty in maintaining focus and concentration.

Researchers have proven that dehydration impacts your mood negatively and increases the feelings of irritability, depression, and anxiety. So it’s crucial to keep your body always hydrated for a positive mood.

When you keep your body hydrated, it will help to stay focused in a positive frame of the mind. It will also improve the mood and mental clarity, and reduce negative feelings.

Hydration For Skin Health

Hydration is also essential for boosting your skin health. Water helps to maintain your skin elasticity, resilience, and suppleness. Drinking water automatically gives glow to your face and skin. When you keep yourself hydrated, your skin will look plumper while decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Drinking water can keep your skin balanced but it will not alone be capable of curing skin problems like dryness and acne. But still, it will promote the natural glow of your skin while reducing the dullness and puffiness. 

Hydration And Weight Management

When practicing weight management, hydration becomes crucial. Water is a natural appetite suppressant. You can practice it by drinking water before meals because it will help you to feel full and reduce your calorie intake. This effortless practice can help you in creating a huge difference in the efforts of your weight management.

Water promotes the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients. Water is a crucial ingredient to maintain your metabolism. It helps your body to convert calories into energy efficiently. Dehydration slows down these processes of your body which makes it difficult to manage weight and burn fat.

Also read:Foods To Avoid For Better Health and improved well-being

Conclusion

So finally you are here and you’ve understood the benefits of hydration. Keeping your body hydrated is the simplest yet most powerful way of maintaining your overall health. From brain performance to skin health, water plays a crucial role. You can reduce the problems caused by dehydration by understanding the symptoms of it. 

Understand your personal hydration needs to ensure your body works at its finest. No matter if you are an athlete or a professional worker, staying hydrated is the key to feeling your best throughout the day. 

Be mindful about your drinking habits, eat hydrating foods, and try to avoid any type of diuretic beverages to keep your body working better and more alive than ever. I hope this article has added some value in your life and you will keep your body hydrated.