Updated: Feb 18, 2019
Water keeps us healthy, satisfied, and looking our best. Most Americans have easy access to clean water and yet we don't drink enough of it. There are still too many of us who choose sugary sodas or caffeinated drinks over water.
Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids. Your body is composed of about 60% water. The functions of these bodily fluids include digestion, absorption, circulation, creation of saliva, transportation of nutrients, and maintenance of body temperature.
Water Helps Energize MusclesCells that don't maintain their balance of fluids and electrolytes shrivel, which can result in muscle fatigue.
Drinking enough fluids is important when exercising. Follow the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for fluid intake before and during physical activity. These guidelines recommend that people drink about 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. During exercise, they recommend that people start drinking fluids early, and drink them at regular intervals to replace fluids lost by sweating.
Water Helps Keep Skin Looking GoodYour skin contains plenty of water, and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss.
Dehydration makes your skin look drier and wrinkled, which can be improved with proper hydration. But don't expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines, once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.
Are You Having A Hard Time Adding Water To Your Daily Routine?
Tip: Try keeping a reusable water bottle with you during the day and by your bed at night.
Tip: Add a splash of 100% fruit juice to plain sparkling water to make a low-calorie drink.
Tip: Drink water with your meals. Most people have a tendency to mistake thirst for hunger. Keeping yourself well hydrated can help you keep your portion sizes in check and help you realize when you're full, so that you don't overeat.