With nearly 60% of the body being made of water, it is shocking that water takes the back seat to carbonated soda as the most popular beverage in the United States.
It’s a scary statistic not only because of the dangers of drinking sugary drinks on the body but also because the body requires ample amounts of water to help balance all of the body’s fluids, digest food, and transport nutrients from food to the rest of the body, and to regulate the body’s temperature.
So basically, water is your body’s superpower.
Here are some of the other benefits of keeping your body adequately hydrated:
Flushes Toxins Drinking enough water allows the body to release toxins through sweat and urination. Maintains Regularity Water is necessary for the digestion of food and to prevent constipation. Promotes Weight Loss Choosing water over a soda saves on calories since water has zero! It also works to remove the by-products of fat, reduces hunger, and reduces eating intake when you start each meal by drinking a full glass of water. Increases Energy Your brain is over 70% water! Drinking water helps you with focus, concentration, and energy. Improves Complexion Water is the number one anti-aging treatment there is. It moisturizes your skin and keeps it soft and smooth. If that isn’t enough, it also decreases wrinkles!
So how much water should you be drinking? The answer varies. Some suggest at least 8 (8 oz) glasses a day, and some suggest that the best way to determine how much is to take your body weight in half and drink half your weight in ounces. It’s a little different for everyone, but one way to increase your intake is to choose water over other beverage options.
Here are some ways to make sure you are adding more water to your daily routine:
Add Flavor Adding lemon, lime, mint, fresh berries, or cucumber slices to water is a good way to switch it up so that you can be sure to get the ounces in!
Bathroom Break Make a game of it, and have a glass of water whenever you take a bathroom break.
Drink Before You Eat Having a glass of water between every meal helps with hydration and can help to curb your appetite.
Use an App Use a water tracking app to keep track of how many glasses you drink.
Eat Water-Rich Foods Add water-packed foods to your diet, such as cucumber, celery, watermelon, and zucchini.
