Hydration Revolution: Why Drinking Water is Taking Over America

A new trend shows that more Americans seem to carry bottled water everywhere they go these days. The trend results from the recent hype on the benefits of drinking water, which has seen more Americans dump soft drinks and embrace water drinking as a lifestyle. Though the common suggestion to drink eight glasses a day is not based on scientific evidence, the fact remains that drinking plenty of water has a significant impact on your health. 

What is Hydration?

Hydration involves the body's ability to absorb water. Water is a vital liquid in the body utilized by every cell, tissue, and organ to perform different functions. In human health, hydration involves maintaining the correct balance of water and electrolytes. The human body comprises 60% water, which is vital in many essential bodily functions. Water absorption is primarily done through drinking liquids, preferably water, but around 20% of our intake comes from food.

You could wonder why you should keep drinking plenty of water every day. The reason is that your body continuously loses fluids from urine, stool, skin evaporation, and breathing. You can become dehydrated if your water intake does not match your output. Therefore, daily intake of plenty of water is essential for your overall good health.

The incredible benefits of staying hydrated

Staying hydrated has significant benefits that include:

·         Promotes proper functioning of the brain

Approximately 75% of the brain is water, susceptible to hydration status. Mild dehydration affects various aspects of brain function, such as concentration, alertness, and short-term memory. It is also linked to other negative effects, such as mood swings, headaches, fatigue, and anxiety.

Maintaining regular and adequate hydration helps prevent headaches and migraines and promotes overall neurological health.

·         Improved physical performance

Hydration plays an essential role in muscle function. Proper hydration helps maintain cells and blood volume, providing nutrients to the muscles and helping remove waste products like lactic acid. Good blood volume is essential for circulating oxygen and nutrients for energy production. It also plays an indispensable role in regulating body temperature during physical activity. Experts explain that mild dehydration can compromise aerobic capacity, strength, and endurance. After strenuous activity, rehydrate for faster recovery to help replenish fluids lost through sweating and prevent post-exercise muscle cramps and fatigue.

·         Improves digestion and nutrient absorption

Hydration is essential for healthy digestion. Water helps break down food so that the body can easily absorb nutrients. Water also helps prevent constipation by softening stools and moving eaten food through the intestines.

·         Promotes kidney function and urinary health

The kidney regulates bodily fluids and filters waste from the bloodstream, passed out in urine. Adequate water intake helps dilute the salts and minerals in urine that can form kidney stones. Hydration also helps support health by continuously cleaning the urinary system, thus preventing infection.

·         Helps reduce stress and fatigue

Experts explain that dehydration increases the body's primary stress hormone, cortisol. Therefore, ensuring optimal hydration helps promote the smooth running of physiological processes in the body, reducing potential stress causes.

Dehydration causes feelings of fatigue because it affects the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and brain. Adequate hydration helps maintain energy levels and prevent dehydration-induced fatigue.

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