5 Ways Drinking More Water Can Change Your Life
More often than not, cure-alls don’t live up to expectations. But when it comes to water, the difference you can make by drinking the recommended intake really can be life-changing.
Which, when you think about it, makes complete sense. After all, our bodies are more than 60% H20. So if you’re frequently falling short, it’s no big surprise that you might not feel your best. But the opposite is also true. When you start drinking more water, all kinds of weird, minor ailments that you thought were just a normal part of life actually disappear.
Like what? Well, take a look for yourself. After reading this list of the ways that drinking more water can help you feel great, you just might find yourself heading towards the kitchen tap.
You might think that coffee is just the thing to perk you up. But caffeine-heavy drinks like java are dehydrating, which could leave you feeling less energized. In fact, even being mildly dehydrated can lead to fatigue, sapping your productivity, your mood andevenyour ability to concentrate, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition. The next time you feel like you’re flagging, down a glass (or two!) of water instead of your usual cup o’ Joe.
Your skin will look more youthful
Forget the fancy moisturizers and pricey wrinkle creams. When it comes to younger, more radiant skin, H20 is key. Drinking plenty of water promotes the growth of fresh skin cells, which helps to nix complexion-dulling dryness and flakiness. It helps cells stay more hydrated, too, so your skin stays plump and elastic instead of dry or tight. Still skeptical? Check out the incredible before and after photos of theBritish woman who started drinking three liters of water a day.
You’ll be less prone to headaches
If you frequently find yourself plagued by pounding head pain, sipping more agua throughout the day might be your ticket to relief. Experts have long known that mild to moderate dehydration can lead to headaches, dizziness and lightheadedness. That’s because as your brain tissue loses water, the nerves in your head that are responsible for transmitting feelings of pain actually become more sensitive. (Weird, right?) Dehydration can also cause your blood vessels to narrow, resulting in less blood flow to your brain.
It sounds counterintuitive, but taking in more water can actually help get rid of that awful bloated feeling. How so? When you don’t drink enough, your body thinks that water is scarce and tries to hold on to as much fluid as possible. Stay adequately hydrated, though, and your body will let go of the extra stuff it doesn’t need, resulting in you feeling slimmer and less puffy. Hello, skinny jeans!
You’ll be less tempted to snack mindlessly
If you’re trying to lose weight or avoid gaining, water can help in two big ways. First, it’s common for people to confuse dehydration with the munchies — even when you aren’t really hungry. And when youare actually in the mood for food, a glass of water can help temporarily dull your hunger pangs and help you make it to your next meal without loading up on snacks.
OK, so how much water do I actually need?
Men should strive to drink 13 cups of water per day, while women should aim for nine, according to the Institute of Medicine. Still, those recommendations might not be right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need about 13 cups of water per day, and people who live in warmer climates or are highly active need more water, too. To tell whether you’re getting enough, just look at your urine. If it’s clear or pale yellow, you’re hydrated. Anything darker, and you need to start drinking more, pronto.
One more thing: Feeling thirsty is actually a sign that your body is already dehydrated. That means that it’s smarter to continually sip throughout the day than wait until you’re parched. If you have trouble remembering, try downloading a reminder app like WaterMinder. It’ll nudge you throughout the day so you can avoid dehydration and all the unpleasant side effects that come with it — before they start.
Investing in a sparkling water maker can make it easier to stay hydrated. A recent survey of 3,680 people found that those who owned a SodaStream consumed three more glasses of water each day than those who don’t.
Find out more on www.sodastream.co.uk
