One of the best healthy habits to develop is to drink more water daily. There are so many reasons to drink more water! But first, you should know roughly 60% of the human adult body is water. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.
We’re literally puddles of water!
There are so many great benefits to drinking plenty of water. Water keeps the fluid balanced in the body. It carries nutrients to our cells. It aids digestion. It can even help balance blood sugar.
Water keeps moisture-rich organs, such as eyes, skin, mouth, and nose functioning well. It fights fatigue and gives energy. Water reduces inflammation and prevents muscle cramps. It rids the body of toxins.
In addition, water strengthens the immune system and plays a crucial role in disease prevention. And so much more!
The U.S.G.S. says water serves a number of essential functions to keep us all going…
- our saliva is mostly water and aids in digesting the food we eat
- water in our body helps to keep our mucous membranes moist including the stomach, intestines, and the urinary tract
- our body’s cells grow, reproduce, and survive due to the presence of water
- it flushes our body waste
- water lubricates our joints
- our brain needs water to manufacture hormones and neurotransmitters
- through sweating and respiration, water helps to regulate our body temperature
- it acts as a shock absorber for our brain and spinal cord
- water helps deliver oxygen all over your body
Take a look at these surprising water “facts” taken from the book “Your Body’s Many Cries for Water” by F. Batmanghelidj, M.D. –
It’s also important to keep in mind, once you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated!
How much water should a person drink?
On average you should drink half your body weight in ounces per day. But there are other factors to consider, too.
If you need to drink more than you have been, then you’ll want to gradually increase your water intake.
The amount of water you need also depends on your level of activity. For example, if you are very active and you sweat a lot, then drink more water.
Also, the temperature where you live will also have an effect on your body’s need for water. If you live in a hot climate, your body will need more water to function at its best.
Half your body weight in ounces of water may seem like a lot to drink now — but when it becomes a healthy habit, you’ll find you miss it and want to get your ounces in each day!
How to drink more water … even when you don’t like the taste.
When should you drink water?
Drink approximately 20 oz of water immediately after waking up on an empty stomach.
Throughout the day you’ll want to drink a glass of water at least 30 minutes before eating to aid digestion. (If you have digestive challenges, drink most of your water between meals.)
Note that sipping water consistently during your day will keep your mouth from getting dry and may even help keep your breath fresher!
In the afternoon, enjoy a glass of water when you are feeling tired to recharge your system.
Drink a glass after every bathroom break.
Anytime you empty your glass or bottle, fill it back up.
Drink a glass of water when you have been interacting with sick people to give extra support to your immune system.
Enjoying a glass of water before taking a bath or shower can help lower your blood pressure.
Always drink a glass of water before going to bed to maintain hydration through the night.
Other options to help increase your water intake
There’s an app for that! Visit the app store on your smartphone and you’ll find several apps to help you log your water intake. Some will even remind you to drink a glass of water at various times during the day.
Fill a large jug each morning with the amount of water you’d like to consume for the day for an old-school trick to track the amount of water you drink.
My grandma Laffoon always had rubber bands everywhere … is that still a thing? You can put a rubber band around your glass or bottle for the number of times you’d like to fill up during the day. Each time you get a serving of water, remove a rubber band!
You will feel better
Drinking enough water has made me feel so much better. In fact, I crave water now and look forward to my daily water consumption.
You will feel better, too.
Suffer from headaches? Drink more water.
Terrible digestive issues? Drink more water.
Blood pressure a concern? Drink more water.
The list could go on and on. Give it a try — for at least 30 days — and let me know how you feel when you get used to drinking enough water every day.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.