Surprising Benefits of Drinking Water

Jul 05, 2018

Did you know your body is made up of about 60 percent water? Drinking enough water keeps your body healthy and reduces the possibility of dehydration, which can cause a litany of problems. Here are some of the ways drinking the right amount of water can benefit your body.

Your Brain Functions Better When Hydrated

Mild dehydration, or fluid loss equal to 1-3 percent of body weight, can negatively impact how your brain works. Not drinking enough water can impair your mood, concentration, and memory. It can cause anxiety, fatigue, and also increase the frequency and longevity of headaches. Hydrating properly keeps your brain functioning in tip-top shape.

Drinking Water Maintains Physical Performance

Your physical performance can suffer due to dehydration, especially for athletes and those in manual labor jobs who work outdoors in hot temperatures. A change in body temperature, increased fatigue, reduced motivation, and the feeling that exercise becomes more difficult are all risks when you don’t drink enough water. Muscle is made up of about 80 percent water, which is why optimal hydration is essential when performing exercises or manual labor.

Water Contributes to Weight Loss

Not only does water have zero calories; it can increase your metabolism (the amount of calories you burn while resting) and quench your thirst. Sugary drinks and alcohol have a high calorie content while making you more thirsty, which can lead to dehydration. Drinking water before meals can also reduce your appetite and help you consume fewer calories during the day.

It’s a Preventive Measure for Hangovers

Hangovers occur after drinking an excessive amount of alcohol. Dehydration is one of the main causes of a hangover, which leads to symptoms like severe headaches, dry mouth, fatigue, and thirst. Staying hydrated helps prevent hangovers. Drinking a glass of water in between drinks and having a large glass of water right before bed is a great way to reduce the occurrence or severity of next-morning symptoms.

Water Helps Keep Away Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salt that form inside your kidneys. Passing a kidney stone is typically a painful experience but doesn’t leave permanent damage. Dehydration increases your risk of developing a kidney stone. Drinking more water causes more fluid to pass through the kidneys and break up mineral buildup that could otherwise crystallize and form clumps.

Learn more about how you can help your kidneys function properly, prevent dehydration and heat-related illness, and live a healthier life with a PCP by your side. Make an appointment with your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician for a wellness exam and recommendations on how you can stay healthy and hydrated.

Sources:
Baylor College of Medicine | Thirsty? You’re already dehydrated
CDC | Water & Nutrition
Healthline | How Much Water You Need to Drink
Healthline | 7 Science-Based Health Benefits of Drinking Enough Water
Healthline | How Drinking More Water Can Help You Lose Weight