10 reasons to make water your best friend

We have heard it a thousand times: Drink plenty of water!

But why? What are the REAL health benefits of drinking water and how does it affect the body?

10 REASONS TO MAKE WATER YOUR BEST FRIEND

1. Water helps your kidneys function.

Your kidneys do a great job of cleansing your body of toxins but they need proper fluid to do so. When you see an increase in color and odor in your urine, chances are you haven’t been drinking enough.

2. Water helps maintain normal bowel function.

According to allaboutwater.org, good hydration keeps things flowing along your gastrointestinal tract and prevents constipation.

3. For many, drinking water can reduce joint and/or back pain.

Drinking water can help oil those joints and get you moving better.

4. Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.

If you find yourself waking up regularly with headaches, chances are you are not drinking enough water.

5. Water can increase metabolism and speed up recovery.

Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation. This can help with muscle recovery because it speeds up protein synthesis. The faster you recover, the faster you can train again. The faster you train again, the more opportunity you give yourself to build muscle and burn calories.

6. Water helps satisfy hunger.

By having a belly full of water, you will be less likely to indulge in junk food.

7. Drinking more water can reduce your daily calorie intake.

If you substitute water in the place of carbonated drinks, sweet tea, and others you can reduce your usual intake. If it’s difficult to transition to water from flavored drinks try drinking a good BCAA supplement to satisfy your taste buds.

8. Water helps energize muscles.

Drinking enough fluids is extremely important before and after exercise.

9. Water makes your skin look better.

“Your skin contains plenty of water and functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. But don’t expect over-hydration to erase wrinkles or fine lines,” says dermatologist Kenneth Ellner, MD. “ Dehydration makes your skin look more dry and wrinkled, which could be improved with proper hydration. But once you are adequately hydrated, the kidneys take over and excrete excess fluids.”

10. YOU NEED IT TO SURVIVE!

Soooo…how much water should you drink?

According to Yuri Elkaim, BPHE, CK, RHN, you should be drinking about half of your body weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds you should drink about 100 ounces on an inactive day. If you are exercising and sweating regularly, you add about another 33 ounces to that. Stay hydrated!