For Quick Alerts
ALLOW NOTIFICATIONS  
For Daily Alerts

Health Benefits Of Drinking Adequate Water

By Madhu Babu

The world is abundantly covered in water amounting to 75% of the planet. Though, just about 2.5% of it is fresh water which can be used by humans. More than half our body, 60% of it, is composed of water. This explains the importance of keeping ourselves hydrated at all times. Every system in our body depends on water to function smoothly. In other terms, water is like a natural lubricant that helps the organs in our body function smoothly.

Water helps our body flush out toxins and other wastes generated by our bodies through various outlets like perspiration, urination etc. Water helps in carrying nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. Lack of water can lead to dehydration, wherein your body loses more fluid than you drink. Even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired.

Question most people ask is "How much water should I drink daily". It depends on each person based on climate, region, lifestyle etc. If you are staying in regions with warm climate like tropical regions, your intake would be substantially higher than say a person living in London. This is because of perspiration that occur due to hot weather requiring you to replenish your body with lots of water. A person involved in lots of physical work or sports persons too require lots of fluids no matter where they reside.

Here are some of the health benefits of water.

Balance body fluids

Balance body fluids

As your body is composed of 60% water, it is important to maintain adequate hydration levels to help in functions like digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.

Control Calories

Control Calories

Water is an under-rated weight loss fluid. It is used by many dieters over the years to aid weight loss. It helps indirectly by suppressing hunger and aiding digestion by adding zero calorie count.

Hangover reliever

Hangover reliever

Hangover from alcohol is a major problem many of you face regularly. It happens due to excess dehydration from alcohol. You need to replenish your body with lots of water to beat Hangover.

Energy

Energy

Though water is plain in nutritional values, lack of it makes you feel lethargic and weak. You can beat fatigue and sleepiness with water. Having cold water makes rejuvenates your body and burn extra calorie maintain body heat.

Good looking skin

Good looking skin

Your skin regulates water by perspiration and absorbs lot of water by acting as a protective layer. Inadequate water consumption results in dry and wrinkled skin.

Healthy Kidneys

Healthy Kidneys

Body fluids transport waste products in and out of cells. The main toxin in the body is blood urea nitrogen, a water-soluble waste that is able to pass through the kidneys to be excreted in the urine.

Normal Bowel function

Normal Bowel function

Your gastrointestinal tract requires lot of hydration to keep things flowing smoothly and prevent constipation. Water pumps up the fibre and acts like a broom to keep your bowel functioning properly.

Flush out toxins

Flush out toxins

Your body requires adequate water supply to help flush out toxins. Most of the toxins produced or accumulated in your body is carried through cells by water fluids and flushed out.

Muscles

Muscles

Your muscles produce lots of traction when they are in motion. They require lots of hydration to function smoothly. Water acts like oil to engine and helps prevent cramps and sprains.

Good for Your Joints

Good for Your Joints

One of the lesser known benefits of drinking water is that it helps keep your joints strong, healthy and lubricated. Your joints need moisture in order to remain strong and flexible for long life.

Story first published: Friday, November 15, 2013, 22:46 [IST]
Read more about: wellness