Water is essential for our health and well-being, yet many of us don't get enough on a daily basis. As humans, our bodies are over 60% water and we lose fluids every day through basic functions like breathing, sweating, and digestion.
While we may not always feel thirsty, our bodies continually need fluids to perform at an optimal level.
Staying properly hydrated has significant benefits across every system in our bodies. From maintaining regularity to improving our brain power, water truly is life's elixir. However, not all sources of water are created equal when it comes to purity, minerals, and taste.
In this blog post, we are going to discuss the importance of both staying hydrated and drinking high quality water.
Also, read our blog post about Importance of Hydration for Kidney Health
Importance of Staying Hydrated
Our health and well-being depends so much on staying properly hydrated. Water plays such a key role in our bodies.
1. Maintaining Bodily Functions
Our bodies rely on water every single day to perform crucial tasks like digesting our food and absorbing vitamins and nutrients. Drinking enough water also helps flush out waste from our system.
When we don't get enough fluids, things can slow down and we may experience issues like headaches or constipation. Making sure to drink around eight glasses everyday is important to keep things flowing smoothly inside of us.
2. Regulating Body Temperature
Water plays a big role in helping us maintain a comfortable body temperature. Whether it's hot outside or we're working up a sweat at the gym, fluids help cool us down through sweating. They also help our body get rid of extra heat through breathing.
When we lose water through normal daily activities, it's crucial that we replenish it. Staying hydrated ensures our internal thermostat stays balanced so we don't overheat.
3. Supporting Physical Performance
Our muscles need water to contract and move around. Even being just a little dehydrated can zap our strength and endurance quickly during activity. Athletes have realized staying hydrated improves how their body performs and feels.
Drinking water before, during, and after workouts gives us energy and helps prevent cramps or pulls. Proper hydration optimizes how our bodies can move and exercise. Whether you're training for a marathon or running around with the kids, water helps you go the distance while feeling your best.
4. Enhancing Cognitive Function
Our brain is made up of around 73% water, so it's no surprise that dehydration can negatively impact how well we think. When we're even a little bit thirsty, it can be harder to focus, we may not remember things as easily, and our mood might not be as cheerful.
Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps our brain work at its full potential. Kids who stay hydrated often do better in school than their less hydrated peers. Keeping ourselves properly watered supports sharp memory, clear thinking, and feeling mentally alert.
5. Promoting Healthy Skin
Water plays an important role in keeping our skin looking good. It helps carry nutrients to skin cells while flushing out waste. Drinking plenty of water leaves our largest organ feeling supple and refreshed. Without enough moisture, skin can look dry and dull or even break out more easily.
Keeping hydrated from the inside out shields skin from premature signs of aging like wrinkles and gives us a natural glow. As we get older, water becomes even more vital to maintain plump, youthful-looking skin. Making water our drink of choice is a simple step for radiant skin.
Importance of High-Quality Water
1. Safety and Health
Not all water sources are equal. Contaminated water can make us sick by exposing us to dangerous pathogens and bacteria.
High quality water sources like filtered tap water or spring water ensure we drink pure, safe water free from such risks. This protects our overall health and prevents waterborne illnesses. Access to safe, clean water is a basic human need and right.
2. Nutrient Content
While all water hydrates us, the source can provide extra benefits beyond water. Spring waters often contain beneficial minerals because of unique geological factors where they form. Options like filtered tap water may also retain minerals from the original source.
Opting for these types of quality waters gives our body an added boost of nutrients like calcium, potassium and magnesium.
We shouldn't underestimate how important it is to choose a water with extra nutritional value. Small amounts of these vitamins and minerals can offer big perks for our well-being over the long-haul.
3. Taste and Preference
Beyond health, the water we drink should also satisfy our taste buds. Hard water that comes from certain sources may leave behind mineral deposits, altering the texture and flavor. Filtered or bottled waters ensure a clean, crisp taste. Enjoying what we drink makes staying hydrated much more enjoyable.
If plain old tap water isn't so pleasing to our palates, there are tastier options that still provide quality. Choosing something delicious means we look forward to gulping down our daily glasses. Improving the experience can encourage building lifelong hydration habits we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water should I drink daily to stay properly hydrated?
Most experts recommend drinking around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day to stay properly hydrated. This equals about 2 liters or 67 ounces total for an average person.
However, your exact needs may vary depending on your activity level, diet, and other individual factors. Good rule of thumb is to let thirst be your guide.
What are the benefits of drinking high-quality water?
A high quality water is usually free from common contaminants and impurities. So consuming such water will ultimately contribute to improved health and well-being.
Conclusion:
Drinking enough high-quality water each day is one of the best things we can do for our health and well-being. From our brain to our skin, water helps our body look and feel its best.
While staying hydrated may sometimes be an afterthought, it should be at the top of our daily to-do list. Choosing a water that not only satisfies our daily needs but also tastes great makes developing a regular habit effortless. Your body will thank you!