We don’t drink enough water.
Period.
Notice I’m lumping myself in with everyone else. I’ve never been a huge fan of water. I mean, my philosophy was why drink something so dull and boring when there’s so many other options? Stupid me.
Even if we’re drinking enough fluids, chances are, we’re still walking around dehydrated or teetering on dehydration. Did you know the famous “8 glasses a day” recommendation likely isn’t enough, either?
Every day I hear of people talking about headaches or fatigue or lack of energy — and then they down something caffeinated to “wake themselves up.” Nine times out of ten, they’re not drinking nearly enough water, which would take care of those problems in a heartbeat. I know some people who even practically brag about the fact they hate drinking water.
I’m still not drinking the gallon of water per day that I need to be downing, but I’m almost there, and I feel great. I haven’t had any problems with caffeine withdrawals, and I haven’t had to contend with a single temptation to drink a Dr Pepper, my former greatest vice. I’m thisclose to the point where I will crave water.
I invested in a Brita pitcher and I keep my 28-ounce sports bottle with me at all times.
Here are nine reasons you should be drinking more water:
- Weight loss. Water is one of the best tools for weight loss. First of all, it often replaces high-calorie drinks like soda and alcohol with a drink that doesn’t have any calories. But it’s also a great appetite suppressant, and often when we think we’re hungry, we’re actually just thirsty. Water has no fat, no calories, no carbs, no sugar. Drink plenty to help your weight-loss regimen.
- Heart healthy. Drinking a good amount of water could lower your risks of a heart attack. A six-year study published in the May 1, 2002 American Journal of Epidemiology found that those who drink more than 5 glasses of water a day were 41% less likely to die from a heart attack during the study period than those who drank less than two glasses.
- Energy. Being dehydrated can sap your energy and make you feel tired — even mild dehydration of as little as 1 or 2 percent of your body weight. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated — and this can lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, dizziness and other symptoms.
- Headache cure. Another symptom of dehydration is headaches. In fact, often when we have headaches it’s simply a matter of not drinking enough water. There are lots of other causes of headaches of course, but dehydration is a common one.
- Healthy skin. Drinking water can clear up your skin and people often report a healthy glow after drinking water. It won’t happen overnight, of course, but just a week of drinking a healthy amount of water can have good effects on your skin.
- Digestive problems. Our digestive systems need a good amount of water to digest food properly. Often water can help cure stomach acid problems, and water along with fiber can cure constipation (often a result of dehydration).
- Cleansing. Water is used by the body to help flush out toxins and waste products from the body.
- Cancer risk. Related to the digestive system item above, drinking a healthy amount of water has also been found to reduce the risk of colon cancer by 45%. Drinking lots of water can also reduce the risk of bladder cancer by 50% and potentially reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Better exercise. Being dehydrated can severely hamper your athletic activities, slowing you down and making it harder to lift weights. Exercise requires additional water, so be sure to hydrate before, during and after exercise.
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