6 Health Benefits of Water that Promote Healthy Living

We’ve all heard that we should drink 8-glasses of water per day, or more accurately, 1/2 your body weight in ounces. Yet, how many of us actually take heed. Perhaps we are too busy to pay attention or just don’t think it important enough. Ever sat down and wondered why our bodies are made up of approximately 75% water? Perhaps you haven’t thought about the fact that the total surface of the earth is also made up of about 75% water. My point here is that almost every activity of life is sustained by water! In this article, I look at the health benefits of water and its’ importance for survival in every sphere of existence on earth. While I must look at basic biology to peel back and discuss the benefits of water, I will keep it simple. I hope you find this helpful.

Nature was created in such a way that the things that are needed for survival and healthy living were made in abundance. Water is no exception. The term “water is life” is not an exaggeration. Water is actually an important law of nature that sustains life. From its role in the climatic regulation and detection of seasons, down to the cellular components of your body, water plays a vital role in the optimal functioning of living beings and consequently, healthy living.

Besides the fact that it was given to us since the beginning of earth’s history as a natural resource, water makes it to the 8 Natural Laws for Healthy Living list for many reasons; most of which have their basis in the fact that it is regarded as a universal solvent. This unique quality of water, meaning it’s capable of dissolving a wide variety of substances; it actually dissolves more substances than any other solvent. Keep this in mind as we discuss these 6 Health Benefits of Water.

6 Health Benefits of Water

Mental Clarity

The human brain is approximately 75% water and is suspended in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is made up of 99% water. This large water content acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord, protecting them from physical damage. Even more importantly, water in the brain ensures adequate production of hormones and neurotransmitters by the brain. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, endorphins, melatonin and dopamine are important in regulating body functions and behaviors. They regulate moods, sleep, eating behaviors and are also essential in focus and memory. Can you see how vital water is to our mental health?

Now, let’s pull this together! A low level of water in the body generally affects the water volume in the brain and this affects the level of production of these hormones and neurotransmitters. Low levels of these transmitters prevent the individual from working at their full capacity. For instance, a low level of serotonin has been associated with a variety of all mental health issues such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and sometimes, suicidal thoughts.

To keep your brain working at its optimum, it is essential to always stay hydrated throughout the day.

Metabolism

The cells in the human body are bathed in fluid, which comprises mostly of water. Water serves as the fluid in which most nutrients and enzymes dissolve in. It, therefore, serves as the medium of metabolic activities. Have you noticed you tend to feel very weak and tired when you haven’t drank water for a long time? That’s because water is needed for sufficient metabolic activities. A dehydrated person would normally feel lethargic because not enough metabolic activities are going on to release sufficient energy. Water sustains life in the body by being a constant medium for energy production.

Detoxification

Water serves as the medium in which our metabolic body waste and toxins are dissolved in and are carried to their site of excretion. Water moves waste products to the kidneys. where they are excreted as urine. Excess salts are also transported and excreted as sweat from the skin. When a person is dehydrated, there is an overload of toxins in the body. This can be quite harmful and in extreme cases could lead to death. Water acts as a natural internal cleansing agent of the body. Therefore, we are encouraged to take a lot of water to keep healthy. It also detoxifies our body externally, removing perspiration and potential foul smell (body odor) that is released from the internal detoxification process.

Transportation

Substances dissolved in water and water-based mediums like blood are easily transported around the body when a person is properly hydrated. Water aids in the transportation of hormones, antibodies, and gases through the blood vessels and lymphatic system. Hormones are chemical messengers released in the body. These hormones play the role of coordinating complex processes in the body like growth and metabolism. Antibodies help fight against invading substances and microorganisms in the body; they are major defense system of the body. These substances dissolved and transported in water are necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

Homeostasis

Have you worked out for a long time without drinking water? You will notice your skin would be cool after you sweat but if you still don’t drink water after a while, you begin to burn up. This is because water aids in homeostasis through the regulation of the body temperature. Homeostasis is the state of steady internal conditions maintained by living organisms. These conditions include temperature, pH, fluid balance amongst others. Water helps to maintain this balance by regulating the intracellular and extracellular electrolyte balance. When next you’re hitting the gym or jogging around the park, don’t forget to grab a water bottle.

Digestion

Taking water frequently, whether before, after or in between meals aids in the digestive process. Water as a solvent softens and breaks down food into smaller particles making it easier to absorb into the body system. It prevents constipation, which happens as a result of dehydration of stool in the colon of the Gastrointestinal tract (GIT). When you make a healthy habit of eating nutritious meals with sufficient fiber and accompanied by lots of water, the digestive process is made much easier. If you are constipated, you might want to substitute your juice or soda intake for at least two liters or 8 glasses of water each day.

Note: For proper digestion, avoid drinking water for half an hour before meals and one to two hours after meals to prevent the dilution of your gastric juices which are designed to break down and digest your food.

Final Thoughts

We’ve briefly discussed the areas surrounding the 6 Benefits of Water that Promote Healthy Living. I hope this provided some context and will encourage you to get on a water drinking regiment to keep your cells hydrated; your body detoxified; transport hormones, antibodies, and gases through the blood vessels and lymphatic system; maintain your body temperature; and aid with digestion and mental clarity. I believe many illnesses can be prevented by simply drinking sufficient amounts of water regularly. So grab those glasses of water!

There are much more benefits that can be added to this list but that’s all for now.

References:

https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects

https://www.hormone.org/support-and-resources/resource-library/brainy-hormones

https://psychpedia.blogspot.com/2014/12/neurotransmitters-and-their-functions.html?m=1