Everyone knows that drinking plenty of water is good for you, and that on average we should aim to drink around 2 litres of water a day. But what exactly are the health benefits of drinking so much water, and why?

Clearer skin

Drinking water helps the body flush out toxins in the system that cause the skin to inflame. Not drinking enough water can be a cause for pimples and acne, so making sure you get your daily intake of water will help to give you clearer skin. As the largest organ in the human body, it’s important to take care of the skin as it’s the first line of defense that our bodies have against the elements.

Aid digestion

Contrary to the popular belief that drinking water while eating will dilute your digestive juices (therefore making it harder for the body to properly break food down), it has actually been proven that drinking water with a meal aids digestion. This is because water actually helps the body to break the food down and absorb it more efficiently into the bloodstream. Additionally, keeping yourself well hydrated will prevent constipation, making the whole process of digestion from start to finish easier on the body.

Improve kidney function

It is the job of the kidneys to filter the blood for toxins, and maintain the correct balance of water and other substances such as potassium, salt and acid in the body. Drinking enough water will improve kidney function because it gives the body enough fluid to dissolve nutrients in as well as expel excess proteins and bacteria from the kidneys and bladder. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the simplest treatments for urinary track infections.

Fight fatigue

One of the main symptoms of not drinking enough water is tiredness. Keeping yourself hydrated will help to combat fatigue as even a slight drop in the body’s water levels can be harmful and impair cognitive function. So next time you’re feeling lethargic and can’t think straight, drink a glass of water!

Weight loss

Don’t be fooled into thinking that water has some special properties that will cause your body to burn fat, however, drinking enough water can aid your efforts in losing weight. More specifically, staying hydrated can prevent unnecessary overeating, as the body will have the right balance of water, meaning you won’t feel tempted to try and correct it with food. Substituting water for sugary soft drinks containing a lot of calories, for example, will not only help you to lose weight, but also save you money and keep your teeth in good condition.

Water is vital to life, but it’s easy to forget to drink enough. Make sure you stay hydrated and experience these and many more health benefits.

[Photo by siala]