Who knows if they drink enough water every day?

A lot of times, we are not – even though it feels like we drink plenty! They say you should drink half of your body weight in ounces every day. Even more if you are active! So why do we need so much water? And what happens to our bodies when we don’t get enough water?

Did you know? Our bodies are made up of about 75% water! Throughout each day we lose water through breathing, sweating and digestion so we need to replenish the water we lose. Here’s why!

• Water Increases Energy & Relieves Fatigue: Your brain is made up of about 90% water and drinking it helps you think, focus, concentrate better and be more alert. And bonus points! Your energy levels will be boosted! Dehydration is actually one of the top causes of severe fatigue. If your feeling tired all day long and don’t seem to have the energy to exercise or do much of anything, think about how much water you are drinking!
• Water Promotes Weight Loss: It removes by-products of fat, raises your metabolism and has zero calories! Consuming low levels of water actually slows protein synthesis—the muscle building function in your body. So, if you want to burn fat and add muscle, you need to be fully hydrated! Also, staying hydrated ensures that you don’t confuse thirst for hunger which can cause you to overeat and gain more weight.
• Water Flushes Out Toxins: Your kidneys actually act as filters – keeps the “good stuff” and flushes out the “bad stuff”. Your body gets rid of waste through sweat and urination which reduces the risk of kidney stones, UTI’s (urinary tract infections) and even high blood pressure.
• Water Improves Skin Complexion: Without adequate water intake, your skin appears duller, and causes wrinkles and pores to be more prominent. This may be because water plumps up the skin, causing wrinkles and pores to, more or less, get “filled in”. When skin is hydrated, plump, and elastic, it’s less likely to crack and let in external particles that can cause irritations and blemishes. What a great natural anti-aging treatment!
• Water Maintains Regularity: It aids in digestion as water is essential to digest your food and prevent constipation. If you’re dehydrated, your body won’t be able to break down foods as effectively as it normally does.
• Water Boosts the Immune System: Like I said above, water flushes out toxins in the body to help fight of illness. It does this through the lymphatic system, which is made up of mostly water. It also carries immune cells throughout the body to help defend against infections. If you aren’t getting enough water, toxins will accumulate and immune cells won’t be delivered to the areas of the body where they’re needed, causing illness.
• Water is a Natural Pain and Headache Remedy: It helps relieve and prevent headaches, back pain and generalized pain, which are commonly caused by dehydration and inflammation. Water will flush out the toxins causing inflammation.
• Water Helps Blood Circulation: Water is a necessary ingredient for proper blood flow in the body. Drinking more water raises oxygen levels in your bloodstream, leading to better circulation and improved overall health. Good blood flow can help increase your energy levels and it flushes out the “bad” fats decreasing cholesterol levels.
• Water Prevents Cramps & Sprains: Proper hydration helps keep joints lubricated and muscles more elastic so joint pain and muscle spasms are less likely. And since I am chiropractor, I have to mention that water is also great for keeping your intervertebral discs (discs in your spine) hydrated (since your discs are made up of about 80% water) preventing degeneration!

Take a look at the chart below to see how dehydration affects your body.

Now you have plenty of reasons to start drinking plenty of water! Your body will thank you!

Dr. Jess

Dr. Jessica Stensland is a busy family wellness Chiropractor in Urbandale, Iowa. She spends her weeks taking care of dozens of families.  Not only does Dr. Jessica specialize in pediatric and pregnancy chiropractic care, but she’s a board certified Acupuncturist.  Dr. Jessica believes that a healthier community means taking care of all ages.   She is a Minnesota native and enjoys seeing family and friends in her free time, in addition to staying active and reading the many books she has on her kindle.