Amanda Benko | Intern UAB School of Education – CHHS

Staying Hydrated – Why is it important to drink enough H20

Did you know that water makes up most of your body weight and involves several vital functions, including removing waste from the body, regulating body temperature, and helping with brain function? It is essential to note that water plays an important part in our body’s functioning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), getting enough water daily is necessary for your health. Drinking plenty of water every day can help you stay hydrated. It can help regulate body temperature, help keep our joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and ensure that organs function properly. In addition, being well-hydrated can help you improve the quality of your sleep, mood, and cognition. According to experts, one should drink approximately 11 cups of water daily for an average woman and around 16 cups for men. Water plays a vital role in various body functions, such as the digestion of food, absorption, circulation, and excretion. Research has shown that drinking plenty of water helps aid the transportation of nutrients, oxygen, and hormones all across the body, regulating body temperature, lubricating joints, and assisting in waste control.

Drinking plenty of water also helps in the hydration of cells and tissues. As earlier noted, our bodies are composed mainly of water, and every cell, tissue, and organ depends on water for proper functioning. Proper hydration can help you maintain the balance of fluids within the body, enabling you to maintain optimal energy levels, enhance concentration, and improve one’s overall productivity. Studies also reiterate that drinking plenty of water is good for skin health. It can help keep your skin hydrated and moisturized, reducing the risk of dryness, wrinkles, and disorders affecting the skin. This helps promote a healthy complexion, possibly contributing to a more youthful experience.

In conclusion, water is essential to almost every part of your body. Drinking the recommended daily amount of water will help you maintain your current state of health and improve your overall health. If you are exercising or living in hotter regions, it is vital to increase your water intake to avoid dehydration. What steps do you find helpful to stay hydrated?

References

Water and healthier drinks. (2022, June 6). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/water-and-healthier-drinks.html