From the stuff we drink to the stuff we swim in, to the stream that eases congestion and the ice that reduces swelling, water is all around us (and even in us). Water makes up about 2/3 of who we are, and influences 100 percent of the processes in our body. To learn exactly how water is helping us, as well as some creative ways to use it, check out these 34 reasons why you should go hydrate right now.
1. It could aid weight loss
Anyone looking to lose weight could be helped by upping their water intake. Studies have found that when participants drink water before a meal, they lose weight faster than those who did not drink water. Extra H20 helps us eat less by making us feel full, and it may also boost your metabolism.
2. It can improve mood
Drinking water makes us feel so refreshed that it actually improves our state of mind. You don't even have to be severely in need of it to benefit: Even mild hydration has been shown to negatively impact moods.
3. It keeps things moving, digestion wise
Water helps us, you know, go by dissolve fats and soluble fiber. Drinking enough water prevents constipation and also reduces the burden on the kidneys and liver by helping to flush waste products. When you don't drink enough water you increase your risk of constipation.
4. It energizes us
Next time your feeling zonked, try drinking a couple glasses of water. Feeling tired is one of the first signs of dehydration and filling back up on H20 could zap the sleepiness.
5. Soda water makes healthier cocktails
Fizzy water is a staple for healthier versions of favorite boozy beverages. Using seltzer water and fresh fruit instead of sugary mixers makes for a delicious, better-for-you drink (that can also help prevent dehydration).
6. It may help keep us alert
IF you're going to need to concentrate for long periods of time, keep water handy to help you stay refreshed, hydrated, and focused: Dehydration can impair your attention span, memory, and motor skills.
7. It powers our cold-weather workouts
Most of us think of those sweaty, summer workouts as the ones we should be guzzling water before, during, and after. But staying hydrated while exercising in the cold is crucial, too: One of the ways our bodies lose water is through respiration, and when we exercise in the cold, we're working harder under the extra layers of clothing and breathing more heavy as a result.
8. It takes the edge off of hangovers
Drinking alcohol causes dehydration, which can lead to hangovers. Having a glass of water with each alcoholic drink you sip is one way to offset the dehydration (and day-after misery).
9. It helps us think more clearly
Dehydration causes shrinkage of brain tissue. So when we haven't been drinking enough water, our brains have to work a lot harder to perform at the same level. One study even found that students who brought water to tests did better on their exams.
10. It cleans non-toxically
Whether you need to clean your home, clothes, dishes, laundry, or yourself, water is the basic ingredient in many all-natural cleaning products. These products have all the cleansing punch with none of the toxicity, which is better for homes, health, and the environment.
11. Gargling keeps you healthier
A study that followed 400 participants during cold and flu season found that those who gargled water regularly were significantly less likely to contact upper respiratory infections and that when they did, their symptoms weren't as severe.
12. Eating it hydrates us-deliciously
Water rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, apples, and spinach contain natural minerals, salts, and sugars the body needs for optimum hydration levels, so eating them can sometimes rehydrate us more effectively (and a lot more tastily) than water alone.
13. It has been linked to heart health
Can drinking water keep us healthy? There seems to be a link between risk of death from coronary heart disease and water intake: Research has shown both that consuming more water means a lower risk of death from coronary heart disease and that the risk of death rises when intake of "high-energy fluids" (like soda and juice) increases.
14. A warm footbath before bed could help you sleep
One small study found that adults with sleeping problems experienced better sleep and less wakefulness on nights they received a warm water foot bath before going to bed.
15. It may help relieve congestion
Stuffy nose got you down? Inhaling steam from a humidifier or pot of boiling water can help clear congestion.
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