Cathal BarryThe need for water can hardly be overstated
Our bodies are composed of approximately 70% water and nearly every aspect of our body's function relies on it, so the need for water can hardly be overstated. Here are just some of the benefits from drinking plenty of it:
Stay slim
There's a reason why most diets and fitness programmes ask you to drink a lot of water. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it helps you lose weight.
Water suppresses your appetite, so you donít eat as much. Drinking plenty of water also prevents fluid retention, because your body wonít try to retain water if itís getting enough.
Drinking water also helps your body burn stored fat. If you're not drinking enough water, your liver will be forced to help your kidneys detoxify your body.
When you drink plenty of water, your kidneys donít need any extra help, so your liver will be able to metabolise stored fat more efficiently.
Boost your energy
If you're feeling drained and depleted, get a pick-me-up with water. Dehydration makes you feel fatigued, but water helps the blood transport oxygen and other essential nutrients to your cells. If youíre getting enough water, your heart also doesnít have to work as hard to pump blood throughout your body.
Lower stress
A significant percentage of your brain tissue is made up of water. If you're dehydrated, both your body and your mind will be stressed.
If you're feeling thirsty, youíre already a little dehydrated. To keep stress levels down, keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a sports bottle and sip regularly.
Build muscle
Another benefit of drinking water is that it makes your muscles stronger. That's because water carries oxygen to the cells of your body, including those of your muscles. Drinking plenty of water enables your muscles to work harder and longer before they feel tired, and this can help you build muscle.
Drinking water helps prevent muscle cramping and lubricates joints in the body, so when youíre well hydrated, you can exercise longer.
Nourish your skin
Drinking plenty of water is great for your skin. If you don't drink enough water your body will try to retain it in order to conserve resources. This retention makes your skin puffy and can even lead to bloating. Drinking plenty of water keeps your skin moisturised and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Become smarter
Drinking water can increase your cognitive function. Your brain needs a lot of oxygen in order to function at optimum levels. Drinking plenty of water ensures that your brain gets all the oxygen it needs.
Drinking plenty of water also supports nerve function. It ensures that your bodyís electrolyte levels remain high enough to allow your nerves to relay messages to and from the brain in the way they were meant to.