7 Reasons Why You Should Drink Plenty of Water Every Day

To say that water is important to your health would be the understatement of the century. Without water, you wouldn’t be able to digest your food, regulate your body temperature, heal from injuries, or do many of the other things that are vital to your survival and wellbeing. And while most people know that they should drink plenty of water every day, they don’t always take action on it. Here are 7 reasons why you should drink plenty of water every day so that you can truly reap its benefits and feel better than ever!

1. Our bodies can’t function without it

Our bodies are made up mostly of water, and we need to replenish that water on a daily basis in order to stay healthy. According to research published in 2012 in PLoS One, adults should drink nine cups of water a day—that’s 3.2 liters—for optimal health, while pregnant women and children require even more hydration. But remember that water isn’t just plain old H2O. Fluids also include coffee and tea without added sweeteners or milk, fruit juices without added sugar (sometimes), carbonated beverages like sparkling water or club soda, as well as some sports drinks like Gatorade. The point is: When it comes to hydration, variety is key!

2. Our brains and muscles need it

For a lot of people, hydration isn’t given much thought until they become so thirsty they can’t concentrate. Your brain is largely made up of water and needs it to function properly, as do your muscles. Without adequate hydration, your brain and muscles can get easily fatigued. That’s why you may experience headaches or have trouble concentrating when you don’t drink enough water in a day. To stay on top of hydration, aim for at least eight glasses per day.

3. Water helps us lose weight

Your body is composed mostly of water. While it's a constant battle to keep your diet as healthy as possible, you might not realize how easy it is to drink more water. If you're not getting enough H2O, your cravings for unhealthy foods are likely to increase. This translates into you eating more calories than you should be. Drinking plenty of water can help curb those cravings by keeping your appetite in check and helping food go down easier. It will also help your organs function at their peak, which in turn helps them burn fat efficiently. Over time, adding just one or two glasses of water every day can lead to noticeable weight loss results over time. Don't believe us?

4. It enhances our moods

Drinking water can actually alter brain chemistry in a way that promotes positive moods. In one study, participants who drank two cups of water exhibited fewer depressed feelings than those who did not drink any water at all. In another, researchers found that drinking 8 ounces of water increased energy levels by 24% and alertness by up to 40%. And staying hydrated may have benefits for anxiety as well: One study linked higher consumption to a 14% reduction in symptoms among people with panic disorder. Other studies have shown that just smelling water may trigger decreased anxiety—perhaps because it reminds us we need to stay hydrated. So if you’re worried about feeling down or jittery, drink more H2O! It could very well work wonders.

5. Drinking less than half your body weight in oz. is dangerous

Consuming too little water can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Your body is about 60% water, and without it, your organs would fail. In fact, when your blood loses more than 2% of its total water volume, you’re considered dehydrated and in danger. Drinking less than half a body weight in ounces (that’s roughly 30 oz for a 150 lb person) is dangerous—unless you’re just drinking lots of alcohol or hot liquids with very few other fluids! Drinking less than half your body weight in oz. per day also significantly raises health risks associated with being overweight or obese, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancer.

6. Dehydration leads to other serious health problems

One consequence of not drinking enough water is dehydration, which itself can lead to health issues like headaches, fatigue and dizziness. It can also lead to more serious illnesses such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones and heart disease. Drinking plenty of water keeps your brain healthy: If you've ever suffered from a bout of forgetfulness after going a day or two without a glass of water, you know that dehydration is not just uncomfortable — it's downright dangerous. Drinking enough water every day promotes cognitive function by maintaining optimal levels of hydration in your brain cells. Your joints will thank you: Dehydration causes joint pain; if you are suffering from joint issues already, lack of proper hydration will only make things worse.

7. Staying hydrated prevents headaches and fatigue

According to Mayo Clinic, drinking water helps maintain a normal body temperature, prevents headaches and improves concentration. Additionally, staying hydrated can prevent dry mouth and contribute to overall good oral health. Each day you should drink half your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds then consume at least 100 ounces a day. (That’s more than two gallons!) Fluid intake increases as physical activity increases; it is important to stay hydrated whether you exercise regularly or not.