Ever wondered why you feel thirsty? The body is made up of about 60% water and require bodily fluids for proper body functions. When you are low on fluids, the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. This starts a craving for water or liquid…and that’s why we feel thirsty and have a drink.
Water helps our bodies build muscle which are about 70% water and helps balance electrolytes like sodium, calcium and potassium in our body. It’s important to drink enough water when exercising to lubricate your joints and prevent injury while you’re working out and gaining muscle mass.
Water can also help you lose weight by breaking downfat and fat by-products that have accumulated in the body. Water acts as an appetite suppressant; so, having some water before eating is a great way to control how much you eat. Drinking water instead of higher calorie beverages will keep you healthier and increase your chances of losing weight.
Other significant benefits of water are that it helps with digestion, absorption, circulation, keeping your mouth moist and maintenance of body temperature. Water is also good for proper kidney functions, helps boost your metabolism, helping you burn more calories and flushes toxins from our bodies.
Inadequate amounts of water in the body leads to dehydration, which can lead to constipation and other health complications along your gastrointestinal tract like urinary tract infection or kidney stones, especially in warm climates.
Here are some tips to increase your fluid intake and reap the benefits of water.
- Have a beverage before or after every snack and meal. Choose natural-flavored beverages you enjoy. You’re likely to drink more fluids if you like the way they taste.
- Eat more fruits and vegetable. Their high-water content will add to your hydration. About 20% of our fluid intake comes from foods with high water content like fruits, vegetables, oatmeal and beans which are absorbed slower by the body.
- Keep a bottle of water in your car, at your desk or in your bag.
- Choose beverages that meet your individual needs. If you’re watching calories or living with diabetes, go for non-caloric drinks or water.
Remember that water is one of earth’s purest resources and the healthiest choice to quench your thirst.