Five More Reasons it’s Important to Stay Hydrated
Here’s Why It’s Important to Stay Hydrated
It’s important to stay hydrated. Most people know this, but it’s easy to overlook. When you have a busy day, it’s sometimes tough to remember to drink enough water. Here are some more reasons that hydration is important.
It’s Good For Your Brain
Your brain is primarily made up of water. That means that even mild dehydration can cause memory loss, concentration problems, and mood swings. Drinking more water can help you stabilize your mood, improve cognitive function, and help you feel less anxious.
It Helps You Digest Food
To digest food properly, your body needs water. If you don’t drink enough water, your bowel movements could be irregular and you may experience gas, heartburn, bloating, or other uncomfortable issues. Avoiding these issues is another reason it’s important to stay hydrated.
It’s Good for Your Heart
It’s important to stay hydrated because your heart is made up of a lot of water. If you become dehydrated, the volume of blood circulating through your body can decrease and your heart will try to compensate by beating faster. This raises your blood pressure and could be hard on your heart. Plus, staying hydrated helps your blood pump more easily and that makes it easier for your body to operate efficiently.
It Helps Your Joints
Much like your brain and heart (and most of the rest of your body, to be fair), the cartilage in your joints is primarily made up of water. It’s important to stay hydrated because this helps lubricate your joints and reduce friction between your bones. This means fewer aches and pains.
It Can Help Prevent Headaches
When you’re dehydrated, even only mildly dehydrated, your brain can contract, and that can lead to headaches and even migraines in some people. This is another reason why it’s important to stay hydrated.
How Much Water Do You Need?
Each person is different, but the general guideline is about eight glasses a day. However, you likely need more if it’s very hot or you’re exercising. You’ll know you’re drinking enough if you rarely feel thirsty and if your urine is very light in colour.