10 Benefits of Staying Hydrated
Water is the most important nutrient for your body. It is needed for every biological function. Here are the top 10 benefits of drinking six to eight glasses of water a day.
Balance electrolytes.
Hydration prevents muscle fatigue, maintains muscle movement and transmits nerve impulses.
Convert food and fuel to energy.
Dehydration slows your metabolism, energy and fat burning functions.
Digest foods.
Water creates saliva. The enzymes in saliva break down food and liquid to dissolve minerals and nutrients and make them more accessible to the body.
Keep joints and cartilage lubricated and soft.
Hydration can reduce joint pain and maintain normal movement.
Keep tissues moistened.
Dehydration makes skin look dry and wrinkled, and makes it a less protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.
Maintain a healthy blood level.
Dehydration can make your blood too thick, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Maintain constant body temperature.
When the body senses an increase in core temperature, it sweats to cool the body.
Remove waste.
Hydration helps the liver and kidneys remove waste through body fluids.
Take away sense of hunger.
Drinking one or two cups of water before meals can fill the stomach and help you eat less at meals.
Transport oxygen-rich blood and nutrients.
Dehydration makes it harder to carry oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
This information has been approved by Amy V. Lukowski, PsyD (May 2017).