Do you carry a bottle of water everywhere you go? If not, you
should! In fact, most Americans prefer soft drinks over water, making water the
second most popular beverage. Soft drinks contain sugar or aspartame which have
been linked to health hazards such as obesity, stroke, and heart disease.
However, these dangers can be avoided if you chose to drink water, which has no
negative side effects or risks. Put that sugary stuff aside and fill up your
water bottle and take a look at just a few of the endless benefits of water!
What Goes Out Has to Go Back In
60% of your body is made of water - so it’s important to
make sure you are drinking as much water as you are releasing. Dehydration
happens when water intake does not equal water output. In order to stay
healthy, it’s important to replace fluids that you lose daily from skin
evaporation, breathing, urine and stool. Sodas, juices, and energy drinks do
not fully replace the fluids you lose daily like water does. When you properly
replace body fluids with water, it helps transport nutrients within your body,
regulates your body’s temperature, and helps digest your food.
Calorie Control
Numerous studies have found a connection between water
consumption and losing a few pounds. Water simply helps you to 'feel full' resulting
in less consumption leading to less calorie intake resulting in weight loss!
Goodbye Wrinkles and Pimples
There are toxins in your body that causes your skin to
inflame which causes acne and clogged pores. Water can flush out toxins and
reduce the risk of those pesky pimples. Also, dehydration can make your skin
appear dry and wrinkled, so drinking water over sodas can help prevent
wrinkles. Who would have thought water was the cure to wrinkles?
I am filling up my water glass now…
Improved Kidney Function
The main toxin in your body is blood urea nitrogen, a
water-soluble waste that passes through your kidneys and excreted in urine.
Help your kidneys do their job of ridding this toxin along with others by
making sure your water intake is sufficient. You will know it’s working if your
urine is free flowing, light in color, and free of odor.
As an extra warning, dehydration can also cause kidney
stones, especially in the summer time.
How much water should you drink? Studies suggest adults need
9 to 16 cups of water a day but this number varies depending on your activity
level, age, and your food intake of veggies and fruits. Here’s the best way to
ensure you stay hydrated and get the water you need daily: drink a glass as
soon as you wake up and a glass thirty minutes before each meal. Get in the
habit of keeping a bottle of water on hand at all times.
If the taste of water bores you, try a squeeze of citrus or lemon.
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