Benefits of Drinking Water Daily
10 Vital Functions
Nancy Hearn, CNC

There are innumerable health benefits of drinking water daily. Just a handful of the most important benefits are listed below.

The fact is that most of these “benefits” are actually vital functions in the body.

However, the key reason we need to drink enough water every day is because the human body has no water storage system.

When we don’t drink enough water, the body can adapt in the short term but we may start to experience mild dehydration symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches.

However, in the long term, chronic dehydration can lead to much more serious health conditions.

10 Benefits of Drinking Water Daily

1. Provides energy. Water is the main source of energy in the body, primarily because it generates electrical and magnetic energy within every cell. In fact, without water, nothing lives. Drinking water regularly and throughout the day can significantly reduce fatigue.
2. Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. Water is the main solvent in the body. It is necessary for breaking down food into smaller particles for digestion, assimilation and metabolism. In fact, water energizes the food and increases the rate of nutrient absorption. Water is also the solvent for the materials that dissolve in the blood and other fluids in the body.
3. Transports substances and aids detoxification. Water is the main vehicle for the transport of substances throughout the body, including the circulation of blood, the digestion of food, and the elimination of toxins through the liver, kidneys, bladder, bowels, skin and lungs—just to name a few of the organs. Water brings oxygen, the most essential nutrient, to the cells and takes toxins and metabolic waste away.
4. Enhances immunity and disease prevention. Water improves the health of the colon, the blood and the bone marrow, which are critical to the efficiency of the immune system. Improved immunity is one of the most noticeable benefits of drinking water daily. In my experience, people who stay hydrated experience fewer colds and flu. But more importantly, experts agree adequate hydration can help prevent premature aging and disease.
5. Lubricates joints. Water is the main lubricant in the joints and spine. Drinking enough water daily can help remove the accumulation of acid waste in the joints, such as uric acid, which can cause inflammation and pain. Water also provides the necessary cushioning in the spinal discs. Keeping the body well hydrated on a daily basis can help prevent back pain and joint pain, including various forms of arthritis.
6. Water and brain function. The human brain is about 85 percent water. Water gives the brain the electrical energy for all brain functions, including thought and memory processes. It is also needed for the production of the neurotransmitters and hormones produced by the brain. Daily hydration will not only help with better thinking, it can help prevent attention deficit disorder in children and adults. Dehydration is also a known factor in dementia and may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease. You can read more about water and brain function here.
7. Improves circulation and heart health. The blood is approximately 85 to 95 percent water—or at least it should be. When a person is chronically dehydrated, the blood gets thick and sticky, making it more prone to blood clots and poor circulation. Water also helps remove toxins and fatty deposits from the arteries, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
8. Keeps skin and eyes healthy. Human skin cells need water constantly to perform its vital functions. Having soft, smooth skin and looking younger is one of the most visible benefits of drinking water daily. Water is also the main lubricant for the eyes and proper hydration can help prevent glaucoma and other eye diseases.
9. Helps normalize hormones. Water regulates the production of all hormones in the body. Keeping the body hydrated can help prevent many of the uncomfortable hormonal imbalances many women experience before, during and after menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. Water also helps both men and women prevent impotence and the loss of libido.
10. Improves sleep and reduces stress. Drinking enough water daily can help improve sleep patterns and provide numerous mood enhancing benefits. Even slight dehydration can affect our nerves and emotions in subtle ways. For example, I’ve noticed through careful self-observation that one of my first signs of slight dehydration is irritability. Research has proven that drinking water can help reduce stress in the body, as well as feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reference

WebMD; 6 Reasons to Drink Water;2008.

Further reading . . .

Drinking Enough Water Daily Is a Foundation of Health

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