It’s widely accepted that keeping yourself hydrated by drinking water regularly has numerous health benefits. The adult human body is approximately 60% water, so it makes sense that keeping hydrated is essential for the brain and other organs to function optimally. Among its many functions, water helps our organs to absorb nutrients, transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body and also helps to regulate body temperature. Dehydration can result in migraines, lethargy, constipation, dizziness and even death in extreme cases. So clearly, drinking water regularly is paramount for both physical and psychological well being.

About eight glasses a day is the amount generally recommended for a healthy intake of water, but if you feel you need more then by all means listen to your body! For those who are primarily used to drinking more flavoursome liquids, water doesn’t have to be seen as “boring”. There are plenty of ways of making the taste of water more interesting, such as adding a squirt of lemon or lime, or perhaps even a slice of orange. As well as being the healthier option, water is also a lot cheaper to purchase than many of its alternatives, particularly if you choose to use a drinking water filter on your kitchen’s tap.

So, without further ado, here are some of the most important health benefits that come with drinking water regularly.

1. Weight loss

Water has zero calories! This is particularly pertinent when you compare it to the high calorie alternatives such as alcohol or fizzy drinks. Water is also a natural appetite suppressant, quenching your body’s urges for satiation without overeating. If your body is receiving an adequate intake of water, this will stop fluid retention and give you a much more healthy appearance with taut skin and sculpted features.

2. Improved alertness

Water is responsible for transporting oxygen to important areas of the body, including the brain. The human brain needs oxygen in order to function properly, so expect levels of concentration, alertness and general mental sharpness to be improved when the body is fully hydrated.

3. Reduced headaches and migraines

Dehydration is one of the main causes of headaches and migraines. Given that the human brain is approximately 90% water, making sure that you keep your daily water intake high is essential if you want to avoid reaching for the painkillers.

4. Fresh and rejuvenated skin

Drinking an adequate amount of water every day not only helps to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging, it also acts as a natural moisturiser for the skin and helps to replenish skin tissues. Good levels of hydration will also improve your skins elasticity, giving you a much more youthful and refreshed appearance.

5. Psychological equilibrium

You’ve probably heard the motto “healthy body, healthy mind”. Staying hydrated improves the functioning of your body which in turn improves your physical health and thus gives you better levels of mental well being and a more enjoyable life. Think of all the exciting things you can do when you’re not feeling lethargic and malaised due to inadequate levels of hydration.

6. Increased productivity when exercising

Staying fully hydrated works wonders for improving your energy levels, therefore your workouts will be that much more effective. Because water carries oxygen to the muscles, your muscles will be able to work harder and for longer, which will improve your physical strength and health in the long run. Being fully hydrated during a workout also reduces the risk of muscle sprains and cramps.

7. Detoxification

Water is essential for expelling waste products and toxins from the body. Staying hydrated ensures that your body’s ability to sweat and urinate is not impaired, keeping you cleansed and toxin free!

Of course, if you take account of the costs and benefits of installing a filter for the supply of purified water at home, you’ll be saving money too.

(Photo by nkz)