It is always so tempting to purchase a soft drink or juice instead of water when eating at a restaurant or in the comfort of your own home. It is important to fight the temptation because drinking water daily is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Dietitian, Joan Koelemay, RD, says to “think of water as a nutrient your body needs that is present in liquids, plain water, and foods” (WebMD).
Over half of your body consist of water, which levels the bodily fluids (Greatist). Water carries nutrients through your body, helps you sustain the appropriate body temperature, as well as helps with food digestion (WebMD). Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are drinking enough throughout the day.
Signs that you are not drinking enough water include:
kidney complications
headaches
lightheadedness
muscle weakness
Your body has the ability to cleanse your blood of toxins through the function of the kidney, but it needs the help of water. The kidney is able to release toxins from the body through urine. A good sign that your kidney is functioning properly is excreting light colored urine. The less water you drink, the more you are at risk for kidney stones.
Water is used to hydrate your skin to keep it clear and smooth. Yes, you read it correctly! You can maintain smooth skin by drinking the correct amount of water. The lack of water causes your skin to become dry and flaky. It also causes your pores to clog up, resulting in acne.
Many times we find ourselves reaching for water during and after a workout. This is because your body releases water through sweat during your workout (humankinetics). Drinking water, gives your body enough energy to be active because it transports important nutrients through the body. It also relieves muscle cramps that can occur while exercising.
Here are a few tips that WebMD suggest will help you make sure you are drinking the right amount of water throughout the day.
1. Add more water based food into your diet
2. Replace soft or alcoholic beverages with
water
3.Combine fruit into your water to give it
more flavor
4. Carry a refillable water bottle