4 Reasons Why You Should Drink More Water

Growing up, I can’t remember what my water intake was like. I wasn’t heavy into sweets and I don’t recall having a favorite juice per say, but I know I drank soda way more than what I do now. My point? Water wasn’t always my thing, but it is now.

At age 17 (I’m 29 now), I decided to cut meats and poultry out my diet. What started as a bet soon turned into a lifestyle. It wasn’t long before I started becoming aware of what I was and wasn’t putting into my body. My water intake also increased and before I knew it, water was just about the only thing I drank. Today, I find juices too sweet and soda too fizzy to drink in one shot. I’m the type to water down my orange juice. And I’ve grown picky over the types of water that I drink. Sue me.

I now (try to) average about a gallon of water a day (two in the summer) and may or may not be known as a water nazi among my students. Why? Because water is life. And if you’re wondering, Defiance Fuel is the only water I consume.

But hear me out. The average adult human body is 50-65% water, averaging around 57-60%. Now imagine what could happen if we stood at a steady 30-40% because we just didn’t like water or were too careless to be aware of our water intake.

Long-term dehydration can reduce the joints' shock-absorbing ability, leading to joint pain and nobody’s got time for that. Even the saliva in our mouths has benefits; it helps us digest our food and keeps the mouth, nose, and eyes moist. This prevents friction and damage, but I’ll save more of my fun facts for later.

Working in athletics has really given me a first hand look at the important and impact behind drinking water daily. If it’s not something you already do, especially as an active person, you should probably read the below and get with the program.

FOUR REASONS YOU SHOULD DRINK MORE WATER

1. Muscle Repair : When we workout, we literally make our muscles strong by first breaking them down in order to rebuild them. In order to do so, the body uses muscle protein synthesis. But this protein synthesis requires that the muscles are hydrated. Otherwise the protein synthesis that rebuilds your muscles will be slow and delayed... and you'll probably be sore from the workout. 

2. Digestion : Proper recovery involves refueling the body post-workout it's important to refuel the body in order to replenish glycogen stores. But food digestion requires the presence of adequate water. So, once again, without water the process is simply delayed. Hydrating properly pre and post-workout aids in the efficiency of the digestive process. 

3. Reduced Fatigue : Dehydration is one of the most common factors of fatigue. When you're dehydrated (which easily happens after 6-8 hours of sleep), your blood volume decreases which means that the heart has to work overtime to pump blood to all parts of your body. Try keeping a bottle or glass or water bedside and guzzle it as soon as you wake up. You'll begin to notice a lack of fatigue. Just like that.

4. Heart Rate Recovery : Because your heart is a big muscle thats constantly working in order to ensure you get enough oxygen to your cells, it needs all the help it can get. A 2012 study found that the role of hydration in athletic performance had a huge overall impact on recovery. The experiment found that the individuals who hydrated showed significantly faster heart rate recovery following the workout which indicates that their bodies more quickly recovered from the stress of exercise.

Needless to say drinking water also keeps the mouth clean and helps the skin do its job of regulating the body's temperature through sweating. Water is also essential for the proper circulation of nutrients in the body and it serves at the body's transportation system and when we are dehydrated things just can't get around as well.

We need water to eliminate toxic substances, produce digestive enzymes, maintain healthy skin, hair and organs, and to help your body absorb essential vitamins, minerals and natural sugars.

However, if staying hydrated is difficult for you—here are some tips that can help:

• Keep a bottle of water with you during the day. To reduce your costs, carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with tap water.

• If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding a slice of lemon or lime to your drink.

• Drink water before, during, and after a workout.

• When you’re feeling hungry, drink water. Thirst is often confused with hunger. True hunger will not be satisfied by drinking water. Drinking water may also contribute to a healthy weight-loss plan. Some research suggests that drinking water can help you feel full.

• If you have trouble remembering to drink water, drink on a schedule. For example, drink water when you wake up, at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and when you go to bed. Or, drink a small glass of water at the beginning of each hour.

• Drink water when you go to a restaurant. It will keep you hydrated, and it’s free.

Recognizing signs of dehydration is important. They include:

• Little or no urine.

• Urine that is darker than usual.

• Dry mouth.

• Sleepiness or fatigue.

• Extreme thirst.

• Headache.

• Confusion.

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.

• No tears when crying.