Water is the essence of life. Maybe you have heard that line before. It is a fact that humans cannot survive without water. After all, 70% of your body is made up of water. Your cells need it to function, the body needs it to replace lost fluids, and your blood flow uses it to help flush toxins out of your system. There are so many reasons why water is a crucial aspect of your health.
For anyone who wishes to live a healthier lifestyle, changing their water consumption habits is often a great place to start. Most people do not drink enough of it and their potential for wellness is therefore limited. Let’s break down some important facts about water and why you should care about it when it comes to your health.
Daily Intake Matters
As mentioned before, most people do not drink enough water every day. You may be surprised to know that doctors recommend that you consume a half ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight on a daily basis. In other words, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should be drinking 80 to 160 ounces of water every day. This number varies depending on where you live and your lifestyle choices. If you tend to exercise a lot, then you will need to drink an amount that is closer to the high end of that spectrum. On the other hand, if you do not move a lot during the day, you may only need half an ounce per pound of body weight. Also, if you live in warmer climates, you probably need to drink more.
Beware of Contaminants
Drinking water is always a good idea unless the water from your tap is contaminated in some way. Since water is transported underground, it is vulnerable to foreign substances that can leach into the supply and affect the quality. One example of this is when water was found to be contaminated at Camp Lejeune from 1953 to 1987, leading to cancers and other diseases for some residents who were exposed. Depending on where your water comes from and where you live, your supply may be susceptible to substances like lead, PFAS, arsenic, or sediment. Too many of these compounds in your drinking water could be a health hazard.
Contamination Solutions
If you are worried about potential contaminants in your water that will harm your health, there are a few solutions that you could consider. One is to have your water supply tested regularly. Public systems undergo this process no matter what, but people who live on private wells have an unregulated supply. The smartest idea is to gather a sample and send it in for testing or purchase a home test kit for various substances.
Another solution is to invest in water filters for your home. These filters could be on the faucets themselves or attached to a container that you store in the refrigerator for drinking. Either way, a good filter can help rid the water of these contaminants and make it safer for use. Both solutions will help you invest in your health by ensuring better water quality.
Dehydration can be Very Damaging
Dehydration can have a devastating effect on the body. For one thing, it can dry out your cells and result in them dying off quickly. This will put additional stress on the body as the functions that those cells were performing are hindered. A lack of water can cause other side effects as well, including mood changes, overheating, constipation, and even kidney stones, which are incredibly painful.
Many Health Benefits
Drinking water provides a ton of health benefits. It can improve your circulation, allowing blood flow to carry oxygen and nutrients to your cells more efficiently. Water can also activate your metabolism, boosting your energy levels throughout the day and allowing you to exercise more. Your skin will thank you for drinking more water as well since it needs to maintain its vibrancy and moisture levels to protect your body from foreign substances. Another benefit is the regulation of your internal body temperature. There are plenty of other benefits that come from drinking water, so make sure that you drink the recommended amount each day to take full advantage of these outcomes.
Water is the Key to Your Wellness Journey
If you have dreams of becoming a healthier person, then drinking water needs to be part of your list of goals. It can prevent you from becoming dehydrated, which damages your body’s cells, and it provides so many health benefits that your body will be grateful for. Just make sure that the water you are drinking is safe and free of harmful contaminants that may cause a setback on your journey toward health.
