Benefits of Drinking Water… Nature’s Healthiest Beverage

We’ve all heard that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but could the same apply to drinking water?  Our bodies are made up of 60% water, at times in our lives, ranging up to 75%! So it would make perfect sense that we need to consume enough to maintain overall good health.  Water has always been considered nature’s healthiest beverage and there is plenty of research to back up the claim.  There is an endless list of health benefits connected to drinking water.  According to an article on MindBodyGreen.com, the top 10 benefits of drinking water include:

1. Increases Energy & Relieves Fatigue 

2. Promotes Weight Loss

3. Flushes Out Toxins 

4. Improves Skin Complexion 

5. Maintains Regularity 

6. Boosts Immune System 

7. Natural Headache Remedy

8. Prevents Cramps & Sprains 

9. Puts You in a Good Mood 

10. Save Money

Additional benefits include preventing bad breath, regulating body temperature, lowering your risk of heart disease and even certain types of cancer. Some lesser known facts found on Fitday.com include that drinking water helps you build muscle, is good for your joints and can even make you smarter!

So how much water do we actually need in order to obtain these benefits?  In this case, more is better than not enough, but there is a general rule of thumb to follow.  The Institute of Medicine recommends that adults drink at least 8, 8 oz. glasses of fluid each day.  What is the best way to reach this goal?  Our top choice is plain, filtered water, as it contains zero calories and has little to no cost to the consumer.

Does it matter how you drink it?  Not really.  Some people prefer it ice cold. Some prefer it room temperature.  Some people prefer it with a slice of lemon, some with a sprig of mint. There are a lot of recipes available online these days if you want to get creative with your water. Some will change the taste completely while some will turn your pitcher of water into a beautiful work of art! Really, there are endless options for ways to enjoy a nice glass of the world’s most abundant substance.

The most important factor is the simplest, though we tend to struggle the most with it… remembering to drink it!

• Set a Goal: Until it becomes a habit, set a goal for yourself.  If 64 oz. per day is too overwhelming, start smaller.  Aim to drink 3 glasses per day, and then increase the amount until you reach your ultimate goal.
• Placement:  You know the saying “out of sight, out of mind.”  It applies in this case as well!  If you always have a water bottle, or large glass of water in front of you, you are more likely to drink it.
• Meal-time:  Always drink at least a full glass of water with each meal.
• Snack-time: Always drink a full glass with your morning and afternoon snack.

Following these simple steps will help you increase your water intake.   So drink up and remember that 8 glasses of filtered water per day just might keep the doctor away!