Drinking water is something most people take for granted while not fully realising the impact of its health benefits. Water doesn’t just help us hydrate; it has several benefits, one of which is weight loss. However, there’s one question that many people still ask themselves: how many glasses of water should be drunk in a day? Different studies have given various recommendations, and the short answer is: it really depends.
To find out what is the recommended number for you, a better understanding of water is needed.
All About Water
The entirety of any human’s body weight is made up of about 60% water. Not only that, but every single part of the body – organ, tissue, and cell – needs water to function optimally. This is because it regulates temperature, cushions joints and sensitive tissues, and transports everything around our bodies; it is an indispensable component for living creatures.
What are the benefits of staying hydrated?
Given that our body is highly dependent on water, drinking enough of it will be beneficial for us. Here are some of the benefits of staying hydrated:
1. It reduces sugar cravings and helps you maintain weight
Many people may have experienced a sudden craving for food, not even a couple of hours after eating a huge meal. This is often mistaken as a sugar craving when, in fact, it’s the brain not being able to decipher between thirst and hunger. The next time you crave something sweet an hour or two after lunch, try drinking some water first. If you’re no longer hungry after having a drink, it means you were merely dehydrated. Drinking water can also maintain weight by helping people eat less during mealtimes. Having a glass or two before and after meals can curb hunger, and swapping out sugary drinks for water also leads to greater weight loss.
2. It prevents kidney stones and bladder infections
Constantly staying dehydrated can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, bladder infections, and urinary tract infections for some people. This is why drinking enough fluids may help to prevent such conditions from happening.
3. It enhances exercise performance
Did you know that dehydration can cause different parts of the body to perform suboptimally? This is especially true when it comes to sports and exercise. Since the body is working during exercise, the need for hydration increases to keep up with the demand. Athletes or even average people doing their daily workout routines will perform better and have less of a risk for injuries and cramps if they continually stay hydrated during exercise.
4. It improves mood and reduces headaches
Mild cases of dehydration can still be felt immediately. Studies have shown that this can impair mood and memory for people of all ages. Staying hydrated can also reduce headaches and migraines.
How much water does your body really need?
While the amount varies, the majority of healthy people meet their minimum daily water intake based on feelings of thirst. On average, men consume about 3.7 litres of water while women drink about 2.7 litres; that’s about 15.5 cups and 11.5 cups, respectively. These also take into account fluids found in food and beverages besides water.
As mentioned, there is no definitive amount of liquid that you need to be drinking as it depends greatly on your daily activities, overall health, the surrounding climate, and whether or not you’re pregnant. Yet, one matter is clear: staying hydrated is a must!
Conclusion
At this point, you now know that staying hydrated can reap many health benefits as it keeps you functioning, happy, and able to go about your daily lives. It’s one crucial part of your day that you might be taking for granted, but this in no way diminishes its importance. In other words, the best way to maintain your health is through a simple act of drinking a glass of water regularly.
Drinking and using the best water means having the cleanest liquid available. Here at Ecobud, our designs and innovations aim to foster a genuine connection between one’s lifestyle and cleaner living. We have various products, such as eco-friendly water filter jugs and reusable cups with straws. If you want to continue improving your lifestyle without the negative impact on our green future, view our website today for more information!