The Important Benefits of Drinking Enough Water!

With the availability of beverages like coffee, tea, soda, and juice, it’s easy to miss out on one of the most important liquids that should fill our cup—water.

So how much water should a person drink to stay healthy? One study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that properly hydrated women consume about 2.7 liters (91 fluid ounces) of total water a day. That being said, factors like physical activity, hot or humid weather, high altitude, or having an illness can play a part in how much fluid a person should take in.

Drinking enough water has important health benefits. Here are just a few:

• Weight Control – Not only does switching out a high-sugar, caloric beverage for water help reduce excess energy consumption, but it may also aid in determining whether or not the body is signaling for food or hydration. One study found that obese individuals who drank more water had increased energy expenditure and weight change when blood carbohydrate and insulin concentrations were not elevated.
• Protects Against Cardiovascular Disease – A recent study found a connection between dehydration and negative endothelial function with impaired cardiovascular health in humans. The study out of the European Journal of Nutrition claims that, “Mild dehydration can impair vascular function nearly as much as smoking a cigarette.”
• Stabilizes the Brain – Research into adolescent dehydration discovered that inadequate consumption of water can cause headaches, irritability, poorer physical performance, and reduced cognitive function. It is unlikely that these ailments are restricted to the adolescent age demographic.
• The Harvard School of Public Health claims “Drinking enough water is essential for physiological processes such as circulation, metabolism, temperature regulation, and waste removal.”

So, how do you know if you’re drinking enough water? Here are some things to look out for that may indicate dehydration: decreased urine output, dry skin, headaches, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, or fatigue.