Water is essential for good health since it purifies, hydrates, refreshes, and helps our bodies to function optimally. Water and other liquids help disintegrate food, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. A healthier lifestyle requires consuming enough water, exercising and being mindful of what we eat.

Some benefits of drinking water.

Hydration

The body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ needs water to function correctly. Water lubricates and cushions joints, keeps our temperature regular, protects sensitive tissue, and eliminates waste from the body. Insufficient water intake can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to cognitive impairments like stress, forgetfulness, or agitation. To stay hydrated, try to drink before you are thirsty.

Constipation relief

Constipation is common and can result from poor diet, lifestyle choices, stress, a medical condition, medications, or surgery. Dehydration can cause the body to try and preserve fluids in the intestines, leading to stiff and dry stool that is difficult to pass (constipation). However, drinking eight to 10 glasses of water can help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.

Kidney stones treatment

Kidney stones often form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and stick together. Although painful, they do not cause permanent harm if caught early. You can drink lots of water to reduce kidney stone formation. Water dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stones. Drink at least ten 10-ounce glasses of liquid daily to prevent repeat stones. Water and painkillers can help flush the stones out if detected early.

Headache relief  

Dehydration can cause the brain and other tissues to contract. As the brain shrinks and pulls away from the skull, it creates pressure on nerves, resulting in pain (dehydration headache). Water and other fluids help plump the brain to its previous size, causing the pain to diminish. Although water does not reduce the frequency of headaches, it can impact the intensity and duration. If you think your headache is caused by water deprivation, drink water and wait approximately 30 minutes for it to help.

Weight management

Water can help suppress appetite, stimulate metabolism, remove waste, reduce overall liquid caloric intake and hydrate the body during exercise. The body needs water to help burn fat. These benefits make water a crucial chemical for regulating body functions, weight loss, and management.

Staying hydrated significantly reduces several health issues linked to dehydration. However, you should contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing severe dehydration, acute constipation, or other illnesses. You can use Find Yello to quickly search for medical practitioners, health centres, or hospitals with the services you need to help you.

Sources: Mayo Clinic, Healthline, John Hopkins, and Urology Care Foundation.