"Eight glasses of water a day" has become a mantra for overall good health. But how do these 8 glasses benefit us? You might be surprised to know that...
You might be surprised to know that about 60% of your entire body is made up of water. This water is necessary for many functions of the body, some of which are mentioned below.
Balance in body fluids is very important for maintaining optimal body temperature and facilitating digestion, absorption, transport of nutrients and circulation.
Water energizes muscles because dehydrated muscle cells can shrivel causing muscle fatigue.
Good hydrated skin is elastic, healthy and youthful looking. A good moisturizer further helps lock this moisture into your skin by forming a physical barrier.
Good fluid intake helps your kidneys flush toxic waste from your body. When you drink less water, your brain signals the kidneys to retain more water and activates the thirst mechanism.
Water also helps with easy bowel movements and prevents constipation. Without enough water, the colon absorbs water from the stool, making it hard and difficult to pass.
In addition to all these benefits, getting enough water can also help maintain healthy bones. Like all cellular functions, bone cells and tissues require water for growth and maintenance. The role of water in bone health includes:
Building strong bones: The process of bone remodeling, where mature bone tissue is replaced by new bone tissue (ossification), requires adequate water intake.
Fight or flight response: When the body does not get enough water, it begins to secrete certain stress hormones in response to a crisis situation. The body's water reserves are directed from the bones and other organs to the tissues that need it the most - the brain. One of the consequences of this is accelerated bone loss.
Bone and joint cushioning: The smooth articular cartilage that lines the bones of the joints and spongy discs between the bones in the back help you bend and move around freely. But without sufficient water content, they shrink and don't pass well, allowing bones to rub painfully against each other – a major cause of back and joint pain.
It's important to know that not all fluids hydrate the body. Caffeine and alcohol act as a diuretic, meaning the body gives up triple the amount of precious water from its cells to accommodate the vitality and energy boost you feel every time you drink a glass of alcohol or any caffeinated beverage.
Now that we know how the simple act of hydrating your body can benefit all of your body's activities, it's just a matter of developing the habit of drinking plenty of water to maintain good overall health and strong bones.
