“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” — W. H. Auden
The body is about 60% water and you are constantly losing water from your body, primarily via urine and sweat. To prevent dehydration, you need to drink adequate amounts of water.
So How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?
Interestingly I do not think there should be a limit to the amount of your water intake; however, it is recommended that you should drink at least 2–3 litres of water every day. Meaning you can drink more, just not less. You should also try to sip water constantly during the day even when you are not thirsty.
Have you ever felt a slight headache or dizziness during the day? Well before you reach for that pain reliever, you should take some water and rest for a few minutes. This is because if you do not stay hydrated enough, your energy levels and brain function start to suffer.
So Does Drinking Water Help You Lose Weight? Yes! How?
Increased water intake reduces body weight by increasing your metabolism and reducing your appetite. Drinking adequate amounts of water, particularly before meals, may have a significant weight loss benefit, especially when combined with a healthy diet. Your hunger is partially satisfied and you eat less food.
Simple and effective ways to drink more water,
Surprisingly, there is almost no hack to take more water than to actually drink more, funny right? You can however do the following
- Get an accountability bottle, drinking water becomes fun. (picture source- Pinterest)
2. Infuse fruits such as lemon, cucumber, and strawberry into water especially if you don’t the taste of water.
3. Most fruits and vegetables are loaded with water eg. watermelon, sweet melon, cucumber, cabbage, waterleaf spinach, amongst others all contain significant amounts of water. Eat or incorporate them into your meals as often as you can.
4. Drink water with every snack and meal.
5. Keep a bottle of water with you always; in your car, at your desk, or in your bag.
6. Choose beverages or drinks that meet your individual needs. If you’re watching calories, water is always the best option.
7. Eat spicy meals, trust me no one will tell you to take water.
Health Benefits of Water
Water hydrates and plumps skin cells to make your skin look brighter, vibrant, and more youthful. Lack of it can cause the skin to lose its plumpness and elasticity leading to dryness, flakiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
Some schools of thought have also opined that drinking water helps reduce acne and other skin problems by flushing harmful toxins from the body. If beauty products and skin treatments are failing to improve the appearance of your skin, drink more water to achieve a more youthful appearance and to reduce or improve skin problems.
Taking water also helps with bowel movement
If you are experiencing unusual sugar cravings or hunger pangs even though you recently ate, drink water to rehydrate your body and keep cravings at bay.
Lack of water can cause your urine to become darker in color, stronger in odor, and cloudier in appearance. You may also face a higher risk of Urinary Tract Infection when your body lacks enough water to flush out toxins and bacteria.
You will know you are drinking enough water when you start urinating frequently and the urine is clearer, lighter in color and less odorous.
Maintaining water balance is essential for your survival. You should only stop drinking water when you cease to breathe. Have you ever wondered why people can survive on water alone for so long but it is nearly impossible without food?
