Table Of Contents
01.07.2023The Benefits of Drinking Water & How it Can Help Improve Your Health
The Importance of Drinking Water
Humans are 60% water but still require a glass of water every few hours to keep the balance.
Humans can go 70 days without food, but even a single day without water could be the last. But why is that?
- What exactly does water do for the body?
Great question. With a provocative answer: Literally everything. It runs all the vital processes, drives cells’ nutrition and cleanses, heals wounds, restores energy, prevents inflammation, and many more.
The Amazing Benefits of Drinking Water in the Morning – Start Your Day Right!
Are you looking for an easy yet helpful way to boost your health? If yes, the secret ingredient is suitable at your fingertips – water. You heard it right. This readily accessible, cost-effective substance has many benefits, especially when consumed in the morning.
Hydration
When we sleep, our bodies continue to function, which means we lose water through respiration and sweat, even at rest. Drinking a glass after waking up helps replenish this lost hydration, setting a healthy tone for the day.
Kickstarts Metabolism
Consuming water, especially if it’s cold, can stimulate metabolism. A Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism study found that men & women experienced a 30% increase in metabolic rate after consuming 500ml of water.
Helps in Detoxification
Drinking water in the morning helps flush toxins from your system that have accumulated overnight. This detoxification process, facilitated by enhanced kidney function, improves health and well-being.
Aids digestion
Water is a crucial player in the digestive process. Water aids in the breakdown of food so that your body can absorb the nutrients. Drinking water in the morning can kickstart your digestion and help prevent constipation.
Boosts Brain Function
Our brains are about 75% water. Starting your day with water hydrates your brain, allowing it to function more effectively. It can lead to increased concentration and cognitive performance throughout the day.
The famous ‘8×8 rule’ (eight 8-ounce glasses per day) is easy to remember, but make sure you listen to your body’s cues for the best results. So, here’s a simple task for you tomorrow: just after you wake up, drink water before you reach for that morning coffee.
Closer Look at the Benefits of Drinking Water
- Clear skin
Drinking enough water aids in the removal of toxins from the body, as well as providing you with healthier skin. According to studies, drinking just two cups of water can enhance blood flow to the skin, giving it a more even tone.
- Weight loss
Water can help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite, as thirst impulses from your brain are frequently misinterpreted as hunger pains.
- Mood boost
Hydration is a crucial component in anxiety management. Even if you’re not anxious, drinking enough water can help you relax.
- Mental activity
Plain water increases concentration and cognition (supporting memory function) and mood and emotion balance, lowering tension and headaches.
- Overall health
Water also helps maintain a healthy heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, fluid is crucial to producing lymph, a critical bodily fluid and a component of the immune system.
5 Surprising Benefits of Drinking a Gallon of Water a Day That You May Not Have Known About
While a gallon may sound like a lot, spread out throughout the day, it becomes a more manageable goal.
1. Weight Management: A study found that drinking water (around 17oz) can increase metabolic rate by up to 30%. Consuming a gallon of water daily can also help you feel full, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
2. Increased Energy Levels: A common cause of fatigue is dehydration. By staying well-hydrated, we can prevent or mitigate feelings of tiredness throughout the day. This hydration helps maintain proper brain and bodily functions, keeping us energized and productive.
3. Improved Skin Complexion: Your skin might appreciate the extra hydration too! Water helps to maintain optimal skin moisture and deliver essential nutrients to the skin cells. It helps to renew the skin tissue and enhance its flexibility. This can help delay signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
4. Boosted Immunity: A well-hydrated body is better equipped to fight off diseases. Water helps produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells. Therefore, staying hydrated can contribute to a more robust immune system.
5. Enhanced Brain Function Your brain is over 75% water, so it’s not surprising that drinking more water could improve its function. Even mild dehydration can impair tasks like memory, mood, and concentration. So, staying adequately hydrated can boost your brainpower.
When is the Best Time to Drink Water?
- The best time to drink water is throughout the day. However, as kidneys can, at maximum, process 800–1,000 ml (27–34 ounces) of water per hour, it is good to divide your water intake into smaller portions.
The magic trick works with drinking water in the morning to help lose weight – it boosts metabolism and fills the stomach to reduce hunger naturally.
Start your day with a cup or two of water, and then sip a little throughout the day. Drinking cold water in the morning can also help you wake up while filling your stomach with a cup of warm or hot water would feel more fulfilling and comforting. Also, drinking a cup of water 15-20 minutes before your meal is good for taming your hunger and cravings.
Also, read – The Truth Behind Does Lemon Water Break a Fast
What Is the Best Temperature for Drinking Water?
Drinking water, hot or cold, keeps your body healthy and hydrated. First, however, let’s look at the benefits of both options:
- What about hot water?
Hot water is easier to get a habit of drinking – it resembles having a coffee break and may feel more comforting, especially in colder times.
Drinking hot water can stimulate your digestive tract and improve your digestion. It can also aid in the removal of waste from the body. Hot water, in particular, relaxes the central nervous system and relieves stress.
- What about cold water?
Drinking cold water can help you lose weight, hydrate your body, and boost your metabolism. Drinking colder water indeed improves workout performance, but that’s all there is to it.
While cold water does cause us to burn roughly 8 calories per cup, this small benefit does not add up to much.
Drinking cold or room temperature water, regardless of the temperature, benefits your general health. What matters most is that you stay hydrated. When it comes to water temperature, preference reigns supreme:)
The Benefits of Drinking Cold Water – How Chilling Your Water Can Help You
Who doesn’t love a refreshing glass of cold water, especially on a hot day? That invigorating chill quenches your thirst and brings some surprising health benefits.
First and foremost, let’s talk about metabolism. It’s a known fact that our bodies must maintain a steady internal temperature.
- When drink cold water, our bodies must work harder to warm it to body temperature. This process requires energy.
Hence, it helps burn a few more calories and kickstarts our metabolism. While this might not replace your regular workout, every little bit aids in maintaining a healthy weight!
When it comes to exercise, cold water is a superstar once again. During a workout, your body’s temperature rises. Drinking cold water helps cool your body down, improving your workout performance. Plus, it helps replenish the fluids lost through sweat.
- Cold water has a role to play in terms of your mood and alertness too.
The stimulating effect of cold water doesn’t stop at your taste buds. The chill can trigger adrenaline, boosting your heart rate and energy levels. This could help you feel more alert and focused.
Additionally, there’s something about an excellent drink that can be incredibly soothing for a sore throat. Cold water reduces inflammation and soothes discomfort.
Benefits of Drinking Warm Water – Discover How This Can Boost Metabolism & Soothe Your Body
Imagine this! You wake up, stretch out from a night of rest, and head to the kitchen. You pour yourself a glass of warm water and take that first comforting sip. It’s a simple act but sets a positive tone for the day, especially given its numerous health benefits. Today, let’s explore how warm water can soothe your body and boost your metabolism.
Drinking warm water in the morning can be an incredible way to kick-start your daily metabolism. When exposed to warm temperatures, your body expends energy to regulate its temperature. This, in turn, ramps up your metabolic rate, even helping you burn extra calories. Consuming warm water could contribute to weight management and promote a healthier metabolism.
Moreover, ingesting warm water can play an instrumental role in digestion.
- Drinking warm water helps hydrate your digestive organs and eliminate toxins as it passes through your stomach and intestines.
This process stimulates blood flow to the digestive system, encouraging better digestion and absorption of nutrients.
It’s not just the internal body that benefits, though. For centuries, warm water has been recognized for its soothing properties. Consuming warm water can help alleviate throat discomfort and reduce irritation. It’s a natural and calming remedy that can be particularly beneficial during colder seasons or for those prone to frequent throat irritations.
Another aspect of this habit is its impact on the nervous system.
- Warm water has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system, helping reduce stress and promote well-being.
It can also improve circulation, which is crucial for optimal health as it affects everything from heart health to cognitive function.
Incorporating a routine of drinking warm water into your day is a small change that could yield significant benefits. It’s about the physical advantages and the moments of calm and soothing warmth that come with each sip. It’s a mindful practice that can help pave the way to a healthier lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Drinking Hot Water: Why You Should Consider Making It a Daily Habit
Drinking hot water first thing at any time can provide unexpected health benefits. One of the most recognized benefits is its role in digestion.
- Hot water stimulates the digestive tract, promoting better digestion and helping the body eliminate waste products more effectively.
This is based on the principle that heat widens vessels and improves blood flow, facilitating digestion.
Hot water can be a helpful tool for those conscious about maintaining their weight or shedding some pounds. It has been found that consuming hot water can help keep a healthy metabolism, which is crucial for breaking down what we eat and converting it into energy. Some even find that starting the day with a glass of hot water and lemon provides an extra metabolic kick.
In terms of detoxification, hot water is a proven ally.
Raising your body’s temperature can stimulate sweating, which is one way your body destroys toxins. It leads to healthier skin and a more efficient immune system.
Moreover, it’s no secret that a warm drink can be comforting, but did you know there’s science behind this too? Sipping hot water can soothe the central nervous system, potentially reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm. This can be especially beneficial before bedtime to promote better sleep.
- While the benefits of drinking hot water are numerous, it’s important to note that “hot” doesn’t mean “boiling.”
The water should be comfortable to drink, ideally below 60 degrees Celsius, to avoid burns. And, as always, individual health needs may vary, so do listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider as needed.
Drinking Water With Added Elements
If you feel uncomfortable drinking plain water, add some super-food boosters!
Hydrate and fill in the nutritional gaps at the same time with the water-drinking ideas below:
Coconut water
Coconut water is an all-natural way to hydrate, cut sodium, and add potassium to your diet.
Lemon water
Drinking warm lemon water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning is thought to improve digestion, boost metabolism, and help maintain the body’s Ph balance.
Cucumber water
Cucumber water promotes weight loss, lower blood pressure, bone health, and skin health.
Alkaline water
Alkaline water, due to its specific pH level, improves digestion and increases energy levels.
However, these water ideas are voluntary to follow and do not change the most important fact – you need to drink water!
Do Tea and Coffee Count?
Nope. Tea and coffee contain caffeine, a mild diuretic that slightly drains your body of hydration. You may treat yourself to tea or coffee, but please remember that they serve for pleasure, not hydration.
Also, read – Can You Drink Tea While Fasting: What You Need to Know
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Water?
Yes, there is. Your kidneys can’t get rid of excess water if you consume too much water. As a result, your blood’s sodium content gets diluted. Hyponatremia is the medical term for this condition, which can be fatal.
An average adult with moderate physical activity should drink at most 3 liters (100 ounces) of water daily.
Benefits of Drinking Salt Water – From Replenishing Electrolytes to Promoting Weight Loss
While it may sound counterintuitive, salt water can offer many health benefits when taken in the right amounts. To clarify, we aren’t talking about ocean water but somewhat water mixed with a small amount of natural salt, such as Himalayan pink or sea salt.
For starters, salt water can serve as an excellent electrolyte drink. As you may know, electrolytes are essential for bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle function.
When you sweat, either from exercise or due to the heat, you lose electrolytes, particularly sodium and chloride.
Saltwater can help replenish these lost electrolytes and maintain optimal bodily functions.
Saltwater can potentially aid in weight loss. A study found: consuming salt can lead to a higher metabolism rate, promoting weight loss.
This doesn’t mean you should start consuming excessive amounts of salt; instead, maintaining a sodium balance in your diet can aid in metabolic function.
In addition, drinking salt water can support your digestive health. Saltwater has been shown to stimulate an enzyme called pepsin, which aids in the breakdown of proteins in your stomach. This can result in improved digestion and overall gut health.
Salt, especially natural forms like sea salt, contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium – beneficial for skin health.
Note: Consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and other health issues!
Conclusion
Water is vital to everyday bodily functions. The wholesome entity of the body functions works better in a water-rich environment. So drinking a gallon of water a day benefits – you become healthier and more effective, and water maintains your cognitive functions, suppresses your hunger, boosts your metabolism, and improves your mood!
Adequately hydrated, you lose weight and promote health. You look better and feel better. Isn’t that a goal to reach?
If so, you can get a glass of water right now!
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William is from Canada, he is passionate nutrition & wellness writer. William understands that the topic of wellness is still not well understood, so his goal is to enlighten and teach people how to live healthier and happier in their bodies.
We are an Inspired team of writers who are passionate about writing on the topic of a healthy approach to Nutrition and Wellness. We are guided in our writing by our knowledge and experience as well as open official medical and health sources.
