The Health Benefits of Water
Water is a necessity for life. It is a fundamental component of our bodies, making up about 50-70% of our body weight. Every system in the body relies on water to function correctly, making it essential for overall health and well-being. Even with knowing all these things, many people do not drink enough water daily. Dr. Aaron Workman of Chambers Medical Group, one of the highest rated car accident medical care programs in Kentucky, encourages you to take a moment and read about 6 ways water helps us maintain health.
1. Maintaining The Physical
When we are dehydrated, our physical performance can suffer significantly. If that performance is simply going outside and mowing or doing yard work, being dehydrated will make this much more difficult. Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance, increased fatigue, and a higher risk of heatstroke. Drinking water helps to regulate body temperature, preserve joint motion, and transport nutrients to cells, ensuring that our bodies can perform at their best. Even mild dehydration can hinder performance, so it is important to stay hydrated before, during, and after working.
2. Supporting Brain Function
The brain is sensitive to changes in hydration levels. Even slight dehydration can affect mood, concentration, and memory. Studies have shown that dehydration can impair cognitive functions, making tasks feel more difficult and reducing alertness. Drinking enough water helps maintain optimal brain function, improving focus. For instance, maybe you are getting ready to leave for a long drive, making sure you are properly hydrated will improve your cognitive performance, possibly helping you avoid a motor vehicle accident. Hydration is that important.
4. Aiding Weight Management
Water is calorie-free, which makes it the best choice if you are watching calories. Drinking water before meals can help you feel fuller, so you do not overeat. Sometimes your body can confuse thirst for hunger, so it is better to stay hydrated to decrease that likelihood. This will deter you from snacking when it is just water that you need.
5. Kidney Assistance
Water is important for the kidneys. They are the filters of the body and staying hydrated keeps them working efficiently. Drinking enough water also helps to flush out toxins that accumulate in the body, promoting a healthy internal system. Without sufficient water, waste products can build up, leading to more health issues that will overload your body.
6. Maintaining Skin Health
Finally, one last thing to consider is the skin. It is the largest organ in the body requiring a proper amount of hydration to look good and maintain its elastic properties. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the skin hydrated, reducing the appearance of dryness and wrinkles. Proper hydration also supports skin cell regeneration and can help with common skin issues. Alone it will not solve all skin issues, but it is an important part of taking care of your skin.
As you can see, water is a very important aspect of taking control of your overall health. It supports your physical and mental well-being, promotes digestive health and will even aid in weight management. Incorporating more water into your daily routine should be one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve your overall well-being. The next time you feel sluggish, hungry, or your brain seems “out to lunch” for the whole day, reach for a glass of water as it might be exactly what your body needs.
— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.