Abiola Igbayilola
Today is the World Water Day and we cannot stop thanking water for the good things it does to our bodies. Let’s just imagine a world without water for just about five days. Just five days!
But while many of us know that we must drink as constantly as our body asks for water, we may not really know how it works. Here are 10 of the amazing things experts say water offers us.
1. It helps create saliva.
Water is a main component of saliva. Saliva also includes small amounts of electrolytes, mucus, and enzymes. It’s essential for breaking down solid food and keeping your mouth healthy.
Your body generally produces enough saliva with regular fluid intake. However, your saliva production may decrease as a result of age or certain medications or therapies.
If your mouth is drier than usual and increasing your water intake isn’t helping, see your doctor.
2. It regulates your body temperature.
Staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining your body temperature. Your body loses water through sweat during physical activity and in hot environments.
Your sweat keeps your body cool, but your body temperature will rise if you don’t replenish the water you lose. That’s because your body loses electrolytes and plasma when it’s dehydrated.
If you’re sweating more than usual, make sure you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
3. It helps excrete waste through perspiration, urination, and defecation.
Your body uses water to sweat, urinate, and have bowel movements.
Sweat regulates body temperature when you’re exercising or in warm temperatures. You need water to replenish the lost fluid from sweat.
You also need enough water in your system to have healthy stool and avoid constipation.
Your kidneys are also important for filtering out waste through urination. Adequate water intake helps your kidneys work more efficiently and helps to prevent kidney stones.
4. Clearer skin
Certain toxins in the body can cause the skin to inflame, which results in clogged pores and acne. While science saying water makes the skin wrinkle-free is contradictory, water does flush out these toxins and can reduce the risk of pimples.
Adequate water intake will help keep your skin hydrated and may promote collagen production. However, water intake alone isn’t enough to reduce the effects of aging. This process is also connected to your genes and overall sun protection.
5. Productivity boost
In order to really focus, a glass of water could help people concentrate and stay refreshed and alert.
6. Brain boost
A study in London found a link between students bringing water into an exam room and better grades, suggesting H2O promotes clearer thinking. While it’s unclear if drinking the water had anything to do with a better score, it doesn’t hurt to try it out!
7. Pain prevention
A little water can really go a long way. Aching joints and muscle cramps and strains can all occur if the body is dehydrated.
8. Kidney function
Our kidneys process 200 quarts of blood daily, sifting out waste and transporting urine to the bladder. Yet, kidneys need enough fluids to clear away what we don’t need in the body. Let’s drink to that!
9. Calorie control
Forget other diet tricks, drinking water could also help with weight loss. Numerous studies have found a connection between water consumption and losing a few pounds. The secret reason? Water simply helps people feel full, and as a result consume fewer calories.
10. It improves blood oxygen circulation.
Water carries helpful nutrients and oxygen to your entire body. Reaching your daily water intake will improve your circulation and have a positive impact on your overall health.
Sources: www.goodreads.com, https://goodhabitsforlife.act.gov.au, www.healthline.com.
PHOTO: Health Magazine
