Introduction
Did you know that there are some surprising benefits of drinking water beyond staying hydrated? While many people recognize the importance of water for maintaining hydration, there are several unique benefits of drinking water that often go unnoticed. Backed up by scientific research, these surprising benefits can enhance your overall health and wellbeing. Here are some of the most surprising benefits of drinking water that you might not have known before.
1. Boosts the Brain Function
One of the most surprising benefits of drinking water is its ability to boost brain function. Many people are unaware that dehydration can actually impair cognitive performance and make it difficult to think and concentrate. However, the good news is that drinking enough water can improve cognitive function and enhance mood, as well as reduce headaches (1). In fact, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining optimal brain function, which can lead to improved productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. So next time you need to get some work done or just want to feel more alert and focused, try reaching for a glass of water!
2. Aids in Weight Loss
One of the most surprising benefits of drinking water is its potential to aid in weight loss. While many people are aware of the importance of a healthy diet and exercise for weight loss, they may not know that drinking water can also help shed extra pounds.
For instance, drinking water before meals can help reduce calorie intake, leading to weight loss (2). Furthermore, water consumption has been shown to increase metabolism and energy expenditure, which can result in burning more calories (3). Incorporating water intake into your weight loss plan can be an easy, effective way to achieve your goals and improve your overall health.
So, next time you’re looking to shed some extra pounds, don’t forget the surprising benefits of drinking water! By drinking enough water, you can help reduce your calorie intake and boost your metabolism, making it easier to reach your weight loss goals.
3. Improves Skin Health
Did you know that one of the surprising benefits of drinking water is its ability to improve skin health? While most people are aware of the importance of hydration for overall health, many are unaware of the significant impact that proper hydration can have on skin health. Drinking enough water can enhance skin elasticity and texture, leading to a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines (4). Moreover, water intake helps to flush out toxins that can contribute to skin problems such as acne (5). By promoting skin health through hydration, drinking enough water can help you achieve a more youthful, radiant complexion.
4. Prevents Constipation
Constipation is a common digestive problem characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty passing stools. One of the main causes of constipation is dehydration, which can lead to hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Drinking enough water can help prevent constipation by keeping the stools soft and easy to pass.
Water also helps to lubricate the digestive tract and keep things moving smoothly. When you’re dehydrated, the colon absorbs more water from the stools, making them harder and more difficult to pass. However, when you drink enough water, the stools remain soft and easy to pass, reducing the risk of constipation (6).
In addition to preventing constipation, staying hydrated can also reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids (7). Hemorrhoids are swollen and inflamed veins in the anus and rectum that can be caused by straining during bowel movements. When stools are soft and easy to pass, there is less strain on the anus and rectum, reducing the risk of hemorrhoids.
Overall, drinking enough water is an important step in maintaining good digestive health and preventing constipation and hemorrhoids.
5. Reduces the Risk of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain and discomfort when they move through the urinary tract. One of the most important risk factors for kidney stone formation is dehydration, which can lead to a more concentrated urine that is more likely to contain minerals and salts that can form stones.
Drinking enough water can help reduce the risk of kidney stone formation by diluting the urine and reducing the concentration of these minerals and salts. When the urine is more diluted, the minerals and salts are less likely to come together and form crystals that can lead to the formation of stones.
In fact, several studies have found that increasing water intake can significantly reduce the risk of kidney stone formation. For example, a large prospective cohort study published in the Journal of Urology found that individuals who drank more than 2.5 liters of water per day had a 50% lower risk of developing kidney stones compared to those who drank less than 1 liter per day (8).
Another study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that increasing water intake from less than 1 liter per day to more than 2 liters per day reduced the recurrence rate of kidney stones by 50% (9).
Overall, drinking enough water is an effective and simple way to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation and improve overall urinary tract health.
6. Boosts Immune System
Staying hydrated can help flush out toxins and waste products from the body, which can help reduce the risk of infections and diseases (10).
7. Regulates the Body Temperature
Another surprising benefit of drinking water is its ability to regulate body temperature. While most people are aware that staying hydrated is important for overall health, they may not know that drinking water plays a crucial role in keeping the body cool during exercise and hot weather.
By allowing sweat to evaporate from the skin, water intake helps to regulate body temperature and prevent overheating (10). This can be especially important for athletes and those who live in hot climates. By drinking enough water, you can ensure that your body stays cool and comfortable, even in the hottest conditions. So, don’t overlook the surprising benefits of drinking water, which can help keep you cool, comfortable, and healthy.
Conclusion
Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining good health. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of water per day, and women drink about 9 cups (2.2 liters) per day (11). However, individual water needs may vary depending on various factors, including age, activity level, and climate. It is important to pay attention to your body’s signals of thirst and drink water accordingly to stay properly hydrated.
Failure to consume enough water can lead to dehydration, which can cause various health problems such as fatigue, headaches, and constipation (12). Severe dehydration can even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to make drinking water a daily habit and to ensure that you are meeting your individual hydration needs. So, don’t overlook the simple but crucial act of drinking enough water to maintain good health.
References:
- Benton D, Young HA. Do small differences in hydration status affect mood and mental performance? Nutr Rev. 2015;73 Suppl 2:83-96.
- Dennis EA, Dengo AL, Comber DL, et al. Water consumption increases weight loss during a hypocaloric diet intervention in middle-aged and older adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2010;18(2):300-7.
- Boschmann M, Steiniger J, Franke G, et al. Water-induced thermogenesis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003;88(12):6015-9.
- Palma L, Marques LT, Bujan J, Rodrigues LM. Dietary water affects human skin hydration and biomechanics. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:413-21.
- Pappas A. The relationship of diet and acne. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009;1(5):262-7.
- Müller-Lissner SA, Kamm MA, Scarpignato C, Wald A. Myths and misconceptions about chronic constipation. Am J Gastroenterol. 2005;100(1):232-42.
- Alonso-Coello P, Mills E, Heels-Ansdell D, et al. Fiber for the treatment of hemorrhoids complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101(1):181-8.
- Sorensen MD, Kahn AJ, Reiner AP, et al. Impact of hydration status on the risk of recurrent urolithiasis: a prospective cohort study. J Urol. 2017;197(6):1417-22.
- Borghi L, Meschi T, Amato F, et al. Urinary volume, water and recurrences in idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis: a 5-year randomized prospective study. J Urol. 1996;155(3):839-43.
- Haussinger D. The role
- Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. The National Academies Press, 2005.
- Popkin BM, D’Anci KE, Rosenberg IH. Water, Hydration, and Health. Nutr Rev. 2010 Aug;68(8):439-458. doi: 10.1111/j.1753-4887.2010.00304.x. PMID: 20646222.
