10 Reasons Why Hydration is Important

Basic but vital hydration. Daily hydration is rare. Research suggests 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated. Drinking enough water becomes more crucial with aging. Up to 28% of seniors are dehydrated.1 Natural thirst reductions and body composition changes dehydrate elders more. Elderly people take more diuretics and fluid-loss drugs. If you can't drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, as many health experts recommend, here are 10 reasons to stay hydrated.

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1. Improved brain performance

Minimal dehydration—2% fluid loss—can impact memory, mood, focus, and reaction speed. A few glasses of water a day can improve cognition, regulate emotions, and reduce anxiety. Dehydration and cognitive decline are more likely in older persons, making this crucial.

2. Digestive harmony

Your body requires water to process meals. Without enough, you may endure irregular bowel movements, gas, bloating, heartburn, and other discomforts that lower your quality of life. Staying hydrated can help things get back on track. For proper digestion, water breaks down soluble fiber from your diet. Mineral water with sodium and magnesium is useful.

3. More energy

Dehydration lowers brain oxygenation and circulation. Your heart works harder to circulate oxygen without enough water. Exhausted energy can cause fatigue, sluggishness, and inattention. Drink more water to avoid dehydration and boost energy.

4. Weight reduction and control

Weighty women lost significant weight, BMI, and body composition by drinking more water before meals. Another study found that adults who drank 1% more water consumed less calories. They cut sugar, cholesterol, salt, and saturated fat.

5. Decreased joint pain

Did you know joint cartilage is 80% water? Staying hydrated lubricates your joints, producing a "cushion" between the bones to prevent friction. Less friction equals smoother joints and fewer pains.

6. Better temperature regulation

Dehydration boosts heat storage, research shows. This lowers heat tolerance. During activity, drinking enough water helps you sweat and cool down. This built-in cooling mechanism prevents heat stroke and other heat-related disorders.

7. Kidney stone prevention

Mineral crystals form urine kidney stones. Those who've had one know how bad they are. Urinary tract minerals are diluted by water, lowering stone risk. Flush harmful germs from your bladder with water to avoid UTIs.

8. Healthier heart

Your blood is mostly H2O. Concentrated water from insufficient drinking might induce mineral imbalances. Potassium and sodium are essential for cardiac function.

9. Improved detoxification

Drinking enough water helps your body detoxify waste and toxins through urination, respiration, perspiration, and bowel motions. Drinking enough water promotes your body's powerful detox processes and improves your health.

10. Fewer headaches

Even a small amount of fluid loss can make the brain squeeze away from the skull, which can give some people headaches and migraines. Getting enough water may help head pain go away.

Also see

12 Easy Ways to Drink More Water Every Day

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